bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
iPads, Kindles and Tablets, oh my: using a technology petting zoo to teach about downloadable ebooks
Authors: Bernadette Buljung Brianna , Gale Cooper Karen
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the technology petting zoo developed and hosted by the National Defense University Library. It highlights the poster presentation given at the Special Libraries Association Conference held in Chicago on July 17, 2012. The project was voted best poster by attendees to the session.

Design/methodology/approach

Faced with a bring‐your‐own‐device (BYOD) environment, NDU librarians implemented a technology petting zoo to inform patrons about the availability of the library's resources on personal computing devices. They overcame technology and security issues inherent in the NDU computing environment, and used the event to connect patrons directly with the library's downloadable electronic resources.

Findings

The event was successful, with more than 80 patrons in attendance. Through the experience, staff acquired knowledge and experience to better serve patrons with inquiries about online and downloadable materials. Patrons and library staff learned to use personal computers and devices to access library materials, especially downloadable ebooks, remotely.

Practical implications

The petting zoo model changed the way NDU staff and patrons interact with downloadable resources. Successfully hosting a zoo event is especially difficult in federal settings, but the NDU team established the means of supporting off‐site access while observing regulations.

Originality/value

This project has value for government libraries because it leverages the increasingly popular BYOD environment to connect patrons to important resources. The paper also has broad applications in the corporate sector because many corporate libraries are also working to facilitate increasing access to library resources within stringent security guidelines.
Bureaucratic politics, policy learning, and changes of antidumping policy and rules in Japan
Authors: Song Joon‐heon , Lee Kyoung‐joo
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to deepen understanding of the interrelated questions: how Japanese antidumping policies have been formulated and transformed; what the reasons are for such caution in adopting antidumping measures; and what patterns can be observed of recent changes in antidumping policy and legal systems.

Design/methodology/approach

To explain the changes in antidumping policy and rules in Japan, this paper examines not only political competition among bureaucratic organizations but also policy learning by bureaucratic organizations and their effects on change in policy preferences and advancements in the legal system.

Findings

The effects of bureaucratic politics and policy learning not only complexly interact but also are highly complicated to initiate policy changes in accordance with the maturity of antidumping legal system. In this case study, the policy learning has led the rival bureaucrats to a consensus to change antidumping policy and legal system, but the agreement could be a temporal truce that may easily collapse by political contingencies.

Originality/value

Along with the influences of large‐scale economic and political dynamisms, this paper focuses on two aspects of the policy subsystem to explain those changes: one is political competition among bureaucratic organizations claiming jurisdiction of antidumping policy; the other is the effect of policy learning among bureaucratic organizations on changes in policy preferences and on advancements in antidumping rules.
The impact of the EU Generalized System of Preferences on exports and GSP utilization by Asian and Latin American countries
Authors: Cuyvers Ludo , Soeng Reth
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of changes in the Generalized System of Preferences of the European Union, on the EU GSP imports from beneficiary countries in ASEAN and China, and Latin America, respectively, and the utilization of GSP benefits by these countries for the period 1994‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

The econometric model specifications used is with unlagged and one year lagged reactions. GSP dummy variables are added in order to test whether the changes in the EU GSP has had impact on bilateral trade flows and the degree of utilization.

Findings

The paper finds that EU GSP agricultural imports are negatively affected by the changes in the EU GSP system, but these of industrial products seem to have positively reacted to changes in the EU GSP. For imports of textile products, the results are not significant. It is also found that ASEAN plus China are significantly benefiting more from the EU GSP for industrial and textile products than the Latin American countries, but the changes in the GSP had no significant different effect on both groups of countries. The authors estimations also show that the graduation mechanism in the EU GSP, against beneficiary countries with higher EU market shares, seems to be effective for industrial products, but in contrast, is working in favour of such countries for textile products. By and large, the other graduation mechanism in the EU GSP linking GSP benefits and level of development of the beneficiary country has not been effective.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to address the issue how the many changes in the EU GSP since 1994 have affected the exports and GSP utilization of beneficiary countries.
Evaluation of effects of copper histidine on copper transporter 1‐mediated accumulation of platinum and oxaliplatin‐induced neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ip Virginia , Liu Johnson J , McKeage Mark J
Published: April 2013

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether copper histidine could inhibit copper transporter 1 (Ctr1)‐mediated transport of oxaliplatin in vitro and thereby limit the accumulation of platinum and neurotoxicity of oxaliplatin in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissue in vivo.

