bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Random Disc Polygons in Smooth Convex Discs
Authors: Fodor F. , Kevei P. , Vígh V.
Published: December 2014

In this paper we generalize some of the classical results of Rényi and Sulanke (1963), (1964) in the context of spindle convexity. A planar convex discSis spindle convex if it is the intersection of congruent closed circular discs. The intersection of finitely many congruent closed circular discs is called a disc polygon. We prove asymptotic formulae for the expectation of the number of vertices, missed area, and perimeter difference of uniform random disc polygons contained in a sufficiently smooth spindle convex disc.
Approximation Properties of Random Polytopes Associated with Poisson Hyperplane Processes
Authors: Hug Daniel , Schneider Rolf
Published: December 2014

We consider a stationary Poisson hyperplane process with given directional distribution and intensity in d-dimensional Euclidean space. Generalizing the zero cell of such a process, we fix a convex body K and consider the intersection of all closed halfspaces bounded by hyperplanes of the process and containing K. We study how well these random polytopes approximate K (measured by the Hausdorff distance) if the intensity increases, and how this approximation depends on the directional distribution in relation to properties of K.
Statistics for Poisson Models of Overlapping Spheres
Authors: Hug Daniel , Last Günter , Pawlas Zbyněk , Weil Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

In this paper we consider the stationary Poisson Boolean model with spherical grains and propose a family of nonparametric estimators for the radius distribution. These estimators are based on observed distances and radii, weighted in an appropriate way. They are ratio unbiased and asymptotically consistent for a growing observation window. We show that the asymptotic variance exists and is given by a fairly explicit integral expression. Asymptotic normality is established under a suitable integrability assumption on the weight function. We also provide a short discussion of related estimators as well as a simulation study.
How Clustering Affects Epidemics in Random Networks
Authors: Coupechoux Emilie , Lelarge Marc
Published: December 2014

Motivated by the analysis of social networks, we study a model of random networks that has both a given degree distribution and a tunable clustering coefficient. We consider two types of growth process on these graphs that model the spread of new ideas, technologies, viruses, or worms: the diffusion model and the symmetric threshold model. For both models, we characterize conditions under which global cascades are possible and compute their size explicitly, as a function of the degree distribution and the clustering coefficient. Our results are applied to regular or power-law graphs with exponential cutoff and shed new light on the impact of clustering.
Spectral Analysis of Markov Kernels and Application to the Convergence Rate Of Discrete Random Walks
Authors: Hervé Loïc , Ledoux James
Published: December 2014

Let {Xn}n∈ℕ be a Markov chain on a measurable space with transition kernel P, and let The Markov kernel P is here considered as a linear bounded operator on the weighted-supremum space associated with V. Then the combination of quasicompactness arguments with precise analysis of eigenelements of P allows us to estimate the geometric rate of convergence ρV(P) of {Xn}n∈ℕ to its invariant probability measure in operator norm on A general procedure to compute ρV(P) for discrete Markov random walks with identically distributed bounded increments is specified.
Projective Stochastic Equations and Nonlinear Long Memory
Authors: Grublytė Ieva , Surgailis Donatas
Published: December 2014

A projective moving average {Xt, t ∈ ℤ} is a Bernoulli shift written as a backward martingale transform of the innovation sequence. We introduce a new class of nonlinear stochastic equations for projective moving averages, termed projective equations, involving a (nonlinear) kernel Q and a linear combination of projections of Xt on ‘intermediate’ lagged innovation subspaces with given coefficients αi and βi,j. The class of such equations includes usual moving average processes and the Volterra series of the LARCH model. Solvability of projective equations is obtained using a recursive equality for projections of the solution Xt. We show that, under certain conditions on Q, αi, and βi,j, this solution exhibits covariance and distributional long memory, with fractional Brownian motion as the limit of the corresponding partial sums process.
Monotone Case for an Extended Process
Authors: Kuchta Małgorzata , Morayne Michał
Published: December 2014

We consider a nonnegative discrete time and bounded horizon process X for which 0 is an absorbing state and extend it by a random variable that is independent of X. We find a sufficient condition for the resulting process to satisfy, after a canonical time rescaling, the hypothesis of the monotone case theorem. If X describes a secretary type search on a poset with one maximal element or if we consider X with no extension then this condition assumes an especially simple log-concavity type form.
On Large Deviations for Small Noise Itô Processes
Authors: Chiarini Alberto , Fischer Markus
Published: December 2014

