bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medium Access Protocols for Cooperative Collision Avoidance in Vehicular Ad-Hoc Networks
Authors: Hassan Md. Imrul , Vu Hai L. , Sakurai Taka
Published: September 2012

It is envisaged that supporting vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications with a Vehicular Ad-Hoc Network (VANET) can improve road safety and increase transportation efficiency. Among the candidate applications of VANETs, cooperative collision avoidance (CCA) has attracted considerable interest as it can significantly improve road safety. Due to the ad hoc nature of these highly dynamic networks, no central coordination or handshaking protocol can be assumed and safety applications must broadcast information of interest to many surrounding cars by sharing a single channel in a distributed manner. This gives rise to one of the key challenges in vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems, namely, the development of an efficient and reliable medium access control (MAC) protocol for CCA. In this chapter, we provide an overview of proposed MAC protocols for VANETs and describe current standardization activities. We then focus on the performance of the IEEE 802.11 carrier sense multiple access (CSMA) based MAC protocol that is being standardized by the IEEE standards body for VANET applications. In particular, we review prominent existing analytical models and study their advantages, disadvantages and their suitability for performance evaluation of the MAC protocol for VANETs. After a discussion of the shortcomings of these models, we develop a new analytical model in the second half of the chapter. Explicit expressions are derived for the mean and standard deviation of the packet delay, as well as for the packet delivery ratio (PDR) at the MAC layer in an unsaturated network formed by moving vehicles on a highway. We validate the analytical results using extensive simulations and show that good accuracy can be achieved with the proposed model for a range of topologies and traffic load conditions. More importantly, using the model, we show that hidden terminals can have a severe, detrimental impact on the PDR, which may compromise the reliability required for safety applications.
Fednets
Authors: Ibrohimovna Malohat , Heemstra de Groot Sonia
Published: September 2012

A personal network (PN) is a network of a user’s personal devices and services, cooperating with each other independently of their geographical location to provide ubiquitous services to the user. PNs can be the producers and consumers of the services, content and resources. They can also export the subsets of their personal resources and services to other PNs. In such cases, PNs may form a group-oriented secure network called a Federation of Personal Networks (Fednet). A Fednet is a temporal, ad-hoc opportunity or purpose driven network of PNs, in which PNs collaborate with each other to share resources and services in a peer-to-peer manner. A Fednet is a pervasive and ubiquitous computing technology that enables the users to enjoy cooperation and promises exciting opportunities for different applications in various fields, such as education, healthcare, entertainment, business and emergency.In this chapter, the authors discuss PN technology expanding on the concept of Fednet. They provide example scenarios for Fednets, showing their potential impact to the quality of life of their users. Furthermore, they present the architecture and lifecycle of a Fednet. They explain the interactions of the main architectural components during its lifecycle and present a framework for the secure access control and management for a Fednet. The framework provides a controlled collaboration of PNs, where each PN controls the access to its resources and services. Finally, the authors provide a brief overview of some of the existing resource sharing group-oriented networks related to Fednets.
Assessing Empirical Relations of Music Piracy Behaviors with Lifestyle and Internet Self-Efficacy of Taiwan’s Web Users
Authors: Hsu Ti , Wong Weng , Wang Chien-Chih , Li Yeen Ni , Li Pu Chuan , Tsai Min Chi , Tsai Yu Kai , Su Sheng Hong
Published: September 2012

Unlike past research on online music piracy with a focus on the economic or the legal perspective, the present study was designed to evaluate Web users’ behaviors related to the music piracy empirically. In light of the newly ratified Copyright Law in Taiwan, the behavioral intentions of Web users towards the music downloading and/or P2P file sharing were studied using a sample of 317 Taiwan’s Internet users. Results indicated that Web users were likely to reduce or modify their behaviors in order not to be in conflict with the new law. Results also showed that methods of music piracy used by respondents had nothing to do with lifestyle, but were more correlated to the Internet self-efficacy. Findings and their implications are discussed and suggestions for future work are offered in this chapter.
An Evaluation of User Password Practice
Authors: Campbell John , Bryant Kay
Published: September 2012

Maintaining the security of information systems and associated data resources is vital if an organization is to minimize losses. Access controls are the first line of defense in this process. The primary function of authentication controls is to ensure that only authorized users have access to information systems and electronic resources. Password-based systems remain the predominant means of user authentication despite viable authentication alternatives. Research suggests that password-based systems are often compromised by poor user security practices. This chapter presents the results of a survey of 884 computer users that examines user practice in creating and reusing password keys, and reports the findings on user password composition and security practices for email accounts. Despite a greater awareness of security issues, the results show that many users still select and reuse weak passwords keys that are based on dictionary words and other meaningful information.
Open Content in Libraries
Authors: Kapellakou Galateia , Markellou Marina , Vagena Evangelia
Published: September 2012