In HEK293 cells overexpressing rat Ctr1, copper histidine was shown to be transported by Ctr1 and to inhibit their Ctr1‐mediated uptake of oxaliplatin.

Pilot in vivo dose‐finding studies showed that copper histidine at doses up to 2 mg/kg, p.o., daily for 5 days/week could be added to maximum tolerated doses of oxaliplatin (1.85 mg/kg, i.p., twice weekly) for 8 week combination treatment studies in female Wistar rats.

After treatment, rats showed significant changes in sensory neuron size profiles in DRG tissue induced by oxaliplatin that were not altered by its coadministration with copper histidine.

The expression of copper transporters (Ctr1 and copper‐transporting P‐type ATPase 1 (Atp7a)) in DRG tissue appeared unchanged following treatment with oxaliplatin given alone or with copper histidine.

Platinum and copper tissue levels were higher in DRG than in most other tissues, but were unaltered by the addition of copper histidine to oxaliplatin treatment.

In conclusion, copper histidine inhibited cellular uptake of oxaliplatin mediated by Ctr1 in vitro without altering the accumulation of platinum or neurotoxicity of oxaliplatin in DRG tissue in vivo at doses tolerated in combination with oxaliplatin treatment.
Medicare Payment Reform and Provider Entry and Exit in the Post‐Acute Care Market
Authors: Huckfeldt Peter J. , Sood Neeraj , Romley John A. , Malchiodi Alessandro , Escarce José J.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To understand the impacts of Medicare payment reform on the entry and exit of post‐acute providers.

Data Sources

Medicare Provider of Services data, Cost Reports, and Census data from 1991 through 2010.

Study Design

We examined market‐level changes in entry and exit after payment reforms relative to a preexisting time trend. We also compared changes in high Medicare share markets relative to lower Medicare share markets and for freestanding relative to hospital‐based facilities.

Data Extraction Methods

We calculated market‐level entry, exit, and total stock of home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities from Provider of Services files between 1992 and 2010. We linked these measures with demographic information from the Census and American Community Survey, information on Certificate of Need laws, and Medicare share of facilities in each market drawn from Cost Report data.

Principal Findings

Payment reforms reducing average and marginal payments reduced entries and increased exits from the market. Entry effects were larger and more persistent than exit effects. Entry and exit rates fluctuated more for home health agencies than skilled nursing facilities. Effects on number of providers were consistent with entry and exit effects.

Conclusions

Payment reform affects market entry and exit, which in turn may affect market structure, access to care, quality and cost of care, and patient outcomes. Policy makers should consider potential impacts of payment reforms on post‐acute care market structure when implementing these reforms.
Does retailer power lead to exclusion?
Authors: Rey Patrick , Whinston Michael D.
Published: April 2013

This article examines whether retailer bargaining power and upfront slotting allowances prevent small manufacturers (who have no bargaining power) from obtaining adequate distribution. In contrast to the findings of Marx and Shaffer (2007), who show that all equilibria involve limited distribution (i.e., exclusion of a retailer), we show that there is always an equilibrium in which full distribution is obtained, provided that full distribution is the industry profit‐maximizing outcome. The key feature leading to this differing result is that we do not restrict each retailer to offering the manufacturer a single tariff.
Objective Bayesian Search of Gaussian Directed Acyclic Graphical Models for Ordered Variables with Non‐Local Priors
Authors: Altomare Davide , Consonni Guido , La Rocca Luca
Published: April 2013