The large deviation principle in the small noise limit is derived for solutions of possibly degenerate Itô stochastic differential equations with predictable coefficients, which may also depend on the large deviation parameter. The result is established under mild assumptions using the Dupuis-Ellis weak convergence approach. Applications to certain systems with memory and to positive diffusions with square-root-like dispersion coefficient are included.
Investigating CNS synaptogenesis at single-synapse resolution by combining reverse genetics with correlative light and electron microscopy
Authors: Urwyler Olivier , Izadifar Azadeh , Dascenco Dan , Petrovic Milan , He Haihuai , Ayaz Derya , Kremer Anna , Lippens Saskia , Baatsen Pieter , Guérin Christopher J. , Schmucker Dietmar
Published: December 2014

Determining direct synaptic connections of specific neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) is a major technical challenge in neuroscience. As a corollary, molecular pathways controlling developmental synaptogenesis in vivo remain difficult to address. Here, we present genetic tools for efficient and versatile labeling of organelles, cytoskeletal components and proteins at single-neuron and single-synapse resolution in Drosophila mechanosensory (ms) neurons. We extended the imaging analysis to the ultrastructural level by developing a protocol for correlative light and 3D electron microscopy (3D CLEM). We show that in ms neurons, synaptic puncta revealed by genetically encoded markers serve as a reliable indicator of individual active zones. Block-face scanning electron microscopy analysis of ms axons revealed T-bar-shaped dense bodies and other characteristic ultrastructural features of CNS synapses. For a mechanistic analysis, we directly combined the single-neuron labeling approach with cell-specific gene disruption techniques. In proof-of-principle experiments we found evidence for a highly similar requirement for the scaffolding molecule Liprin-α and its interactors Lar and DSyd-1 (RhoGAP100F) in synaptic vesicle recruitment. This suggests that these important synapse regulators might serve a shared role at presynaptic sites within the CNS. In principle, our CLEM approach is broadly applicable to the developmental and ultrastructural analysis of any cell type that can be targeted with genetically encoded markers.
Anionic Polymerization of Optically Active Propene Oxides Bearing Substituted N,N-Diphenylamino Moiety
Authors: Zhang Jin , Zhao Chun-Hui , Yang Li-Wen , Yang Nian-Fa
Published: December 2014

A series of novel chiral propene oxides bearing substituted N,N-diphenylamino moiety were synthesized and anionically polymerized. Most of propene oxides gave polymers possessing high specific rotation and intensive circular dichroism (CD) signals, which were attributed to the helical conformation of the main chain. Poly(3-(4,4′-dimethoxy)diphenylaminopropene oxide) exhibited the highest specific rotation ([α ]36520 = −5400).
L-arginine supplementation and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in healthy men: a double-blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pahlavani Naseh , Jafari Mostafa , Rezaei Masoud , Rasad Hamid , Sadeghi Omid , Rahdar Hossein Ali , Entezari Mohammad Hasan
Published: December 2014

Context: The effect of L-arginine on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has mostly focused on western countries. Since cardiovascular diseases is the second cause of death in Iran and, as far as we are aware, there have been no studies about the effect of L-arginine on CVD risk factors, the aim of this trial was to assess the effects of L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors in healthy men.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors (lipid profile, blood sugar and blood pressure) in Iranian healthy men.

Design, setting, participants: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial in 56 patients selected from sport clubs at the Isfahan University of Medical Science between November 2013 and December 2013.

Interventions: Healthy men received L-arginine supplementation (2000 mg daily) in the intervention group or placebo (2000 mg maltodextrin daily) in the control group for 45 days.

Main outcome measure: The primary outcome measures were we measured the levels of fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid profile including triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, LDL and HDL in healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that these measures would be significantly improved in those receiving L–arginine supplementation. at the beginning and end of the study.

Results: In this trial, we had complete data for 52 healthy participants with mean age of 20.85±4.29 years. At the end of study, fasting blood sugar (P=0.001) and lipid profile (triglycerideTG (P<0.001), cholesterol (P<0.001), LDL (P=0.04), HDL (P=0.015)) decreased in the L-arginine group but we found no significant change in the placebo group. In addition, the reduction of fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in L-arginine was significant compared with placebo group. No significant changes were found about systolic (P=0.81) and diastolic blood pressure either in L-arginine or placebo group. (P=0.532).

Conclusion: The use of L-arginine significantly improved outcomes compared to placebo.
Does apical membrane GLUT2 have a role in intestinal glucose uptake?
Authors: Naftalin Richard J.
Published: December 2014

It has been proposed that the non-saturable component of intestinal glucose absorption, apparent following prolonged exposure to high intraluminal glucose concentrations, is mediated via the low affinity glucose and fructose transporter, GLUT2, upregulated within the small intestinal apical border.