The basic issue examined in this chapter is how can open access be achieved through the instrument of contracts. In the digital environment right holders have the power to restrict access to works by using restrictive contractual terms enforced by means of technical measures. As a counterbalance to the extended authority of the right holder, open access movements have appeared which express the users’ need to have open access to creative content. It is put forward that the terms used in contractual forms that have been standardized and express the ideology of open content are not always compatible with the existing copyright law contractual provisions and the way in which collective management functions.
The Management System of Enterprises’ Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Xiaohui Tao , Yaohui Zhang , Yi Zhou
Published: September 2012

Strengthening the management of IPRs (intellectual property rights) is one of the most important ways to improve an enterprise’s innovative capability. NST (NineStar Technology Co., Ltd, in Zhuhai, China) wins the recognition of both the domestic and the foreign markets through building an advanced IPRs management system to promote their products and institutional innovation, and to respond positively to foreign patents litigations. Based on the case of NST, combined with related literatures, this paper introduced the six components of an enterprise’s IPRs management system: information system, strategic system, establishing system, development system, protection system, and operation system.
Analyzing Software Piracy from Supply and Demand Factors
Authors: Charoensukmongkol Peerayuth , Daniel Jose Luis , Sexton Shaun , Kock Ned
Published: September 2012

This study analyzes the competing roles of economic wealth and corruption on software piracy based on the supply-demand perspective. The study argues that even though greater economic wealth may encourage people to buy legal software instead of using pirated software, the ease of access to pirated copies in the open market as a result of corruption can have a stronger influence on the decision to use pirated software. The empirical results also reveal that while an increase in economic wealth can reduce software piracy, its effect tends to be moderated by the level of corruption in a country. These results indicate that a pricing strategy that makes software more affordable is not a sufficient policy for combating software piracy. Additional policies aimed at combating corruption should be implemented concomitantly for effective resolution of this problem.
The Effect of Business Characteristics on the Methods of Knowledge Protections
Authors: Bin Xu , Chuan Tan Kay
Published: September 2012

Intellectual property (IP) protection has been suggested to be essential in protecting innovation in product-dominant companies. However, with the development of service industries, the ineffectiveness in IP protection becomes manifest. Meanwhile, other knowledge protecting methods enable companies to maintain their competency without formal protection. This study examines the effectiveness of different means of knowledge protection. Specifically, business is classified according to companies’ offering nature, serving mode and consider about their business hardware. The effectiveness of protection methods is analyzed among these business types. Interviews were conducted with senior managers of 39 companies in China and Singapore. It is demonstrated that the choice of knowledge protecting method does not depend mainly on whether a company provides products or services, but on how the company produces and provides its offerings. It is found that the core competency of companies largely affects their attitude on whether to protect their offerings. It is found that in weak appropriability regimes, companies apply for patents not for their knowledge protection function, but for other benefits, such as getting awards or tax reductions, and improving reputation among customers.
Ethics and Social Issues Related to Information Communication Technology (ICT)
Authors: Edewor Nelson
Published: September 2012

Information Communication Technology (ICT) has raised new ethical concerns about the protection of personal privacy, protection of intellectual property, user responsibility, acceptable access and use of information, software licenses and piracy. A good ICT policy must be able to adequately consider these, and many other associated issues. This chapter therefore describes these ethical issues and how to deal with them as an individual or an organization. It provides information on the concept of ethics and the technological advancements responsible for the ethical concern. It discusses privacy, information rights, and intellectual property rights and ethics policy. The Nigerian national intellectual property right laws were examined in line with World Trade Organization/Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (WTO/TRIP) compliance.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Teaching and Learning in Second Life in a Graduate Online Course
Authors: Talab R. S. , Botterbusch Hope R.
Published: September 2012

As a growing number of faculty use SL as a teaching platform, outside of anecdotal articles and the legal literature, no research exists on the many legal and ethical issues that affect course development. Ethical issues include abuse (“griefing”) nudity and lewd behavior, and false/misleading identities. Legal issues include creation and use of copyrighted and trademarked items, faculty intellectual property rights in objects and course content, and criminal behavior. Following the experiences of the instructor and 5 students, their 12-week journey is documented through interviews, journals, weekly course activities, SL class dialogs, and in-world assignments. Additionally, 5 faculty and staff experts who teach or train in SL at this university were interviewed and consulted, as well. This study provides insight for designing courses that foster exploration of rich learning opportunities outside a traditional classroom-both real and virtual.
Biotechnological Patents and Morality
Authors: Kuanpoth Jakkrit
Published: September 2012