Directed acyclic graphical (DAG) models are increasingly employed in the study of physical and biological systems to model direct influences between variables. Identifying the graph from data is a challenging endeavor, which can be more reasonably tackled if the variables are assumed to satisfy a given ordering; in this case we simply have to estimate the presence or absence of each potential edge. Working under this assumption, we propose an objective Bayesian method for searching the space of Gaussian DAG models, which provides a rich output from minimal input. We base our analysis on non‐local parameter priors, which are especially suited for learning sparse graphs, because they allow a faster learning rate, relative to ordinary local parameter priors, when the true unknown sampling distribution belongs to a simple model. We implement an efficient stochastic search algorithm, which deals effectively with data sets having sample size smaller than the number of variables, and apply our method to a variety of simulated and real data sets. Our approach compares favorably, in terms of the ROC curve for edge hit rate versus false alarm rate, to current state‐of‐the‐art frequentist methods relying on the assumption of ordered variables; under this assumption it exhibits a competitive advantage over the PC‐algorithm, which can be considered as a frequentist benchmark for unordered variables. Importantly, we find that our method is still at an advantage for learning the skeleton of the DAG, when the ordering of the variables is only moderately mis‐specified. Prospectively, our method could be coupled with a strategy to learn the order of the variables, thus dropping the known ordering assumption.
Statistics of Medical Imaging by LEI, T.
Authors: Zhu Hongtu
Published: April 2013

EDITOR: GUILHERME J. M. ROSA

Statistics of Medical Imaging

(T. Lei)

Hongtu Zhu

Bayesian Smoothing and Regression for Longitudinal, Spatial and Event History Data

(L. Fahrmeir and T. Kneib)

Renato Assunção

Targeted Learning

(M. van der Laan and S. Rose)

Andrea Rotnitzky
Inhibition of related JAK/STAT pathways with molecular targeted drugs shows strong synergy with ruxolitinib in chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Barrio Santiago , Gallardo Miguel , Arenas Alicia , Ayala Rosa , Rapado Inmaculada , Rueda Daniel , Jiménez‐Ubieto Ana , Albizua Enriqueta , Burgaleta Carmen , Gilsanz Florinda , Martinez‐Lopez Joaquin
Published: April 2013

This study aimed to assess the antitumour effects, molecular mechanisms of action, and potential synergy of ruxolitinib with sorafenib, KNK437, dasatinib, and perifosine, in Philadelphia‐negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of the different compounds were determined in the JAK2 V617F‐positive cell lines, HEL and Ba/F3 JAK2V617F EPOR, and in primary mononuclear and bone marrow CD34‐positive cells from 19 MPN patients. Ruxolitinib [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50)PV = 15 nmol/l], as well as sorafenib (), KNK437 ( ), and perifosine ( ), were able to inhibit proliferation in cell line models and in primary cells from MPN patients. Dasatinib, KNK437, and sorafenib showed a strong synergistic effect in combination with ruxolitinib [combination index (CI)PV < 0·3]. Western blot confirmed that ruxolitinib blocked ERK, and consequently STAT5 activation, sorafenib inhibited ERK, P38 and STAT5, dasatinib blocked SRC and STAT5, and KNK437 decreased the stability of the JAK2 protein, reducing its expression. Inhibiting JAK2‐related proliferative pathways has the potential to inhibit cell proliferation in MPNs. Furthermore, the combination of ruxolitinib with inhibitors that target these pathways has a strong synergistic effect, which may be due to decreased activation of the common effector, STAT5.
Anticoagulation for prevention and treatment of cancer‐related venous thromboembolism
Authors: Barsam Sarah J. , Patel Raj , Arya Roopen
Published: April 2013

The close relationship between malignancy and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well established, with malignancy increasing VTE risk and accounting for a substantial proportion of presentations with VTE. Moreover, VTE impacts significantly on morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Anticoagulation for prevention and treatment of VTE requires a patient‐centred approach due to the heterogeneous patient population and inherent increased thrombotic and bleeding risks. In recent years, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injections have come to be the mainstay for treatment and prevention of cancer‐related VTE. For treatment, this is usually administered for at least 6 months and continued in patients with active cancer or those receiving treatment for cancer. The use of LMWH for thromboprophylaxis in hospitalised cancer patients is also well accepted, but out‐of‐hospital prophylaxis remains contentious. The development of risk assessment models may help identify the patients at highest risk. The role of the new oral factor Xa and thrombin inhibitors in this setting remains to be determined.
Concentric Spherical Representation for Omnidirectional Soft Shadow
Authors: Xiao Yi , Leung Chi Sing , Ho Tze Yui , Wan Liang , Wong Tien Tsing
Published: April 2013

