bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Shock Response Associated with Hepatocarcinogenesis in a Murine Model of Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type I
Authors: Angileri Francesca , Morrow Geneviève , Roy Vincent , Orejuela Diana , Tanguay Robert
Published: April 2014

Hereditary Tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) is a metabolic liver disease caused by genetic defects of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH), an enzyme necessary to complete the breakdown of tyrosine. The severe hepatic dysfunction caused by the lack of this enzyme is prevented by the therapeutic use of NTBC (2-[2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl] cyclohexane-1,3-dione). However despite the treatment, chronic hepatopathy and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are still observed in some HT1 patients. Growing evidence show the important role of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in many cellular processes and their involvement in pathological diseases including cancer. Their survival-promoting effect by modulation of the apoptotic machinery is often correlated with poor prognosis and resistance to therapy in a number of cancers. Here, we sought to gain insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with liver dysfunction and tumor development in a murine model of HT1. Differential gene expression patterns in livers of mice under HT1 stress, induced by drug retrieval, have shown deregulation of stress and cell death resistance genes. Among them, genes coding for HSPB and HSPA members, and for anti-apoptotic BCL-2 related mitochondrial proteins were associated with the hepatocarcinogenetic process. Our data highlight the variation of stress pathways related to HT1 hepatocarcinogenesis suggesting the role of HSPs in rendering tyrosinemia-affected liver susceptible to the development of HCC.
Selective Synthesis of Gasoline-Ranged Hydrocarbons from Syngas over Hybrid Catalyst Consisting of Metal-Loaded ZSM-5 Coupled with Copper-Zinc Oxide
Authors: Ma Ting , Imai Hiroyuki , Yamawaki Manami , Terasaka Kazusa , Li Xiaohong
Published: April 2014

The conversion of syngas (CO + H2) to gasoline-ranged hydrocarbons was carried out using a hybrid catalyst consisting of metal-loaded ZSM-5 coupled with Cu-ZnO in a near-critical n-hexane solvent. Methanol was synthesized from syngas over Cu-ZnO; subsequently, was converted to hydrocarbons through the formation of dimethyl ether (DME) over the metal-loaded ZSM-5. When 0.5 wt% Pd/ZSM-5 and 5 wt% Cu/ZSM-5 among the metal-loaded ZSM-5 catalysts with Pd, Co, Fe or Cu were employed as a portion of the hybrid catalyst, the gasoline-ranged hydrocarbons were selectively produced (the gasoline-ranged hydrocarbons in all hydrocarbons: 59% for the hybrid catalyst with Pd/ZSM-5 and 64% for that with Cu/ZSM-5) with a similar CO conversion during the reaction. An increase in the Cu loading on ZSM-5 resulted in increasing the yield of the gasoline-ranged hydrocarbons, and in decreasing the yield of DME. Furthermore, the hybrid catalyst with Cu/ZSM-5 exhibited no deactivation for 30 h of the reaction. It was revealed that a hybrid catalyst containing Cu/ZSM-5 was efficient in the selective synthesis of gasoline-ranged hydrocarbons from syngas via methanol in the near-critical n-hexane fluid.
Optical and Surface Characterization of Radio Frequency Plasma Polymerized 1-Isopropyl-4-Methyl-1,4-Cyclohexadiene Thin Films
Authors: Ahmad Jakaria , Bazaka Kateryna , Jacob Mohan
Published: April 2014

Low pressure radio frequency plasma-assisted deposition of 1-isopropyl-4-methyl-1,4-cyclohexadiene thin films was investigated for different polymerization conditions. Transparent, environmentally stable and flexible, these organic films are promising candidates for organic photovoltaics (OPV) and flexible electronics applications, where they can be used as encapsulating coatings and insulating interlayers. The effect of deposition RF power on optical properties of the films was limited, with all films being optically transparent, with refractive indices in a range of 1.57–1.58 at 500 nm. The optical band gap (Eg) of ~3 eV fell into the insulating Eg region, decreasing for films fabricated at higher RF power. Independent of deposition conditions, the surfaces were smooth and defect-free, with uniformly distributed morphological features and average roughness between 0.30 nm (at 10 W) and 0.21 nm (at 75 W). Films fabricated at higher deposition power displayed enhanced resistance to delamination and wear, and improved hardness, from 0.40 GPa for 10 W to 0.58 GPa for 75 W at a load of 700 μN. From an application perspective, it is therefore possible to tune the mechanical and morphological properties of these films without compromising their optical transparency or insulating property.
Accountable Accounting: Carbon-Based Management on Marginal Lands
Authors: DiRocco Tara , Ramage Benjamin , Evans Samuel , Potts Matthew
Published: April 2014