The chapter deals with ethical aspects of patent law and how the global patent regime helps or hinders the development of a developing country such as Thailand. More specifically, it discusses Article 27.3 of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), which states that countries may exclude methods of medical treatment, plants and animals (but not micro-organisms) from patent protection. It also provides legal analysis on the issue of whether developing countries can maximize benefits from the TRIPS morality exception (Article 27.2) in dealing with biotechnological patenting.
The Private Copy Issue
Authors: Pina Pedro
Published: September 2012

Digital copyrights involve a combination of technology and law that seek to provide full control of the work by the rightholder. Managing rights over digital copyrighted contents through the use of consumers’ technological protection measures may however jeopardize some freedoms that copyright law has traditionally recognized, such as the private copy. In the present chapter, the author describes the conflict between the exclusive right to the exploitation of the work and the private copy issue; how modern copyright obstructs private copying and recent proposals regarding the conciliation between rightholders’ and consumers’ interests.
Organisational Blogging
Authors: Baxter Gavin J. , Connolly Thomas , Stansfield Mark
Published: September 2012

This paper investigates the implementation and use of an internal organisational blog by several departments in the HR division in a large public sector financial organisation in the UK. This qualitative study adopts a case study approach and examines the experiences of staff using the blog to explore whether it can facilitate organisational learning. The thinking and decisions that informed the pilot study are also investigated. Initial findings indicate that implementing an internal organisational blog does not revolve around the technology itself, but the work required to inform and educate staff about the idea of using a blog for working purposes. This paper has practical implications for the practitioner community with reference to organisational management informing them of issues to consider prior to implementing new technology in team environments. The paper also examines approaches towards maintaining technology initiatives (in this case blogs) once they are up and running. The unique focus of this paper is that it explores blog use from the perspective of individuals who have never used them before as opposed to a department that is already familiar with the technology.
Game-Like Technology Innovation Education
Authors: Magnussen Rikke
Published: September 2012

This paper examines the methodological challenges and perspectives of designing game-like scenarios for the implementation of innovation processes in school science education. This paper presents a design-based research study of a game-like innovation scenario designed for technology education for Danish public school students aged 13-15. Students play the role of company heads that develop intelligent music technology. This game-like learning environment was designed to develop innovation competencies through the simulation of a practical learning situation. The term “game-like” is used to denote that the scenario should not be considered an educational game, such as the educational computer games used in many schools today. The focus of the design is to include practices and tools from innovative professions and use game principles and elements to create a meaningful frame around the creative and innovative practices.
From the Games Industry
Authors: Hollins Paul , Whitton Nicola
Published: September 2012

This paper draws on lessons learned from the development process of the entertainment games industry and discusses how they can be applied to the field of game-based learning. This paper examines policy makers and those wishing to commission or develop games for learning and highlights potential opportunities as well as pitfalls. The paper focuses on ten key points in which the authors feel from experience in both commercial game development and education that parallels are drawn between the entertainment and educational games development processes.
Personal Smartphones in Primary School
Authors: Honegger Beat Döbeli , Neff Christian
Published: September 2012

This paper describes the goals and first results of an ongoing two year case study in a European primary school (5th primary class) where the teacher and all students were equipped with a personal smartphone. Students are allowed to use phone and internet services at no charge and to take home their smartphones after school. In this project the students have access to an internet connected computing device which can be used for reading, writing, calculating, drawing, taking photos, listening or recording audio, and communicating. Does this setting help to achieve the goals of the official school curriculum? How do personal smartphones in primary school influence teaching and learning, especially weekly planning (“Wochenplanunterricht”) and learning outside school? The paper describes the planning and introduction phase of the project as well as first best practice examples of using personal smartphones in and out of school after five months of use. The authors provide qualitative data from questionnaires with students and parents and quantitative data of phone and internet use. To date the results help to formulate specific research questions for further research and they encourage enlarging the case study to several classes in the near future.
Personal Learning Environments
Authors: Fiedler Sebastian H. D. , Väljataga Terje
Published: September 2012

This paper reviews and critiques how the notion of PLEs has been conceptualised and discussed in literature so far. It interprets the variability of its interpretations and conceptualisations as the expression of a fundamental contradiction between patterns of activity and digital instrumentation in formal education on one hand, and individual experimentation and experience within the digital realm on the other. It is suggested to place this contradiction in the larger socio-historic context of an ongoing media transformation. Thus, the paper argues against the prevalent tendency to base the conceptualisation of PLEs almost exclusively on Web 2.0 technologies that are currently available or emerging, while underlying patterns of control and responsibility often remain untouched. Instead, it proposes to scrutinise these patterns and to focus educational efforts on supporting adult learners to model their learning activities and potential (personal learning) environments while exploring the digital realm.
Factors Affecting the Design and Development of a Personal Learning Environment
Authors: Fournier Helene , Kop Rita
Published: September 2012