The evidence that the non-saturable transport component is mediated via an apical membrane sugar transporter is that it is inhibited by phloretin, after exposure to phloridzin. Since the other apical membrane sugar transporter, GLUT5, is insensitive to inhibition by either cytochalasin B, or phloretin, GLUT2 was deduced to be the low affinity sugar transport route.

As in its uninhibited state, polarized intestinal glucose absorption depends both on coupled entry of glucose and sodium across the brush border membrane and on the enterocyte cytosolic glucose concentration exceeding that in both luminal and submucosal interstitial fluids, upregulation of GLUT2 within the intestinal brush border will usually stimulate downhill glucose reflux to the intestinal lumen from the enterocytes; thereby reducing, rather than enhancing net glucose absorption across the luminal surface.

These states are simulated with a computer model generating solutions to the differential equations for glucose, Na and water flows between luminal, cell, interstitial and capillary compartments. The model demonstrates that uphill glucose transport via SGLT1 into enterocytes, when short-circuited by any passive glucose carrier in the apical membrane, such as GLUT2, will reduce transcellular glucose absorption and thereby lead to increased paracellular flow. The model also illustrates that apical GLUT2 may usefully act as an osmoregulator to prevent excessive enterocyte volume change with altered luminal glucose concentrations.
Sources and sinks of carbon in boreal ecosystems of interior Alaska: A review
Authors: Douglas Thomas A. , Jones Miriam C. , Hiemstra Christopher A. , Arnold Jeffrey R.
Published: December 2014

Boreal ecosystems store large quantities of carbon but are increasingly vulnerable to carbon loss due to disturbance and climate warming. The boreal region in Alaska and Canada, largely underlain by discontinuous permafrost, presents a challenging landscape for itemizing carbon sources and sinks in soil and vegetation. The roles of fire, forest succession, and the presence (or absence) of permafrost on carbon cycle, vegetation, and hydrologic processes have been the focus of multidisciplinary research in boreal ecosystems for the past 20 years. However, projections of a warming future climate, an increase in fire severity and extent, and the potential degradation of permafrost could lead to major landscape and carbon cycle changes over the next 20 to 50 years. To assist land managers in interior Alaska in adapting and managing for potential changes in the carbon cycle we developed this review paper by incorporating an overview of the climate, ecosystem processes, vegetation, and soil regimes. Our objective is to provide a synthesis of the most current carbon storage estimates and measurements to guide policy and land management decisions on how to best manage carbon sources and sinks. We surveyed estimates of aboveground and belowground carbon stocks for interior Alaska boreal ecosystems and summarized methane and carbon dioxide fluxes. These data have been converted into similar units to facilitate comparison across ecosystem compartments. We identify potential changes in the carbon cycle with climate change and human disturbance. A novel research question is how compounding disturbances affect carbon sources and sinks associated with boreal ecosystem processes. Finally, we provide recommendations to address the challenges facing land managers in efforts to manage carbon cycle processes. The results of this study can be used for carbon cycle management in other locations within the boreal biome which encompasses a broad distribution from 45° to 83° north.
Incisional hernia rate after laparoscopic colorectal resection is reduced with standardisation of specimen extraction
Authors: Navaratnam AV , Ariyaratnam R , Smart NJ , Parker M , Motson RW , Arulampalam TH
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Incisional hernia is a common complication of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Extraction site may influence the rate of incisional hernias. Major risk factors for the development of incisional hernias include age, diabetes, obesity and smoking status. In this study, we investigated the effect of specimen extraction site on incisional hernia rate.

Methods

Two cohorts of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resections in a single centre in 2005 (n=85) and 2009 (n=139) were studied retrospectively. In 2005 all specimens were extracted through transverse muscle cutting incisions. In 2009 all specimens were extracted through midline incisions. Demographic variables, rate of incisional hernias and risk factors for hernia development were compared between the year groups. All patients had been followed up clinically for two years.

Results

A total of 224 patients (mean age: 67.5 years, standard deviation: 16.35 years) were included in this study. Of these, 85 patients were in the 2005 transverse group and 139 were in the 2009 midline group. The total incisional hernia rate for the series was 8.0% at the two-year follow-up visit. For the 2005 group, the incisional hernia rate was 15.3% (n=13) and for the 2009 group, it was 3.6% (n=5) (p<0.01). The body mass index was higher in patients who developed incisional hernias than in those who did not (p=0.02).