Soft shadows play an important role in photo‐realistic rendering. Although there are many efficient soft shadow algorithms, most of them focus on the one‐side light source situation, where a planar light source is on the outside of the scene. In fact, in many situations, such as games, light sources are omnidirectional. They may be surrounded by a number of 3D objects. This paper proposes a soft shadow algorithm for the omnidirectional situation. We develop a concentric spherical representation to model the behaviour of omnidirectional light sources. To provide better rendering results, a novel summed area table based filtering scheme for spherical functions is proposed. In addition, we utilize unicube mapping, which samples the spherical space more uniformly, to further improve the filtering quality.
Personal Beliefs and National Stories: Theater in Museums as a Tool for Exploring Historical Memory
Authors: Evans Susan
Published: April 2013

How does what we remember about history relate to true historical understanding, and how can the museum become a location for these conversations? During the summer of 2011, the National Museum of American History challenged audiences to consider issues of historical memory and national history through the performance of an interactive museum theater program, The Time Trial of John Brown. Using the Time Trial approach as a case study, this article reveals that interactive theater in museums can provide a platform from which audiences assert their own historical understanding while learning firsthand about their role in creating a shared knowledge of American history. As the role of museums evolves in the twenty‐first century, new attention must be paid to this personal process of examining and creating history and memory through performance. It is through performance and participation that history and memory are both examined and created by the audience.
New Directions, New Relationships: The Smithsonian's Twenty‐first Century Learning in Natural History Settings Conference and the Natural History Museum, London
Authors: Irwin Brad , Pegram Emma , Gay Honor
Published: April 2013

The Twenty‐first Century Learning in Natural History Settings Conference at the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. (2012) has been more influential than similar conferences, resulting in new work streams and international collaborations for the Learning Research and Evaluation team at the Natural History Museum, London (NHM). The conference offered a rare opportunity to discuss issues relevant to our unique workplace and to be surrounded by an instant peer group. Although the event itself brought personal and professional satisfaction, it is the impact of the conference on our institution that has been most fulfilling. The conference has enabled us to think bigger—to think about the sector as a whole and the role the NHM can play as a large national museum.
The Birth, Death, and Persistence of Firms: Creative Destruction and the Spatial Distribution of U.S. Manufacturing Establishments, 2000–2006
Authors: Brown Jason P. , Lambert Dayton M. , Florax Raymond J. G. M.
Published: April 2013

This article deals with the dynamics of the U.S. manufacturing sector, analyzing the birth, death, and ongoing existence of firms in the beginning of the twenty‐first century. Schumpeter's notion of creative destruction is hypothesized to explain the spatiotemporal dynamics of the distribution of manufacturing establishments. We implemented a partial adjustment model that accounts for spillover effects between counties, unknown forms of heteroskedasticity, and spatial autocorrelation. The steady‐state equilibrium birth and death rates converged to 6.8 percent and 6.1 percent per year, respectively, during the 2000–06 period. We found that firm birth and death were not decisively affected by a creative destruction process during that period, but firm birth and death positively affect the survival (or persistence) rate of single‐unit manufacturing firms.
3D Transthoracic Echocardiography of Brucella Endoaortitis and Endocarditis of the Aortic Valve and Ascending Aorta
Authors: Jariwala Pankaj
Published: April 2013

Mini‐Abstract

Endocarditis is a rare complication of brucellosis, and it is the most common cause of deaths in brucellosis. We report a case of Brucella endocarditis and endoaortitis of the bicuspid aortic valve and ascending aorta (sinotubular junction) diagnosed with real time three‐dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography. The vegetation attached to ascending aorta could be delineated with help of 3D transthoracic echocardiography suggestive of Brucella endoaortitis which is seen in fulminant infections like brucellosis. 3D echocardiography helped to understand the pathophysiology of Brucella endo‐aorto‐carditis which not only infects valvular structures but also the aortic.
The association between asymptomatic coronary artery disease and CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores in patients with stroke
Authors: Cha M.‐J. , Lee H. S. , Kim Y. D. , Nam H. S. , Heo J. H.
Published: April 2013

Background and purpose

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores are measurement tools that stratify thromboembolic risk in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation, and are predictive of cerebral atherosclerosis, fatal stroke and ischaemic heart disease. Patients with higher CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores are more likely to have had an akinetic/hypokinetic left ventricular segment or a recent myocardial infarction, all of which are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). Most of the CHADS2 score components are also risk factors for atherosclerosis. Thus, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores may be predictive of CAD.