After speculation in literature about the nature of Personal Learning Environments, research in the design and development of PLEs is now in progress. This paper reports on the first phase of the authors’ research on PLE, the identification process of what potential users would consider important components, applications, and tools in a PLE. The methodology included surveying “super-users” on their use of existing tools, applications and systems and their preferences in learning, in order to enhance the development of a PLE and reach a specification that potential learners will find useful and empowering in their learning. The research resulted in suggestions on factors affecting technology use and uptake, human factors and attitudes, and interface design that need to be factored in the design and development of a PLE.
Developing New Literacies through Blended Learning
Authors: Kitchener Deborah , Murphy Janet , Lebans Robert
Published: September 2012

This article reports on the implementation and impact of two blended models of teacher professional learning that promote innovative classroom practice and improved literacy and numeracy in six school districts in Ontario, Canada. The Advanced Broadband Enabled Learning Program (ABEL), situated at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, transforms how teachers learn and teach through a strategic blend of face-to-face interaction, technological tools and resources, online interaction and support. Learning Connections (LC), its sister project, uses the same model to improve literacy and numeracy in school districts. Research into the impact of both programs reveals increased student engagement and achievement, enhanced teacher efficacy, and improved results in literacy and numeracy. This report presents the findings from two participant surveys conducted in one large suburban board just north of Toronto, and one large rural board in Northern Ontario, and demonstrates how the working definition of literacy that teachers use in the classroom is being transformed by their use of technology in the classroom.
Searching for Pareto-Optimal Settlements in Negotiations
Authors: Neves Joao S. , Nakhai Behnam
Published: September 2012

Decision-making analysts are generally familiar with the maximin and minimax criteria used in the selection of alternative courses of action when payoffs depend on different states of nature. This paper applies these criteria to the collaborative negotiation problem in which two parties negotiate the resolution of several issues each with defined payoffs, and where the alternative choices for each party are qualitative attributes or non-differentiable variables. The proposed method assumes that the negotiators do not know each other’s payoffs and are generally unwilling to disclose information about their preferences. The search procedure for Pareto-optimal settlements and the role of the mediator in assisting the parties to achieve an improved negotiated agreement are analyzed and illustrated through an example.
Maintenance Strategy Evaluation Using ANP and Goal Programming
Authors: Jajimoggala Sarojini , Rao V. V. S. Kesava , Satyanarayana Beela
Published: September 2012

An optimal maintenance strategy mix is necessary for increasing availability and reliability levels of production facilities without significantly increasing operational costs. The selection of maintenance strategies is a typical Multiple Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) problem with conflicting goals. Consideration of interdependence among the criteria and alternative policies for maintenance strategy provides valuable cost savings and greater benefits for any hybrid flow systems. For any decision maker, it is convenient to prioritize the criteria of MCDM problems and goals of goal programming problems in fuzzy terms. This paper presents an integrated approach for maintenance policy selection, using fuzzy Analytic Network Process (ANP) within a Goal Programming, based on fuzzy preemptive priority where goal hierarchies are specified in different levels of fuzzy importance. To overcome the criticism of inconsistency, unbalanced scale of judgments and uncertainty in the pair-wise comparison process, criteria weights are determined using modified fuzzy LLSM method.
Stakeholder Causal Scope Centric Market Positioning
Authors: Shams S. M. Riad
Published: September 2012

A multi-case study study has been conducted on five grown sports organizations to realize how the organizations have been utilizing various Relationship Marketing (RM) indicators in order to position their image in their target markets. Based on various existing and emergent Stakeholder Causal Scope (SCS) and relevant RM indicator(s), the organizations differentiate their corporate profile or market offering in a way that conveys a central idea relating to their stakeholder relationship value and relevant market positioning. 12 RM indicators, four market positioning dimensions, and subsequent existing and emerging differentiation variables are described in this chapter. Underlying the relevant SCS, the organizations utilize these RM indicators and differentiation variables to design their market offerings in order to position their corporate or market offerings’ image in their target markets. The RM-centred market positioning initiatives of the sports organizations emerge as viable across industries and markets.
Consumer Loyalty to an Airline
Authors: Forgas-Coll Santiago , Palau-Saumell Ramon , Sánchez-García Javier
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the loyalty of airline users in both online and offline environments, and the influence exercised by the virtual environment on overall loyalty to an airline company. An empirical study was carried out, with a total of 1710 personal interviews with users of different airline companies. In the analysis of the data, structural equations models were used, in particular the technique of confirmatory factor analysis. The results reveal that satisfaction, trust and perceived value all explain the relationships of loyalty between passengers and airline companies and that satisfaction trust and loyalty online influence overall satisfaction, trust, and loyalty to the company. Perceived quality, satisfaction, and trust online explain online loyalty.
Do Small Format Supermarkets Improve the Shopping Experience?
Authors: Lang Mark , Soesilo Primidya K. M. , Lancioni Richard
Published: September 2012