Conclusions

The 2005 group had a significantly higher incisional hernia rate than the 2009 group. This is due to the differences in the incision technique and extraction site between the two groups.
Patient reported outcome measures in septorhinoplasty surgery
Authors: Biggs TC , Fraser LR , Ward MJ , Sunkaraneni VS , Harries PG , Salib RJ
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Surgical procedures incorporating a cosmetic element such as septorhinoplasty and otoplasty are currently under threat in the National Health Service (NHS) as they are deemed to be procedures of ‘limited clinical benefit’ by many primary care providers. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), which assess the quality of care delivered from the patients’ perspective, are becoming increasingly important in documenting the effectiveness of such procedures.

Methods

The Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation (ROE) questionnaire, a validated PROM tool, was used to assess patient satisfaction in 141 patients undergoing septorhinoplasty surgery over a 90-month period at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.

Results

Overall, 100 patients with a mean follow-up period of 36 months completed the study. The mean ROE score was 73.3%. In addition, 75% of patients questioned were happy with the final result of their operation and 83% would undergo the procedure again if required. These benefits occurred irrespective of age, sex and primary versus revision surgery, and were maintained for up to 71 months following surgery.

Conclusions

This study has shown that patients are generally satisfied with their functional and cosmetic outcomes following septorhinoplasty surgery. These results help support the case for septorhinoplasty surgery to continue being funded as an NHS procedure.
Blood cultures in acute surgical admissions
Authors: Dunne DFJ , McDonald R , Ratnayake R , Malik HZ , Ward R , Poston GJ , Fenwick SW
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Obtaining blood cultures prior to the administration of antimicrobial therapy was a key recommendation of the 2012 UK Surviving Sepsis Campaign. Few studies have examined the effect blood cultures have on clinical management and there have been none on acute surgical admissions. This retrospective study sought to evaluate the effect of blood cultures on clinical management in acute surgical admissions.

Methods

Data on acute surgical patients admitted between 1 January and 31 December 2012 were extracted from hospital records. Patients given intravenous antibiotics within 24 hours of admission were identified. Data collected included antibiotics administered, blood culture results, admission observations and white blood cell count. Case notes were reviewed for patients with positive cultures to establish whether the result led to a change in management.

Results

Of 5,887 acute surgical admissions, 1,346 received intravenous antibiotics within 24 hours and 978 sets of blood cultures were taken in 690 patients. The recommended two sets of cultures were obtained in 246 patients (18%). Patients who had blood cultures taken had the same in-hospital mortality as those who had none taken (3.6% vs 3.5%, p=0.97). Blood cultures were positive in 80 cases (11.6%). The presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome did not increase positivity rates (12.9% vs 10.3%, p=0.28). Overall, cultures altered management in two patients (0.3%).

Conclusions

Blood cultures rarely affect clinical management. In order to assess the additional value that blood cultures bring to sepsis management in acute surgical admissions, a prospective randomised trial focusing on outcome is needed.
Successful management of abdominal wound dehiscence using a vacuum assisted closure system combined with mesh-mediated medial traction
Authors: Lord AC , Hompes R , Venkatasubramaniam A , Arnold S
Published: December 2014

Management of the open abdomen has advanced significantly in recent years with the increasing use of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) techniques leading to increased rates of fascial closure. We present the case of a patient who suffered two complete abdominal wall dehiscences after an elective laparotomy, meaning primary closure was no longer possible. She was treated successfully with a VAC system combined with continuous medial traction using a Prolene® mesh. This technique has not been described before in the management of patients following wound dehiscence.
Hospital trends of admissions and procedures for acute leg ischaemia in England, 2000–2011
Authors: von Allmen RS , Anjum A , Powell JT , Earnshaw JJ
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Acute leg ischaemia (ALI) is a common vascular emergency for which new minimally invasive treatment options were introduced in the 1990s. The aim of this study was to determine recent hospital trends for ALI in England and to assess whether the introduction of the new treatment modalities had affected management.

Methods

Routine hospital data covering ALI were provided by Hospital Episode Statistics for the years 2000 to 2011 and mortality data were obtained from the Office for National Statistics. All data were age standardised, reported per 100,000 of the population, and stratified by age band (60–74 years and ≥75 years) and sex.