Substantial discussion exists concerning the best land use options for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on marginal land. Emissions-mitigating land use options include displacement of fossil fuels via biofuel production and afforestation. Comparing C recovery dynamics under these different options is crucial to assessing the efficacy of offset programs. In this paper, we focus on forest recovery on marginal land, and show that there is substantial inaccuracy and discrepancy in the literature concerning carbon accumulation. We find that uncertainty in carbon accumulation occurs in estimations of carbon stocks and models of carbon dynamics over time. We suggest that analyses to date have been largely unsuccessful at determining reliable trends in site recovery due to broad land use categories, a failure to consider the effect of current and post-restoration management, and problems with meta-analysis. Understanding of C recovery could be greatly improved with increased data collection on pre-restoration site quality, prior land use history, and management practices as well as increased methodological standardization. Finally, given the current and likely future uncertainty in C dynamics, we recommend carbon mitigation potential should not be the only environmental service driving land use decisions on marginal lands.
Effect of Kimchi Fermentation on Oxalate Levels in Silver Beet (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
Authors: Wadamori Yukiko , Vanhanen Leo , Savage Geoffrey
Published: April 2014

Total, soluble and insoluble oxalates were extracted and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) following the preparation of kimchi using silver beet (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) stems and leaves. As silver beet contains high oxalate concentrations and consumption of high levels can cause the development of kidney stones in some people, the reduction of oxalate during preparation and fermentation of kimchi was investigated. The silver beet stems and leaves were soaked in a 10% brine solution for 11 h and then washed in cold tap water. The total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents of the silver beet leaves were reduced by soaking in brine, from 4275.81 ± 165.48 mg/100 g to 3709.49 ± 216.51 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). Fermenting the kimchi for 5 days at 19.3 ± 0.8 °C in 5 L ceramic jars with a water airtight seal resulted in a mean 38.50% reduction in total oxalate content and a mean 22.86% reduction in soluble oxalates. The total calcium content was essentially the same before and after the fermentation of the kimchi (mean 296.1 mg/100 g FW). The study showed that fermentation of kimchi significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total oxalate concentration in the initial mix from 609.32 ± 15.69 to 374.71 ± 7.94 mg/100 g FW in the final mix which led to a 72.3% reduction in the amount of calcium bound to insoluble oxalate.
Associations of Lipoprotein Lipase Gene rs326 with Changes of Lipid Profiles after a High-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diet in Healthy Chinese Han Youth
Authors: Zhu Xing-chun , Lin Jia , Wang Qian , Liu Hui , Qiu Li , Fang Ding-zhi
Published: April 2014

To investigate the effects of a high-carbohydrate and low-fat (HC/LF) diet on plasma lipids and apolipoproteins (Apos) of healthy Chinese Han youth with different genotypes of lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL) rs326, 56 subjects were given a washout diet of 30.1% fat and 54.1% carbohydrate for seven days, followed by the HC/LF diet of 13.8% fat and 70.1% carbohydrate for six days, with no total energy restriction. Plasma glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Apo B-100 and Apo A-I were analyzed at baseline and before and after the HC/LF diet. The results show that, when compared with before the HC/LF diet, only the male G carriers experienced increased HDL-C (p = 0.008) and Apo A-I (p = 0.005) after the HC/LF diet. Decreased TC in both males and females and increased TG in females were found regardless of the genotype after the HC/LF diet. LDL-C decreased in all the subjects although the decrease was not significant in the female G carriers. These results demonstrate that the G allele of LPL rs326 associates with the elevated levels of HDL-C and Apo A-I after the HC/LF diet in males of the healthy Chinese Han Youth.
Image Right and Copyright Law in Europe: Divergences and Convergences
Authors: Synodinou Tatiana
Published: April 2014

This paper analyses the multiplicity of image rights in Europe and the classical conflictual relationship between the right to one’s own image and copyright law. First, the paper analyses the main mechanisms of legal protection of a person’s image in selected jurisdictions, in both the civil law and the common law tradition. It is deduced that the civil law approach based on the right of privacy or the right of personality is expressed mainly either via a duality, reflecting the extra-patrimonial and the patrimonial attributes to one’s own image, or via the recognition of a single right with a dual nature. On the other hand, the protection granted to the right to one’s own image in the United Kingdom is piecemeal in nature, since it is based on a broad interpretation of the classic torts of breach of confidence and passing off, which fails to provide a coherent and effective legal framework for protecting the intangible asset of a person’s image, both in terms of its dignitary and its economic identity. After pinpointing the major differences in terms of protecting the right to one’s own image in Europe, the emphasis is placed on the relationship between image rights and copyright law. A classic approach considers image rights as an external limitation of copyright law, and therefore typifies the relationship between image rights and copyright law as being primarily conflictual in nature. Nonetheless, it is also possible to focus on the convergences between the right to one’s own image and copyright law, since both refer to intangible assets that combine both extra-patrimonial and patrimonial interests. In this respect, copyright law could serve as a model for the eventual creation of a European patrimonial right to one’s own image. While the idea of promoting the recognition or establishment of a new intellectual property right for protecting the economic attributes of a person’s image in EU Member States’ domestic jurisdictions, inspired by the US publicity right, is not new, and has been advanced by doctrinal circles both in the civil law and in the common law tradition, the new borderless realities of the dissemination and commodification of image, and the affirmation of strong protection for the dignitary attributes of a person’s image by the case law of the European Court of Human Rights emphasise the need for, and the feasibility of, the construction of a European patrimonial right to one’s own image. The unique prototype of copyright law consisting of a synthesis of extra-patrimonial and patrimonial interests could be used as a model for building such a right.
A Nutrient Combination that Can Affect Synapse Formation
Authors: Wurtman Richard
Published: April 2014