Industry reports have highlighted the trend for smaller format supermarkets in the food industry. Retailers such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, and Safeway see smaller format supermarkets as an opportunity to respond to the changing preferences of customers who are seeking a more convenient shoppability experience. This study investigates differences in small format retail strategies among retailers. A combination of direct observation in a naturalistic setting and Delphi methodologies were employed. A comparative analysis was performed to examine differences in strategy.
Technical Note: Bias correcting climate model simulated daily temperature extremes with quantile mapping
Authors: Thrasher B. , Maurer E. P. , McKellar C. , Duffy P. B.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. When applying a quantile mapping-based bias correction to daily temperature extremes simulated by a global climate model (GCM), the transformed values of maximum and minimum temperatures are changed, and the diurnal temperature range (DTR) can become physically unrealistic. While causes are not thoroughly explored, there is a strong relationship between GCM biases in snow albedo feedback during snowmelt and bias correction resulting in unrealistic DTR values. We propose a technique to bias correct DTR, based on comparing observations and GCM historic simulations, and combine that with either bias correcting daily maximum temperatures and calculating daily minimum temperatures or vice versa. By basing the bias correction on a base period of 1961–1980 and validating it during a test period of 1981–1999, we show that bias correcting DTR and maximum daily temperature can produce more accurate estimations of daily temperature extremes while avoiding the pathological cases of unrealistic DTR values.
Fine-scale features on the sea surface in SAR satellite imagery – Part 2: Numerical modeling
Authors: Matt S. , Fujimura A. , Soloviev A. , Rhee S. H. , Romeiser R.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. With the advent of the new generation of SAR satellites, it has become possible to resolve fine-scale features on the sea surface on the scale of meters. The proper identification of sea surface signatures in SAR imagery can be challenging, since some features may be due to atmospheric distortions (gravity waves, squall lines) or anthropogenic influences (slicks), and may not be related to dynamic processes in the upper ocean. In order to improve our understanding of the nature of fine-scale features on the sea surface and their signature in SAR, we have conducted high-resolution numerical simulations combining a three-dimensional non-hydrostatic computational fluid dynamics model with a radar imaging model. The surface velocity field from the hydrodynamic model is used as input to the radar imaging model. The combined approach reproduces the sea surface signatures in SAR of ship wakes, low density plumes, and internal waves in a stratified environment. The numerical results are consistent with observations reported in a companion paper of in-situ measurements during SAR satellite overpasses. Ocean surface and internal waves are also known to produce a measurable signal in the ocean magnetic field. This paper explores the use of computational fluid dynamics to investigate the magnetic signatures of oceanic processes. This potentially provides a link between SAR signatures of transient ocean dynamics and magnetic field fluctuations in the ocean. We suggest that combining SAR imagery with data from ocean magnetometers may be useful as an additional maritime sensing method. The new approach presented in this work can be extended to other dynamic processes in the upper ocean, including fronts and eddies, and can be a valuable tool for the interpretation of SAR images of the ocean surface.
Common Perceptions of Periodontal Health and Illness among Adults: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Gholami M. , Pakdaman A. , Virtanen J. I.
Published: September 2012

Objective. Our aim was to explore perceptions of periodontal health and illness and to examine attitudes and beliefs regarding prevention of gum diseases among Iranian adults. Methods. Our qualitative approach included focus-group discussions among adults aged 18 and above based on convenient and purposive sampling in Tehran. Transcripts of the four focus-group discussions were analyzed by two independent reviewers using a content analysis method. Results. Two major themes in the analyses emerged: the common perception of periodontal health and illness and the attitude towards prevention. The study demonstrated the subjects’ good understanding of prevention of periodontal disease, but their lack of knowledge of the aetiology of the diseases, and an inability to differentiate aetiology, symptoms, and prevention of dental caries and periodontal disease. Conclusion. This study revealed a need for oral health education among Iranian adults to improve their knowledge and change their attitudes to achieve deeper understanding of the aetiology and prevention of periodontal disease. Health promotion programs should address misconceptions about prevention of gum disease.
Tuberculosis Characterization in a Special Population of Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Reis-Santos Barbara , Maciel Ethel Leonor Noia
Published: September 2012