Results

Hospital admissions have risen significantly from 60.3 to 94.3 per 100,000 of the population, with an average annual increase of 6.2% since 2003 (p<0.001). The rise was greater in the older age group (from 79.9 to 134.4 vs 49.3 to 73.0) and yet procedures for ALI have shown a significant decrease since 2000 from 14.3 to 12.4 per 100,000 (p=0.013), independent of age and sex. Open embolectomy of the femoral artery remains the most common procedure and the proportion of endovascular interventions showed only a small increase. Only a few deaths were attributed to ALI (range: 95–150 deaths per year).

Conclusions

Hospital workload for ALI has increased, particularly since 2003, but this trend does not appear to have translated into increased endovascular or surgical activity.
Varizig Dilution Issue Reported; Prostin E2 Suppository Confused with Progesterone; FIRST Brand Oral Vancomycin Needs Improved Labeling
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: December 2014

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your news-letters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Pancreatitis-Associated with Riluzole; Linezolid-Induced Hypoglycemia; Sorafenib-Induced Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis; Creatine Supplementation–Induced Thrombotic Events; Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Quetiapine; Hypomagnesemia and Seizure Associated with Rabeprazole
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers. Write to Dr. Mancano at ISMP, 200 Lakeside Drive, Suite 200, Horsham, PA 19044 (phone: 215-707-4936; e-mail: mmancano@temple.edu ). Your report will be published anonymously unless otherwise requested. This feature is provided by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) in cooperation with the FDA's MedWatch program and Temple University School of Pharmacy. ISMP is an FDA MedWatch partner.
Drug Monographs: Belinostat and Idelalisib
Authors: Piper Whitney L. , Waddell J. Aubrey , Solimando Dominic A.
Published: December 2014

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases. Questions or suggestions for topics should be addressed to Dominic A. Solimando, Jr, President, Oncology Pharmacy Services, Inc., 4201 Wilson Blvd #110-545, Arlington, VA 22203, e-mail: OncRxSvc@comcast.net ; or J. Aubrey Waddell, Professor, University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy; Oncology Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department, Blount Memorial Hospital, 907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804, e-mail: waddfour@charter.net .
Pharmacist Involvement at Discharge with the Joint Commission Heart Failure Core Measure: Challenges and Lessons Learned
Authors: Herring Holly , Smith Winter , Ripley Toni , Farmer Kevin
Published: December 2014

Background

Pharmacists are vital health care providers to patients with heart failure (HF), but their compliance to the HF core measure has not been clearly defined.

Objective

The objective of this study was to measure the impact of pharmacist involvement at discharge on compliance with The Joint Commission HF core measure.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at a 361-bed academic teaching institution. A pharmacist performed chart reviews just prior to discharge on adult patients with a preliminary diagnosis of HF (ie, clinical suspicion) to evaluate compliance with the HF core measure. The pharmacist then intervened as needed to ensure compliance. The primary outcome was HF core measure compliance rates with pharmacist involvement at discharge compared to rates during the same 3-month period during the previous year (without pharmacist involvement).

Results

Of 92 patients admitted with clinical suspicion of HF, the pharmacist was able to review 45 patient charts at discharge (49%). The majority of interventions made by the pharmacist were due to medication discrepancies within the discharge instructions found during medication reconciliation. Rates of compliance with the HF core measure did not differ between the period with pharmacist involvement at discharge and the previous period (without pharmacist involvement, P = .39). However, barriers to compliance related to discharge medication documentation, interdisciplinary communication, and manpower were identified through the process.

Conclusion

Although pharmacist involvement at discharge did not translate into improved compliance with the HF core measure, systematic barriers to compliance were identified and are currently being addressed.
Improved Pharmacy Department Workflow with New Method of Order Entry for Single-Agent, High-Dose Methotrexate
Authors: Kintzel Polly E. , VanDyke Thomas H. , Athmann Paul W. , Mills Lisa B. , Bonter Michael P. , Bremer Matthew W. , Dougherty Mary L. , Foster Ryan W. , Knight Sandra K. , Slot Martha G. , Steinmetz-Malato Laura L.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To determine whether a process change impacted the proportion of orders for single-agent, high-dose methotrexate entered by chemotherapy pharmacists instead of general pharmacy staff. Coordination of antiemetic premedication and leucovorin rescue with the new method of order entry was evaluated.

Methods

Adults treated with single-agent, high-dose methotrexate were identified retrospectively. Order entry of methotrexate and ancillary medications was examined to determine whether the old or new method was used and whether it was performed by a chemotherapy pharmacist. The fundamental difference between the old and new methods for order entry is use of the “unscheduled” frequency of medication administration to replace the administration frequency of “once” with a specified date and time. Timing of antiemetic premedication and leucovorin rescue relative to methotrexate administration were tallied for the new method. Chi-square analysis was performed for the primary objective. Observational statistics were performed otherwise.