Brain neurons form synapses throughout the life span. This process is initiated by neuronal depolarization, however the numbers of synapses thus formed depend on brain levels of three key nutrients—uridine, the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, and choline. Given together, these nutrients accelerate formation of synaptic membrane, the major component of synapses. In infants, when synaptogenesis is maximal, relatively large amounts of all three nutrients are provided in bioavailable forms (e.g., uridine in the UMP of mothers’ milk and infant formulas). However, in adults the uridine in foods, mostly present at RNA, is not bioavailable, and no food has ever been compelling demonstrated to elevate plasma uridine levels. Moreover, the quantities of DHA and choline in regular foods can be insufficient for raising their blood levels enough to promote optimal synaptogenesis. In Alzheimer’s disease (AD) the need for extra quantities of the three nutrients is enhanced, both because their basal plasma levels may be subnormal (reflecting impaired hepatic synthesis), and because especially high brain levels are needed for correcting the disease-related deficiencies in synaptic membrane and synapses.
Experience in Evaluating AAL Solutions in Living Labs
Authors: Colomer Juan , Salvi Dario , Cabrera-Umpierrez Maria , Arredondo Maria , Abril Patricia , Jimenez-Mixco Viveca , García-Betances Rebeca , Fioravanti Alessio , Pastorino Matteo , Cancela Jorge , Medrano Alejandro
Published: April 2014

Ambient assisted living (AAL) is a complex field, where different technologies are integrated to offer solutions for the benefit of different stakeholders. Several evaluation techniques are commonly applied that tackle specific aspects of AAL; however, holistic evaluation approaches are lacking when addressing the needs of both developers and end-users. Living labs have been often used as real-life test and experimentation environments for co-designing AAL technologies and validating them with relevant stakeholders. During the last five years, we have been evaluating AAL systems and services in the framework of various research projects. This paper presents the lessons learned in this experience and proposes a set of harmonized guidelines to conduct evaluations in living labs.
Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors toward Structural Health Monitoring in Composite Materials: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Kinet Damien , Mégret Patrice , Goossen Keith , Qiu Liang , Heider Dirk , Caucheteur Christophe
Published: April 2014

Nowadays, smart composite materials embed miniaturized sensors for structural health monitoring (SHM) in order to mitigate the risk of failure due to an overload or to unwanted inhomogeneity resulting from the fabrication process. Optical fiber sensors, and more particularly fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors, outperform traditional sensor technologies, as they are lightweight, small in size and offer convenient multiplexing capabilities with remote operation. They have thus been extensively associated to composite materials to study their behavior for further SHM purposes. This paper reviews the main challenges arising from the use of FBGs in composite materials. The focus will be made on issues related to temperature-strain discrimination, demodulation of the amplitude spectrum during and after the curing process as well as connection between the embedded optical fibers and the surroundings. The main strategies developed in each of these three topics will be summarized and compared, demonstrating the large progress that has been made in this field in the past few years.
First-Principles Surface Stress Calculations and Multiscale Deformation Analysis of a Self-Assembled Monolayer Adsorbed on a Micro-Cantilever
Authors: Shih Yu-Ching , Chen Chuin-Shan , Wu Kuang-Chong
Published: April 2014

Micro-cantilever sensors are widely used to detect biomolecules, chemical gases, and ionic species. However, the theoretical descriptions and predictive modeling of these devices are not well developed, and lag behind advances in fabrication and applications. In this paper, we present a novel multiscale simulation framework for nanomechanical sensors. This framework, combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations and finite element method (FEM) analysis, is capable of analyzing molecular adsorption-induced deformation and stress fields in the sensors from the molecular scale to the device scale. Adsorption of alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the Au(111) surface of the micro-cantilever sensor is studied in detail to demonstrate the applicability of this framework. DFT calculations are employed to investigate the molecular adsorption-induced surface stress upon the gold surface. The 3D shell elements with initial stresses obtained from the DFT calculations serve as SAM domains in the adsorption layer, while FEM is employed to analyze the deformation and stress of the sensor devices. We find that the micro-cantilever tip deflection has a linear relationship with the coverage of the SAM domains. With full coverage, the tip deflection decreases as the molecular chain length increases. The multiscale simulation framework provides a quantitative analysis of the displacement and stress fields, and can be used to predict the response of nanomechanical sensors subjected to complex molecular adsorption.
A Sustainable Tourism Paradigm: Opportunities and Limits for Forest Landscape Planning
Authors: Rizio Dina , Gios Geremia
Published: April 2014