Setting. Tuberculosis clinical presentation is not typical in kidney transplant recipients and the diagnosis of active disease is usually delayed. Objective. To characterize tuberculosis presentation in Brazilian's kidney transplant recipients. Study Design. We analyzed the clinical records of tuberculosis cases regarding sociodemographic data and health history. Results. Thirteen TB cases were identified among 843 transplant recipients. The average time for TB development after transplantation was 4 years. Eight subjects presented pulmonary disease, seven patients required hospitalization Alertness to the possibility of TB and the careful evaluation for possible TB of all kidney transplant recipients with unexplained is vital, as is the related work of transplant and TB control teams and four died as a consequence of TB. Conclusion. The severe consequences of TB in posttransplantation can become critical.
Effect of the APOE Polymorphism and Age Trajectories of Physiological Variables on Mortality: Application of Genetic Stochastic Process Model of Aging
Authors: Arbeev Konstantin G. , Ukraintseva Svetlana V. , Kulminski Alexander M. , Akushevich Igor , Arbeeva Liubov S. , Culminskaya Irina V. , Wu Deqing , Yashin Anatoliy I.
Published: September 2012

We evaluated effects of the APOE polymorphism (carriers versus noncarriers of the e4 allele) and age trajectories of total cholesterol (CH) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on mortality risk in the Framingham Heart Study (original cohort). We found that long-lived carriers and noncarriers have different average age trajectories and long-lived individuals have consistently higher levels and less steep declines at old ages compared to short-lived individuals. We applied the stochastic process model of aging aimed at joint analyses of genetic and nongenetic subsamples of longitudinal data and estimated different aging-related characteristics for carriers and noncarriers which otherwise cannot be evaluated from data. We found that such characteristics differ in carriers and noncarriers: (1) carriers have better adaptive capacity than noncarriers in case of CH, whereas for DBP the opposite situation is observed; (2) mean allostatic trajectories are higher in carriers and they differ from “optimal” trajectories minimizing mortality risk; (3) noncarriers have lower baseline mortality rates at younger ages but they increase faster than those for carriers resulting in intersection at the oldest ages. Such observations strongly indicate the presence of a genetic component in respective aging-related mechanisms. Such differences may contribute to patterns of allele- and sex-specific mortality rates.
Enquête qualitative sur la prise de décision en obstétrique : le choix du mode d’accouchement après césarienne
Authors: Dugas Marylène , Chaillet Nils
Published: September 2012

En obstétrique, la médecine offre différentes options pour améliorer les résultats de santé. Ces possibilités représentent autant de prises de décision auxquelles sont confrontés les patients. Afin de procéder au choix des soins, le modèle de partage de la décision médicale constitue actuellement le principal paradigme. Prenant pour exemple le processus de décision concernant le mode d’accouchement après césarienne, nous explorons quelques aspects du processus de prise de décision en obstétrique. De façon générale, la prise de décision concernant le mode d’accouchement après césarienne relève davantage du principe d’autonomie que du partage d’information. Les consultations individuelles ou de groupe, ou encore les outils d’analyse décisionnelle semblent prometteurs pour gérer les différentes problématiques rencontrées.
Glycoprotein Analysis: Using Nuclear Magnetic ResonanceUpdate based on the original article by J F G Vliegenthart,Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors: Leeflang Bas R. , Vliegenthart Johannes F. G.
Published: September 2012

The majority of proteins are decorated with one or more covalently linked carbohydrate chains and are thus glycoproteins. These carbohydrate chains may consist of mono‐, oligo‐, or polysaccharides, which can affect the physiological behavior and biological functioning of the glycoprotein. Insight into the structural aspects and characteristics of glycoprotein glycosylation is an important step in unraveling the function of carbohydrate chains in a glycoprotein. In most cases, the glycan and protein moieties are cleaved and analyzed separately. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool in this respect. A plethora of NMR techniques are available to obtain NMR parameters such as chemical shift, scalar coupling constants and relaxation and cross‐relaxation properties. From these, both primary structural, three‐dimensional structural and dynamical features can be determined for these molecules. In this article, several aspects of glycoprotein structural studies will be discussed, and a selection of NMR experiments, including experimental conditions, will be presented.
Detection and Quantification of Environmental PollutantsUpdate based on the original article by R. Gibbons,Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Portions reprinted fromEnvironmental and Ecological Statisticsand theEncyclopedia of Environmental Analysis and Remediation, with permission.
Authors: Gibbons Robert D.
Published: September 2012