Results

The number of evaluable encounters identified was 158. A chemotherapy pharmacist entered a greater proportion of orders when the new method was utilized ( P < .0001). The proportion of orders entered by a chemotherapy pharmacist increased during the hours of 0700 and 2259 with the new method. Appropriate coordination of antiemetic and leucovorin administration was documented for 96% and 100% of cases with the new method of order entry.

Conclusion

The proportion of orders for single-agent, high-dose methotrexate entered by a chemotherapy pharmacist was significantly greater with the use of the new method. Administration of antiemetic premedication and leucovorin rescue were appropriately coordinated with the use of the new method for order entry of single-agent, high-dose methotrexate.
Warfarin-Induced Skin Necrosis
Authors: Pourdeyhimi Neda , Bullard Zackery
Published: December 2014

Background

Warfarin is a frequently used oral anticoagulant in the treatment and prevention of various medical conditions. One uncommon adverse effect that can occur following the initiation of therapy is warfarin-induced skin necrosis. Because it is a rare effect with an undetermined pathophysiology of disease, the treatment is not well established.

Case

A 52-year-old female was prescribed warfarin and enoxaparin for a newly diagnosed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left lower extremity. On day 4 of therapy, the patient had a supra-therapeutic international normalized ratio (INR), prompting the discontinuation of enoxaparin and a decrease in the warfarin dose. The patient returned to the emergency department on day 7 of treatment with a purple, cold, and extremely painful right foot with punctate areas of necrosis and petechiae proximal to the discoloration. The patient's INR was found to be 10.64. Following the diagnosis of warfarin-induced skin necrosis, the patient was administered vitamin K intravenously and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) to reverse the effects of warfarin and promote protein C and S synthesis. Once the patient's INR was no longer supratherapeutic, subcutaneous enoxaparin was re-started as treatment for the known recent DVT. The patient's necrotic foot began to improve and she was discharged home with an anticipated full recovery.

Conclusions

Based on the proposed pathophysiology of disease, adequate bridge therapy may decrease the likelihood of developing this life-threatening condition. Early recognition and treatment with intravenous vitamin K, FFP or 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate, and continued wound care are essential to prevent further complications.
Oritavancin Diphosphate
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Baker Danial E.
Published: December 2014

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The December 2014 monograph topics are olodaterol, peginterferon beta-1a, testosterone nasal gel, ferric citrate corredination complex, and safinamide. The Safety MUE is on olodaterol.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: December 2014

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at danial.baker@wsu.edu .
Getting Back to the “Roots” of Drug Information and Looking at the Future Potential
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: December 2014

Drug information service was one of the first specialty areas of pharmacy practice. The importance of effectively searching, interpreting, and applying the medical literature continues today. The information systems that we use in today's health care environment have created new opportunities for pharmacists to apply their drug information expertise. We address some of these opportunities this month, along with a brief tie-in to work performed over a decade ago.
Disrupting the flow: Still-activism redirecting neo-liberal capitalism
Authors: Klein Kelly
Published: December 2014

The performance of stillness is a potent tool of contemporary activism, utilized in the Chipko movement against forest privatization in Uttarakhand, India, protests against the Keystone XL Pipeline in North America, and Pick Up America’s litter clean-up across the United States. These activists choreograph stillness to interrupt the ontological flow of modernity – and concurrently the material flow of capital and resources – in order to intervene in the unsustainable components of the neo-liberal capitalist system. This investigation highlights the body as central to interrupting regimes of capital and subjectivity through non-violent means – in this case, through what the author calls still-activism.
Future-oriented citizenship: A possible citizenship model starting from the case of Singapore
Authors: Lee Wing On
Published: December 2014