The promotion of sustainable tourism models has been widely debated; many pages have been devoted to the attempt to provide the subject with a strong theoretical base and coherent structure. This said, it is still the case that, although such frameworks are crucial for the development of appropriate planning and policy instruments, their actual implementation continue to be fraught with difficulties. These problems are exacerbated when sustainable tourism entails development opportunities which require the support of the local community and the management of natural resources which are typically common goods. Under these circumstances, new management structures, which can both satisfy the needs of the local community and ensure the appropriate stewardship of the natural resources, must be created. Management solutions are not always easy to define and often need to be considered within a general framework, based on which individual cases are then formulated. This study analyses the connections between models of sustainable tourism and natural resource management considering the forest landscape case. This relationship is first examined from a theoretical perspective and then within a case study, in order to highlight the dual approach—both general and within a specific context.
Etude par chromatographie en phase gazeuse des constituants de la cire de Carnauba I.
Authors: Mazliak Paul
Published: April 2014

La microméthode rapide de séparation, d'identification et de dosage des principaux constituants d'une cire végétale précédemment mise au point sur la cire cuticulaire des pommes est appliquée à la cire de Carnauba. Sont ainsi décelés les acides gras normaux de C16 à C30, les paraffines paires et impaires de C19 à C35 et les alcools normaux de C20 à C36. Les résultats quantitatifs sont en bon accord avec ceux obtenus dans le passé au moyen d'autres méthodes.
Effects of dna-Dependent Protein Kinase Inhibition by NU7026 on dna Repair and Cell Survival in Irradiated Gastric Cancer Cell Line N87
Authors: Niazi M.T. , Mok G. , Heravi M. , Lee L. , Vuong T. , Aloyz R. , Panasci L. , Muanza T.
Published: April 2014

Repair of radiation-induced dna double-strand breaks is a key mechanism in cancer cell radioresistance. The synthesized compound NU7026 specifically inhibits dna-dependent protein kinase (dna-pk) within the non-homologous end-joining repair mechanism. Earlier studies demonstrated increased radiosensitivity in dna-pk deficient cells compared with wild-type cells. In chronic leukemia cells, NU7026 appears to enhance the cytotoxic effect of chlorambucil. The radio-modifying effects of NU7026 on cell survival, cell cycle, apoptosis, and dna double-strand break repair have yet to be studied in gastric cancer cells. Methods: The gastric cancer cell line N87 was treated with 0 Gy or 4 Gy in the presence of NU7026 at a dose range of 0–20 μmol/L. Clonogenic assays were used to assess cell survival after treatment. Cell-cycle distribution was analyzed using propidium iodide with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Apoptosis was detected using annexin-V and propidium iodide with fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The γH2AX assay was used to measure dna doublestrand breaks. Results: Statistically significant increases in G2/M arrest were observed in N87 cells treated with radiation and NU7026 compared with those treated with radiation alone (p = 0.0004). Combined treatment also led to an increase in apoptosis (p = 0.01). At 24 hours, the γH2AX analysis revealed more dna double-strand breaks in N87 cells treated with radiation and NU7026 than in those treated with radiation alone (p = 0.04). Clonogenic assays demonstrated declining cell survival as both the radiation and the NU7026 dose increased. The dose enhancement factor at 0.1 survival fraction was 1.28 when N87 cells were treated with 4 Gy radiation and 5 μmol/L NU7026. Conclusions: In gastric cancer cells, NU7026 appears to enhance the cytotoxic effect of irradiation as assessed by clonogenic assays. This increased cytotoxicity might be the result of an increase in dna double-strand breaks resulting in G2/M cell arrest and possibly higher levels of apoptosis.
Patients’ Perceptions of Gene Expression Profiling in Breast Cancer Treatment Decisions
Authors: Bombard Y. , Rozmovits L. , Trudeau M.E. , Leighl N.B. , Deal K. , Marshall D.A.
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Determining the likely benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer patients depends on estimating baseline recurrence risk. Gene expression profile (gep) testing of tumours informs risk prediction, but evidence of its clinical utility is limited. We explored patient perceptions of gep testing and the impact of those perceptions on chemotherapy decisions. Methods: We conducted one focus group (n = 4) and individual interviews (n = 24) with patients who used gep testing, recruited through clinics at two hospitals in Ontario. Data were analyzed using content analysis and constant comparison techniques. Results: Patients’ understanding of gep testing was variable, and misapprehensions were common. Patients valued the test because it provided them with certainty amidst confusion, with options and a sense of empowerment, and with personalized, authoritative information. They commonly believed that the test was better and fundamentally different from other clinical tests, attributing to it unique power and truth-value. This kind of “magical thinking” was derived from an amplified perception of the test’s validity and patients’ need for reassurance about their treatment choices. Despite misperceptions or magical thinking, gep was widely considered to be the deciding factor in treatment decisions. Conclusions: Patients tend to overestimate the truth-value of gep testing based on misperceptions of its validity. Our results identify a need to better support patient understanding of the test and its limitations. Findings illustrate the deep emotional investment patients make in gep test results and the impact of that investment on their treatment decisions.
Remembrance Day
Authors: Swan A.C.
Published: April 2014