With increasing concern over chemicals that are potential health hazards at low levels, determination of limits of detection and quantification have undergone considerable scrutiny. Most traditional detection limit (DL) estimators suffer from extensive statistical and/or conceptual limitations. In this article, traditional detection and quantification limit estimators are described and critically evaluated. Methods are categorized into decision limits, DLs and quantification limits. The methods are further categorized into single concentration design versus calibration design methodologies. While the single concentration design methods are useful for fixing ideas and clarifying definitions they are shown to be extremely limited in practice since dependence of variability on concentration can be neither estimated nor incorporated. Calibration‐based detection and quantification limit estimators are described, compared, and contrasted. Discussion of nonconstant variance, multiple future detection decisions and simultaneous control of Type I and II errors is provided. The various methods are illustrated using real data and experimental design issues for DL studies discussed.
Deception, Detection of,P300 Event‐Related Potential (ERP)
Authors: Rosenfeld J. Peter , Greely Henry T.
Published: September 2012

Research with P300 is proceeding at an exciting rate. P300 ERP lie detection that has been proven effective might bring important, even revolutionary benefits to society, at least if used in proper situations. Ineffective testing can only be harmful. It is important that this technology be used if and only if its effectiveness has been rigorously established. If it is proven effective, our society will then face difficult questions on how to use the technology in ways that maximize its benefits and minimize its costs, while respecting individual rights.
Hallucinations
Authors: Leong Gregory B. , Silva J. Arturo , Weinstock Robert
Published: September 2012

Hallucinations involve perceptions generally involving the primary senses of hearing, vision, smell, taste, and touch in the absence of actual external sensory stimuli. Although research has continued in identifying the etiology of hallucinations, for practical purposes hallucinations can be generally considered to be symptoms of underlying psychiatric or medical conditions. In a variety of clinical and forensic contexts, the presence of hallucinations may be particularly relevant. In addition, malingering of hallucinations as well as denial of actual hallucinations may complicate clinical or forensic assessment.
Interrogative Suggestibility
Authors: Frumkin I. Bruce , Moy Gretchen
Published: September 2012

Confessions are a key piece of evidence to be used against a suspect in courtroom proceedings. Defense attorneys often attempt to suppress the confession at the pretrial stage by raising issues of an involuntaryMiranda waiveror an involuntary confession. At trial, the credibility of a defendant's statements to the police becomes an important issue. The interrogation of a highly suggestible suspect heightens the risk of false or less than accurate confession. Mental health testimony is often useful to the trier of fact at both the pretrial and the trial stages. A comprehensive psychological assessment in this context includes the use of the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales to supplement clinical interview information, third party data, and other psychological tests. An individual's interrogative suggestibility is influenced by age, intelligence, memory, sleep deprivation, anxiety, and previous criminal convictions.
Capacity to WaiveMiranda Rights
Authors: Frumkin I. Bruce , Moy Gretchen
Published: September 2012

Mental health professionals have shown increasing involvement in providing expert testimony regarding a defendant's capacity to waive legal rights before and during an interrogation. In the 1966 Supreme Court case of Miranda v. Arizona, the Court ruled that any statement arising from a custodial interrogation of a suspect would be presumed to be involuntary and not admissible unless the suspect is informed of his rights to remain silent, to avoid self‐incrimination, to obtain legal counsel before and during police questioning, and to obtain free legal counsel if indigent. This waiver of rights must be made knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. A comprehensive psychological evaluation of a defendant's capacity to have waived the rights at the time of police questioning provides the trier of fact useful information in determining the admissibility of a confession. The standard protocol for most evaluations functionally integrates a defendant's capacities with the legally relevant criteria espoused byMirandaand subsequent case law. The evaluation is comprised of a comprehensive clinical interview, psychological testing, including the use of specialized assessment procedures, and a review of third‐party data.
Nickel: Models of Protein Active SitesUpdate based on the original article by Wen‐Feng Liaw,
Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry
Second Edition, © 2005, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors: Harrop Todd C.
Published: September 2012

During the past decade (2002–2012), the role of nickel (Ni) in biology has taken quite a turn. Prior to this period, the primary function for Ni in biology was limited to urea hydrolysis in the enzyme urease, methane production in methyl coenzyme M reductase, and the consumption of hydrogen in NiFe‐hydrogenase. Owing to recent X‐ray structures, Ni has now been shown to be an important cofactor in enzymes that interconvert CO
2
/CO (carbon monoxide dehydrogenases); enzymes that fix cell carbon in the form of acetate (acetyl coenzyme A synthases); and enzymes involved in oxygen metabolism/oxidative stress protection (nickel superoxide dismutase). In light of these new Ni‐metalloenzyme structures and the need for new and cleaner energy sources, much Ni synthetic modeling work has been focused on constructing analogues of NiFe‐hydrogenase, CO dehydrogenase, acetyl coenzyme A synthase, and Ni‐superoxide dismutase. These synthetic biomimetics have provided new insight from structural, spectroscopic, and reactivity studies to elucidate aspects of the catalytic mechanism of the Ni sites in these enzymes.
Hug
Z
from
Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Hu Yonglin , Wang Da‐Cheng
Published: September 2012