At present, there are seven main citizenship concepts in general – namely, classical citizenship (Athen’s citizenship as office-bearer), liberal citizenship (human right to be citizens), social citizenship (citizens’ right for social welfare), national citizenship (citizens in nation states), multiple citizenship, post-national citizenship and global citizenship. What is reflected in the development of these concepts is the historical progress from seeing citizenship as a privilege to regarding it as a political and social right, and from citizenship restricted to nations to one that is global. What is also shown is that the concept of citizenship is rather fluid and dynamic. Thus, it is sometimes understood as flexible citizenship today. Despite these different names and conceptualizations, the understanding of citizenship education is still confined to the socialization framework. That is, the purpose of citizenship education is to teach young people about the ‘here and now’ and about how they can participate properly in the localities of various citizenship contexts. However, as we move into the twenty first century, citizens are facing a highly mobile and changing society. A particularly urgent and important task for twenty first-century education is to equip people with twenty first-century competence, which they need to survive and thrive in the uncertain and unpredicatable world. Therefore, educating citizens for the future becomes an essential issue. In this regard some important questions need to be answered, such as ‘Is it possible to socialize for the future unknown world that is full of uncertainty?’ ‘What would be the unique features of citizenship education that focuses on becoming rather than being?’ ‘What would be the future modes of interactions between the government and citizens while they are both unsure about the future?’ Rather than trying to find definite answers for these questions, this article would like to provide some observations starting from the Singapore context, which is attempting to prepare citizens for the future.
Carotid endarterectomy with local anesthesia and laryngeal mask airway/general anesthesia
Authors: Pergolizzi Joseph V. , Gruendling Steven , Bermudez Adrian , Annabi Hani , Fleischer Charles , Taylor Robert
Published: December 2014

There is no clear consensus as to the appropriate anesthetic technique for patients undergoing a carotid endarterectomy. Such patients may have comorbid conditions, such as coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and others. The two main anesthetic approaches are general anesthesia, including an endotracheal tube, with neurological monitoring, and regional anesthesia that allows for an awake patient to be assessed neurologically. The objective of our report was to evaluate a novel anesthetic technique that combined general anesthesia with a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) plus regional anesthesia in the form of bupivacaine injected into the surgical site. Anesthesia was maintained with desflurane 4%, so the patient emerged rapidly for neurological assessment at the conclusion of surgery. We report on a case of a 55-year-old patient who underwent a successful carotid endarterectomy using this hybrid technique of general anesthesia with LMA plus regional anesthesia. This technique was safe and effective, and the patient experienced no complications other than a hematoma on the left neck that was likely the result of long-term use of aspirin and Plavix. While further study is warranted, this hybrid technique of general anesthesia with LMA plus regional anesthesia holds promise for carotid endarterectomy patients.
The prisoner’s dilemma and economics 101: Do active learning exercises correlate with student performance?
Authors: Byun Chong Hyun Christie
Published: December 2014

The importance of active learning in the classroom has been well established in the field of Economic education. This paper examines the connection between active learning and performance outcomes in an Economics 101 course. Students participated in single play simultaneous move game with a clear dominant strategy, modeled after the Prisoner’s Dilemma. The hypothesis is that if a student understands the Prisoner’s Dilemma and the relevant assumptions in Economic theory, he will choose the dominant strategy in the game. But will his choice be correlated with his performance on two important metrics? Empirical evidence indicates that there is a correlation between a student’s performance on the Prisoner’s Dilemma game and his performance on the subsequent in-class exam and in the course overall.
Preparing students for community-based learning using an asset-based approach
Authors: Garoutte Lisa , McCarthy-Gilmore Kate
Published: December 2014

One goal of service and community-based learning is to produce students who are more tightly engaged in the larger communities surrounding their institutions. Drawing on data from three courses, we argue that an asset-based approach plays a role in creating authentic campus-community partnerships that strive to engage students as members of the community from the outset and throughout their service learning courses. Asset-based activities help students come to understand the value of relationships amongst community members while also underscoring the value of their individual role in this group.  As such, students are more prepared for future work within the community.
Clinical Considerations for Conducting Child-Parent Psychotherapy with Young Children with Developmental Disabilities Who Have Experienced Trauma
Authors: Ghosh Ippen Chandra , Noroña Carmen Rosa , Lieberman Alicia F.
Published: December 2014

Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is an evidence-based treatment for children age 0-5 who have experienced at least one traumatic event and/or are experiencing mental health, attachment, and/or behavioral problems. Harley, Williams, Zamora, & Lakatos (2014) use a case study approach to examine the utility of CPP for working with children with developmental disabilities. They share specific ways in which the model can be tailored for this population. In this commentary, we reflect on their work with James, a 14-month old Latino boy with global delays related to a stroke he suffered after surgery for a congenital heart defect, and Juan, a 6 year, 2 month old boy diagnosed as autistic who has also experienced multiple traumas. We highlight interventions that address core CPP goals and discuss the need to address four key topic areas when conducting CPP with children with disabilities: 1) the importance of addressing risks that present within the caregiver-child relationship, including caregivers’ unresolved grief; 2) the potential for the caregiver or child’s history of trauma to contribute to challenges in the child and caregiver’s functioning; 3) the importance of working as part of an interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and better address the complex needs of families; and 4) the importance of applying a socio-cultural lens in every aspect of the work.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy in the Context of the Developmental Disability and Medical Service Systems
Authors: Williams Marian E. , Carson Melissa C. , Zamora Irina , Harley Eliza K. , Lakatos Patricia P.
Published: December 2014

Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), an evidence-based dyadic treatment for young children who have experienced trauma, shows promise in intervening with children with developmental disabilities, as illustrated in the cases we described of 14-month-old "James" and 6-year-2-month-old "Juan" (Harley, Williams, Zamora, & Lakatos, 2014). In their thoughtful commentary on these cases, Ghosh Ippen, Noroña, & Lieberman (2014) discuss additional clinical considerations important to the use of CPP with this population.  In this response, we explore further implementation of CPP in the context of the developmental disability and medical service systems.  In particular, we highlight the importance of resilience in parents’ responses to their child’s developmental disability, contributions from pediatric psychology to understanding pediatric medical traumatic stress, infusing relationship-based approaches in collaboration with other service systems, and addressing barriers to service access in ethnic minority families. Finally, we provide recommendations for training and fidelity monitoring when applying CPP to children with developmental disabilities and their families.
Predicting Advertising success beyond Traditional Measures: New Insights from Neurophysiological Methods and Market Response Modeling
Authors: Venkatraman Vinod , Dimoka Angelika , Pavlou Paul A. , Vo Khoi , Hampton William , Bollinger Bryan , Hershfield Hal E. , Ishihara Masakazu , Winer Russell S.
Published: December 2014

In the past decade, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of neurophysiological methods to better understand marketing phenomena among academics and practitioners. However, the value of these methods in predicting advertising success remains underresearched. Using a unique experimental protocol to assess responses to 30-second television ads, the authors capture many measures of advertising effectiveness across six commonly used methods (traditional self-reports, implicit measures, eye tracking, biometrics, electroencephalography, and functional magnetic resonance imaging). These measures have been shown to reliably tap into higher-level constructs commonly used in advertising research: attention, affect, memory, and desirability. Using time-series data on sales and gross rating points, the authors attempt to relate individual-level response to television ads in the lab to the ads’ aggregate, market-level elasticities. The authors show that functional magnetic resonance imaging measures explain the most variance in advertising elasticities beyond the baseline traditional measures. Notably, activity in the ventral striatum is the strongest predictor of real-world, market-level response to advertising. The authors discuss the findings and their significant implications for theory, research, and practice.
Geographical distribution, roost selection, and conservation state of cave-dwelling bats in China
Authors: Bu Yanzhen , Wang Yanmei , Zhang Chan , Liu Wei , Zhou Huixian , Yu Yan , Niu Hongxing
Published: December 2014

This study was conducted to understand the distribution and roost characteristics of cave-dwelling bats and to identify those sites that are important for the conservation of bat species in China. A total of 129 roosts in four zoogeographic regions in China, 56 of which had not been previously surveyed, were investigated in this 3-year study (2010–2013). Approximately 95,000 bats representing 32 species were recorded, and the results will provide a reference for future bat research. The bat species of central China are the most abundant because a total of 21 species were found in that region. Southwest China had the largest average number of bat species in each roost, whereas southern China had the largest average number of bats in each roost. Natural caves accommodated >57,000 individuals representing 29 bat species, and the average number of bats in each natural cave was 723.1. The general trend in the number of bat species was decreasing with an increase in altitude. At present, few caves have adequate protection, and some bat populations are under serious threat. The data will help local governments develop suitable strategies to promote local tourism while protecting important habitats of animal species.
Exploring homogeneity of correlation structures of gene expression datasets within and between etiological disease categories
Authors: Jong Victor L. , Novianti Putri W. , Roes Kit C.B. , Eijkemans Marinus J.C.
Published: December 2014

The literature shows that classifiers perform differently across datasets and that correlations within datasets affect the performance of classifiers. The question that arises is whether the correlation structure within datasets differ significantly across diseases. In this study, we evaluated the homogeneity of correlation structures within and between datasets of six etiological disease categories; inflammatory, immune, infectious, degenerative, hereditary and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We also assessed the effect of filtering; detection call and variance filtering on correlation structures. We downloaded microarray datasets from ArrayExpress for experiments meeting predefined criteria and ended up with 12 datasets for non-cancerous diseases and six for AML. The datasets were preprocessed by a common procedure incorporating platform-specific recommendations and the two filtering methods mentioned above. Homogeneity of correlation matrices between and within datasets of etiological diseases was assessed using the Box’s