Stooping, stooping, folding his tall frame. [...]
Surgical Process Improvement Tools: Defining Quality Gaps and Priority Areas in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Wei A.C. , Devitt K.S. , Wiebe M. , Bathe O.F. , McLeod R.S. , Urbach D.R.
Published: April 2014

Background: Surgery is a cornerstone of cancer treatment, but significant differences in the quality of surgery have been reported. Surgical process improvement tools (spits) modify the processes of care as a means to quality improvement (qi). We were interested in developing spits in the area of gastrointestinal (gi) cancer surgery. We report the recommendations of an expert panel held to define quality gaps and establish priority areas that would benefit from spits. Methods: The present study used the knowledge-to-action cycle was as a framework. Canadian experts in qi and in gi cancer surgery were assembled in a nominal group workshop. Participants evaluated the merits of spits, described gaps in current knowledge, and identified and ranked processes of care that would benefit from qi. A qualitative analysis of the workshop deliberations using modified grounded theory methods identified major themes. Results: The expert panel consisted of 22 participants. Experts confirmed that spits were an important strategy for qi. The top-rated spits included clinical pathways, electronic information technology, and patient safety tools. The preferred settings for use of spits included preoperative and intraoperative settings and multidisciplinary contexts. Outcomes of interest were cancer-related outcomes, process, and the technical quality of surgery measures. Conclusions: Surgical process improvement tools were confirmed as an important strategy. Expert panel recommendations will be used to guide future research efforts for spits in gi cancer surgery.
Rasch analysis of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System and research implications
Authors: Cheifetz O. , Packham T.L. , MacDermid J.C.
Published: April 2014

Background: Reliable and valid assessment of the disease burden across all forms of cancer is critical to the evaluation of treatment effectiveness and patient progress. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (esas) is used for routine evaluation of people attending for cancer care. In the present study, we used Rasch analysis to explore the measurement properties of the esas and to determine the effect of using Raschproposed interval-level esas scoring compared with traditional scoring when evaluating the effects of an exercise program for cancer survivors. Methods: Polytomous Rasch analysis (Andrich’s rating-scale model) was applied to data from 26,645 esas questionnaires completed at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. The fit of the esas to the polytomous Rasch model was investigated, including evaluations of differential item functioning for sex, age, and disease group. The research implication was investigated by comparing the results of an observational research study previously analysed using a traditional approach with the results obtained by Rasch-proposed interval-level esas scoring. Results: The Rasch reliability index was 0.73, falling short of the desired 0.80–0.90 level. However, the esas was found to fit the Rasch model, including the criteria for uni-dimensional data. The analysis suggests that the current esas scoring system of 0–10 could be collapsed to a 6-point scale. Use of the Rasch-proposed interval-level scoring yielded results that were different from those calculated using summarized ordinallevel esas scores. Differential item functioning was not found for sex, age, or diagnosis groups. Conclusions: The esas is a moderately reliable uni-dimensional measure of cancer disease burden and can provide interval-level scaling with Rasch-based scoring. Further, our study indicates that, compared with the traditional scoring metric, Rasch-based scoring could result in substantive changes to conclusions.
Taking Count
Authors: Swan A.C.
Published: April 2014

A daily habit. [...]
Practice and Documentation of Palliative Sedation: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: McKinnon M. , Azevedo C. , Bush S.H. , Lawlor P. , Pereira J.
Published: April 2014

Background: Palliative sedation (ps), the continuous use of sedating doses of medication to intentionally reduce consciousness and relieve refractory symptoms at end of life, is ethically acceptable if administered according to standards of best practice. Procedural guidelines outlining the appropriate use of ps and the need for rigorous documentation have been developed. As a quality improvement strategy, we audited the practice and documentation of ps on our palliative care unit (pcu). Methods: A pharmacy database search of admissions in 2008 identified, for a subsequent chart review, patients who had received either a continuous infusion of midazolam (≥10 mg/24 h), regular parenteral dosing of methotrimeprazine (≥75 mg daily), or regular phenobarbital. Documentation of the decision-making process, consent, and medication use was collected using a data extraction form based on current international ps standards. Results: Interpretation and comparison of data were difficult because of an apparent lack of a consistent operational definition of ps. Patient records had no specific documentation in relation to ps initiation, to clearly identified refractory symptoms, and to informed consent in 60 (64.5%), 43 (46.2%), and 38 (40.9%) charts respectively. Variation in the medications used was marked: 54 patients (58%) were started on a single agent and 39 (42%), on multiple agents. The 40 patients (43%) started on midazolam alone received a mean daily dose of 21.4 mg (standard deviation: 24.6 mg). Conclusions: The lack of documentation and standardized practice of ps on our pcu has resulted in a quality improvement program to address those gaps. They also highlight the importance of conducting research and developing clinical guidelines in this area.
fdg-pet in Two Cases of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Atypical Malignancies
Authors: de Blank P. , Cole K. , Kersun L. , Green A. , Wilkes J.J. , Belasco J. , Bagatell R. , Bailey L.C. , Fisher M.J.
Published: April 2014

Patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk for both benign and malignant tumours, and distinguishing the malignant potential of an individual tumour is a common clinical problem in these patients. Here, we review two cases of uncommon malignancies (Hodgkin lymphoma and mediastinal germ-cell tumour) in patients with nf1. Although 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) has been used to differentiate benign neurofibromas from malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours, FDG-PET characteristics for more rare tumours have been poorly described in children with NF1. Here, we report the role of PET imaging in clinical decision-making in each case. In NF1, FDG-PET might be useful in the clinical management of unusual tumour presentations and might help to provide information about the malignant potential of uncommon tumours.
Corrigendum: A Canadian Perspective on the Safe Administration of Bendamustine and the Prevention and Management of Adverse Events
Authors: Koolwine J. , Crosbie T. , Gazzé G. , Turner R. , Wiernikowski J. , Assaily W.
Published: April 2014

In the top right-hand corner of Figure 1 [...]
Trends in Crime Toolkit Development
Authors: Khraisat Ansam , Alazab Ammar , Hobbs Michael , Abawajy Jemal H. , Azab Ahmad
Published: April 2014

Cybercriminals continue to target online users of banks. They are improving their techniques and using high levels of skill in their attacks. Their continued search for different methods to commit crime makes the existing protection system less effective. They have developed crime toolkits which have become more accessible and simpler to use, and this has attracted more cybercriminals to cybercrime. In this chapter, the authors study the methods that are used in crime toolkits. They present the development and current trend of crime toolkits and reveal the methods that have been used to commit cybercrime successfully.
Applying Game Theory in Securing Wireless Sensor Networks by Minimizing Battery Usage
Authors: Asadi Mehran , Agah Afrand , Zimmerman Christopher
Published: April 2014

In this chapter, the authors examine the impacts of applying game theory on the network throughput, network voltage loss, and accuracy of malicious node detection in wireless sensor networks. Nodes in a wireless sensor network use our proposed protocol when deciding whether or not to forward packets they receive from other sensors in order to conserve power. Wireless sensor network nodes achieve this by optimizing their decision-making based on a framework using game theory. Defining a suitable cost and profit for routing and forwarding incoming packets and keeping a history of past behaviors of non-cooperating nodes gradually forces malicious nodes out of the wireless sensor network.In this chapter, the authors examine the impacts of applying game theory on the network throughput, network voltage loss, and accuracy of malicious node detection in wireless sensor networks. Nodes in a wireless sensor network use our proposed protocol when deciding whether or not to forward packets they receive from other sensors in order to conserve power. Wireless sensor network nodes achieve this by optimizing their decision-making based on a framework using game theory. Defining a suitable cost and profit for routing and forwarding incoming packets and keeping a history of past behaviors of non-cooperating nodes gradually forces malicious nodes out of the wireless sensor network.
Amelioration of Anonymity Modus Operandi for Privacy Preserving Data Publishing
Authors: Indumathi J.
Published: April 2014

The scientific tumultuous intonation has swept our feet's, of its balance and at the same time wheedled us to reach the take-off arena from where we can march equipped and outfitted into the subsequent century with confidence & self-assurance; by unearthing solutions for all information security related issues (with special emphasis on privacy issues). Examining various outstanding research problems that encompass to be embarked upon for effectively managing and controlling the balance between privacy and utility, the research community is pressurized to propose suitable elucidations. The solution is to engender several Privacy-Preserving Data Publishing (PPDP) techniques like Perturbation, swapping, randomization, cryptographic techniques etc., Amongst the various available techniques k-anonymity is unique in facet of its association with protection techniques that preserve the truthfulness of the data. The principal chip in of this sketch out comprises: 1) Motivation for this exploration for Amelioration Of Anonymity Modus Operandi For Privacy Preserving Data Mining; 2) investigation of well-known research approaches to PPDM; 3) argue solutions to tackle the problems of security threats and attacks in the PPDM in systems; 4) related survey of the various anonymity techniques; 5) exploration of metrics for the diverse anonymity techniques; 6) performance measures for the various anonymity techniques; and 7) contradistinguish the diverse anonymity techniques and algorithms.
Could Knowledge, Learning, and Innovation Gaps be Spiralling?
Authors: Soliman Fawzy
Published: April 2014