HugZ is a heme oxygenase (HO) from
Helicobacter pylori
. It adopts a split‐barrel fold, distinct from that of canonical HOs such as human HO‐1. It belongs to a new hemoprotein family that has members from various pathogenic bacteria. This review discusses the structural features of HugZ and its interactions with heme.
Stem‐Cell Niche Based Comparative Analysis of Chemical and Nano‐mechanical Material Properties Impacting Ex Vivo Expansion and Differentiation of Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Jiang Jinlin , Papoutsakis Eleftherios T.
Published: September 2012

The ability of stem cells to self‐renew with minimal or no differentiation and, when appropriately cued, to give rise to many types of progenitor and mature cells, is the basis for applications in regenerative and transfusion medicine, but also in drug discovery and in vitro toxicology. Inspired by the complex interactions between stem cells and their microenvironment, the so‐called stem‐cell niche, the properties of supporting biomaterials, including surface biochemistry, topography (type, size, organization, and geometry of nanostructures), and mechanical properties, have been identified as important determinants of stem‐cell fate in vitro. 3D culture environments that could recapitulate the complexity of the in vivo stem‐cell microenvironment could further expand the complexity and repertoire of engineered environments with exciting translational applications. Herein, the material aspects that affect the expansion and differentiation fate of adult hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), two powerful cell types that co‐reside in the bone‐marrow niche, but with distinct, sometime complementary, differentiation fates, properties, and translational applications, are examined. Although MSCs are adherent cells and, in contrast, HSPCs are non‐ or weakly adherent cells, both can sense and respond to material properties, including surface (bio)chemistry, ECM composition, topography, and matrix elasticity, possibly through similar molecular mechanisms.
WDR35 mutation in siblings with Sensenbrenner syndrome: A ciliopathy with variable phenotype
Authors: Bacino Carlos A. , Dhar Shweta U. , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola , Lee Brendan , Bonnen Penelope E.
Published: September 2012

Sensenbrenner syndrome and unclassified short rib‐polydactyly conditions are ciliopathies with overlapping phenotypes and genetic heterogeneity. Mutations in WDR35 were identified recently in a sub‐group of patients with Sensenbrenner syndrome and in a single family that presented with an unclassified form of short‐rib polydactyly (SRP) syndrome. We report on siblings with an unusual combination of phenotypes: narrow thorax, short stature, minor anomalies, developmental delay, and severe hepatic fibrosis leading to liver failure and early death in two of the children. Both parents were unaffected suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance. The family and their affected children were followed over a decade. Exome sequencing was performed in one affected individual. It showed a homozygous missense mutation in a highly conserved position of the WDR35 gene. This family represents a WDR35‐ciliopathy with a complex clinical presentation that includes significant overlap of the phenotypes described in Sensenbrenner syndrome and the unclassified SRPs. The accurate molecular diagnosis of this family exemplifies the power of exome sequencing in the diagnosis of Mendelian disorders and enabled us to broaden and refine our understanding of Sensenbrenner syndrome and SRP. Detailed genotype–phenotype information is provided as well as discussion of previously reported cases. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis and developmental delay in a male with a mosaic deletion in chromosome region Xq11.2
Authors: Chénier Sébastien , Noor Abdul , Dupuis Lucie , Stavropoulos Dimitri J , Mendoza‐Londono Roberto
Published: September 2012

Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OSCS) is an X‐linked disease caused by mutations involving WTX (FAM123B), a tumor suppressor protein with dual functions. OSCS typically affects females whereas males generally have fetal or neonatal lethality. Surviving affected males have characteristic facial dysmorphisms, skeletal features such as macrocephaly and short stature, neurodevelopmental disabilities and a high prevalence of neuromuscular anomalies. On imaging, hemizygous males display marked cranial and peripheral skeletal sclerosis without the metaphyseal striations that are seen in women with OSCS. Observations of striation in males may be indicative of a somatic mosaic mutation in WTX. To date only two cases of surviving males haves been confirmed with mosaic point mutations in WTX. We report on the first case of a male with a mosaic deletion of the entire WTX gene. We show that a mosaic deletion in a hemizygous male patient can cause a mild phenotype of OSCS, including facial and skull base bone striations, nasal stenosis, conductive hearing loss, global developmental delay, and mild facial dysmorphology without short stature or macrocephaly. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.