Methods

In all, 1733 consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke who underwent multi‐slice computed tomography coronary angiography were enrolled. The association of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores with the presence and severity of CAD was investigated.

Results

Of the 1733 patients, 1220 patients (70.4%) had any degree of CAD and 576 (33.3%) had significant CAD (≥50% stenosis in at least one coronary artery). As the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores increased, the presence of CAD also increased (P < 0.001). The severity of CAD was correlated with CHADS2 score (Spearman coefficient 0.229, P < 0.001) and CHA2DS2‐VASc score (Spearman coefficient 0.261, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores ≥2 were independently associated with CAD. The CHA2DS2‐VASc score was a better predictor of the presence of CAD than the CHADS2 score on area under the curve analysis.

Conclusion

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores were predictive of the presence and severity of CAD in patients with stroke. When a patient has high CHADS2 or CHA2DS2‐VASc scores, physicians should consider coronary artery evaluation.
Screening tools for fitness to drive after traumatic brain injury and stroke
Authors: Devos H. , Hawley C. A.
Published: April 2013

Click here to view the accompanying paper in this issue.
Rapid warming accelerates tree growth decline in semi‐arid forests of Inner Asia
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Park Williams A. , Allen Craig D. , Guo Dali , Wu Xiuchen , Anenkhonov Oleg A. , Liang Eryuan , Sandanov Denis V. , Yin Yi , Qi Zhaohuan , Badmaeva Natalya K.
Published: April 2013

Forests around the world are subject to risk of high rates of tree growth decline and increased tree mortality from combinations of climate warming and drought, notably in semi‐arid settings. Here, we assess how climate warming has affected tree growth in one of the world's most extensive zones of semi‐arid forests, in Inner Asia, a region where lack of data limits our understanding of how climate change may impact forests. We show that pervasive tree growth declines since 1994 in Inner Asia have been confined to semi‐arid forests, where growing season water stress has been rising due to warming‐induced increases in atmospheric moisture demand. A causal link between increasing drought and declining growth at semi‐arid sites is corroborated by correlation analyses comparing annual climate data to records of tree‐ring widths. These ring‐width records tend to be substantially more sensitive to drought variability at semi‐arid sites than at semi‐humid sites. Fire occurrence and insect/pathogen attacks have increased in tandem with the most recent (2007–2009) documented episode of tree mortality. If warming in Inner Asia continues, further increases in forest stress and tree mortality could be expected, potentially driving the eventual regional loss of current semi‐arid forests.
The challenges of the homeless haemophilia patient
Authors: Lambing A. , Kuriakose P. , Kachalsky E. , Mueller L.
Published: April 2013

The current economic hardships within the United States can increase the risk of persons becoming homeless. In 2001, it was estimated that between 0.1% and 2.1% of the population were homeless every night and that 2.3 – 3.5 million persons could become homeless every year [1]. Many issues can increase the risk of homelessness including: home foreclosure, declining work force due to declining wages, low‐wage opportunities and less secure jobs, decline in public assistance, lack of affordable housing with limited housing assistance programs, poverty, lack of affordable health care, domestic violence, mental illness, and addiction disorders. Many on the streets may suffer from mental illness, developmental disabilities, and or chronic physical illness [6]. Given these issues, the Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) can expect to experience the issue of homelessness within their own population of persons with hemophilia. Currently, there are no studies that address the issue of the person with hemophilia who may become homeless. This presents unique challenges that this population may encounter to survive in addition to managing bleeding issues related to the diagnosis of hemophilia. This article will review the issues related to homelessness in the general population. Two case studies of persons with hemophilia who became homeless will be discussed outlining the strategies utilized to assist the patient during this crisis.
A pre‐clinical functional assessment of an acellular scaffold intended for the treatment of hard‐to‐heal wounds
Authors: Shooter Gary K , Van Lonkhuyzen Derek R , Croll Tristan I , Cao Yang , Xie Yan , Broadbent James A , Stupar Dario , Lynam Emily C , Upton Zee
Published: April 2013