The role of human resources management (HRM) in creating a climate for innovation and learning is presented. The innovation processes innovation chains are shown to be evolutionary. Innovation chain activities include transformation into knowledge-based, then into a learning organisation, and finally, into innovative enterprises. This chapter also shows that during the innovation process, HRM has significant and critical roles in addressing two types of organisational defects, Learning Gaps and Innovation Gaps. The innovation chain may be a spiral chain, suggesting that there could be a cumulative effect on the strength of the gaps due to the spiral nature of the innovation chain.
Mind Training for Innovation
Authors: Connell Julia , Thaarup Charlotte
Published: April 2014

This chapter fills a gap in the innovation literature by exploring why creativity and innovation are important in the workplace and how the process of creativity can be supported through the practice of mindfulness. At the group and organisational levels, the chapter examines what is required of an organisation through an HR perspective in order to facilitate the optimum context for supporting creativity and innovation through knowledge sharing and transfer. There is a key emphasis on an organisation's culture, structure, and ethos, utilising a knowledge-sharing framework, in addition to a focus on the physical workspaces that can support innovative and creative processes. Finally, proposals for managers and human resource personnel interested in building foundations for creativity in the workplace include: mindfulness training and support for mindfulness practice, the reduction of stress to allow creativity to emerge, and group/team support and training. Suggestions for future research are also offered at the end of the chapter.
The Construction of Knowledge Management
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: April 2014

A number of authors have stressed that competitive advantage through knowledge management is realized through identifying the valuable representation, organization, acquisition, creation, usage, and evolution of knowledge in its many forms that the organization knows or could know now: skills and experience of people, archives, documents, relations with clients, suppliers, and other persons and materials often contained in electronic databases. In so doing, this chapter covers the various types of knowledge, the Learning Organization (LO), and Organizational Learning (OL). This chapter also covers the history and meaning of knowledge (management), LO, and OL in terms of how all three elements are interrelated. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between LO and OL. With that said, the chapter explains why the role of knowledge transfer and human resources management is a top down approach and not a bottom up approach.
Knowledge Management
Authors: Magd Hesham , McCoy Mark
Published: April 2014

This chapter gives an introduction to the core concepts behind knowledge management as well as the reasons behind the increasing emphasis that has been placed on the knowledge management process as a source of competitive advantage, innovation, and organizational performance. Some of the key influences on knowledge management processes are also examined such as culture and the roles of management before being examined in the context of KM initiatives in the Middle East. The critical success factors relating to the implementation of knowledge management processes are then outlined before a framework for implementation that takes into account the unique features of organizations in the Middle East is discussed.
Managing Knowledge through Dynamic Capabilities
Authors: Alfirevic Niksa , Talaja Anita
Published: April 2014

The aim of this chapter is to provide an insight into the interaction of innovation and learning through an integrative view of knowledge management and dynamic capabilities approaches. Firstly, theoretical foundations of the dynamic capabilities perspective and knowledge management are presented. The chapter further explores the existing theoretical linkages between knowledge management and the dynamic capabilities approach, as well as their potential impact on organizational performance, within the framework of human resource practices, relevant for achieving successful knowledge transfer. The existing theoretical foundations are used to provide a generalization, leading to an integrative theoretical model, which should serve as a basis for further empirical verification.
Can Human and Technical Resources be In Sync to Advance Resourceful Inclusive Enterprise?
Authors: Mupepi Mambo G.
Published: April 2014

The precept of this chapter is about understanding the synchronicity of worldwide literacies, human resources, and technology in building enterprises that can operate successfully in varied environments. A co-constructed competency model can be adapted to commendably contextualize knowledge and technology in relation to prevailing economic conditions to surge output. Specialized knowledge can be described as highly structured skill sets that allow a firm to respond positively to demand to intensify outputs. Expertise too can be asserted as the scientific knowledge that can be applied to make everything practical. The chapter advances arguments that empathetic dominant world cultural settings and possessing explicit knowledge, useful skills, and appropriate technology can allow a firm to make better sense of markets and increase productivity.
Total Relationship Management of Knowledge and Information Technology for Innovation
Authors: Zineldin Mosad , Vasicheva Valentina
Published: April 2014

We have to admit that knowledge, Knowledge Management (KM), and technology have changed and are still changing our way of thinking, our behaviour, attitudes, life styles, and types of relations. In short, knowledge management, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Computer-Based Technology (CBT), and other nano-technologies are the latest paradigm shift that has changed the entire way of many people's minds and lives. Few studies have been conducted on the link between KM, CRM, IT, and TRM. The purpose of this chapter is to develop a better understanding of the interrelationship between KM, CRM, IT, and TRM. This chapter presents a proposed model of Knowledge-Oriented Total Relationship Management (KTRM) with some technological knowledge management directions. Finally, recommendations regarding the implementation of KTRM are provided.
Attributes of the Learning-Innovation Transformational Leader
Authors: Soliman Fawzy
Published: April 2014

This chapter examines the role of transformational leadership in transforming the learning organization into an innovative one. Important features of the leader, such as the ability to assist in developing and accommodating the implementation of knowledge management programs, learning organization concepts, and innovation protocols, are discussed in this chapter. This chapter demonstrates that shifting from learning organization to become an innovative company could involve some unique attributes of a transformation leadership. In that regard, the chapter also demonstrates that organizations need first to create, capture, transfer, and mobilize knowledge before it can be used for learning and then for innovation. The chapter presents a method of studying how successful innovation leaders of companies could find themselves acting in three roles, namely knowledge leader, learning leader, and then innovation leader. The leadership styles and characteristics that could transform the organisation from learning to innovation are discussed. The type of innovative leadership required to enhance the organizational performance is also highlighted. This chapter provides details for understanding innovative leadership based on the concepts for leadership characteristics and styles. The chapter also discusses different leadership styles and the proposed model of innovative leadership used by most firms in their efforts to improve performance. This chapter examines whether the attributes of leaders and styles of leadership could also influence the behaviour of some leaders towards the transformation from learning to innovation settings.
Consumerism
Authors: Papasolomou Ioanna
Published: April 2014

This chapter reveals that the term ‘consumerism' encompasses a number of meanings which create confusion regarding the term. The discussion that follows, attempts to distinguish the different perspectives regarding the term by presenting its historical development and discussing the three definitions that have marked it. It explores the relationship between consumerism, marketing and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The growth of consumerism has led to the over-use of marketing which provided a flourishing ground for compulsive buying and consumption. There is evidence in the literature to suggest that in an era of increasing social problems and environmental challenges, there is a need for CSR and sustainable marketing. In fact, the second definition of consumerism is inextricably linked with CSR and societal marketing. The chapter is conceptual in nature and provides an in-depth review and discussion of some fundamental dimensions associated to consumerism based on the existent literature. The overarching aim is to provide an insight into the evolution and growth of consumerism based on the existent literature related to the topic. The discussion also focuses on exploring the relationship between marketing and consumerism shedding light onto compulsive buying, consumer attitudes and concerns on the micro consumerism issues, sustainable consumption and sustainable marketing. The chapter proceeds to raise some concerns related to the impact of the global economic crisis on consumerism by using as an example Cyprus based on the author's observations and thoughts. The chapter concludes with a list of suggestions to practitioners and directions for future research.
CyberEthics Case Study
Authors: Sakka Georgia , Spyrou Iliada
Published: April 2014

This chapter analyses the role of cyber ethics and other related issues such as electronic commerce (e-commerce) and customers' protection, privacy, anonymity, psychological and mental wealth-being. It focuses on consumerism cybercrimes such as consumer fraud, online deceptive advertisements, financial fraud and also on social cybercrimes such as pornography, racism, xenophobia, bullying, sexting, cyber hate and cyber staking. Most importantly, this chapter identifies and illustrates how confrontation and prevention tools, including security education and research, are instrumental to overcoming cybercrime on a longer term basis. The chapter is based on a case study and examines the existing literature review in correlation to the existing practices of the Cyprus Safer Internet Center operating in Cyprus – CyberEthics.
Anatomy of Green Marketing
Authors: Okan Elif Yolbulan , Yalman Neva
Published: April 2014

There has been much discussion since the late 1980s concerning “green” issues. Society is becoming increasingly concerned with the rapid depletion of the world's resources and the increasing rate that the environment is being polluted by our activities. Since environmental improvement and competitiveness are defined as the new paradigm for the world economy, green marketing has been one of the most popular topics in the business arena. This chapter aims to examine this concept from several different perspectives. The first section summarizes the evolution of the green marketing concept with the help of theoretical underpinnings. The criticisms regarding green marketing are also discussed. The second section investigates green consumer behavior. In order to position green product offerings, companies need to understand the characteristics and buying patterns of different segments of the green consumer. This section helps to identify the Turkish green consumer. The language and appeals used in environmental communication are very important in changing attitudes. Thus, the third section focuses on the effectiveness of green messages. In the last part of the chapter, the Gezi Park protests from Turkey are examined as an important case with political, economic, social and international impacts as well as its triggering effect of leading to mindful consumption. This chapter explores existing literature on an interest provoking subject--green marketing--as well as integrating theoretical concepts with a recent social event from an emerging market with a case study approach.
Sustainable Food Consumption Macro Issues
Authors: Dzene Skaidrite , Eglite Aija , Grinberga-Zalite Gunta
Published: April 2014

The chapter presents an analysis of food consumption macro issues in Latvia. The authors have aggregated scientific literature on various aspects of consumption with an emphasis on sustainable consumption fundamental issues. The purpose of the chapter is to characterise the factors affecting consumer behaviour in food consumption and identify the profiles of the sustainable and unsustainable consumer in Latvia. In scope of the research, the authors have performed analysis of business cycle effects on consumption as well as effects of the state support to promote sustainable food consumption. The empirical research aims to study the present and potential behaviours of consumers, identifying their attitudes and intentions towards purchasing sustainable food products.