The majority of the population experience successful wound‐healing outcomes; however, 1–3% of those aged over 65 years experience delayed wound healing and wound perpetuation. These hard‐to‐heal wounds contain degraded and dysfunctional extracellular matrix (ECM); yet, the integrity of this structure is critical in the processes of normal wound healing. Here, we evaluated a novel synthetic matrix protein for its ability to act as an acellular scaffold that could replace dysfunctional ECM. In this regard, the synthetic protein was subjected to adsorption and diffusion assays using collagen and human dermal tissues; evaluated for its ability to influence keratinocyte and fibroblast attachment, migration and proliferation and assessed for its ability to influence in vivo wound healing in a porcine model. Critically, these experiments demonstrate that the matrix protein adsorbed to collagen and human dermal tissue but did not diffuse through human dermal tissue within a 24‐hour observation period, and facilitated cell attachment, migration and proliferation. In a porcine wound‐healing model, significantly smaller wound areas were observed in the test group compared with the control group following the third treatment. These data provide evidence that the synthetic matrix protein has the ability to function as an acellular scaffold for wound‐healing purposes.
Dermatologist and gastroenterologist awareness of the potential of immunosuppressants used to treat inflammatory bowel disease to cause non‐melanoma skin cancer
Authors: De Luca Jacqueline F. , Severino Richard , Lee Yun Sun , Johnson Douglas
Published: April 2013

Background  Immunosuppressants used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may contribute towards the development of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Few studies have documented this increase in risk.

Methods  A mail‐in survey was sent to practicing dermatologists and gastroenterologists in the state of Hawaii, USA. These physicians were asked if they had patients with IBD on immunosuppressants with NMSC and if they were aware of an association between immunosuppressants used in IBD and the occurrence of NMSC. Physicians were located via the Yellow Pages telephone directory and the websites http://www.healthgrades.com and http://www.ucomparehealthcare.com.

Results  Of the 96 surveys delivered, 45 were returned for analysis. Overall, 73.3% of responding physicians knew about an association between NMSC and immunosuppressants for IBD, but 26.7% had no knowledge of this association. When respondents were categorized according to specialty, 90.9% of dermatologists reported knowing about this association, but only 46.2% of responding gastroenterologists reported this awareness (P = 0.0034). Of the respondents who did not provide details of their specialty, 70.0% reported knowledge of the association.

Conclusions  Immunosuppressants are helpful in controlling IBD symptoms and progression but should only be used after a thorough assessment of their risks and benefits in each patient. After the initiation of immunosuppressants, patients should have access to appropriate preventative and treatment modalities for NMSC.
Around‐the‐clock oral THC effects on sleep in male chronic daily cannabis smokers
Authors: Gorelick David A. , Goodwin Robert S. , Schwilke Eugene , Schroeder Jennifer R. , Schwope David M. , Kelly Deanna L. , Ortemann‐Renon Catherine , Bonnet Denis , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objectives

Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) promotes sleep in animals; clinical use of THC is associated with somnolence. Human laboratory studies of oral THC have not shown consistent effects on sleep. We prospectively evaluated self‐reported sleep parameters during controlled oral THC administration to research volunteers.

Methods

Thirteen male chronic daily cannabis smokers (mean ± SD age 24.6± 3.7 years, self‐reported smoking frequency of 5.5 ± 5.9 (range 1–24) joint‐equivalents daily at study entry) were administered oral THC doses (20 mg) around‐the‐clock for 7 days (40–120 mg daily) starting the afternoon after admission. The St. Mary's Hospital Sleep Questionnaire was completed every morning. Plasma THC and 11‐OH‐THC (active metabolite) concentrations were measured in venous blood samples collected every evening. Changes in sleep characteristics over time and associations between sleep characteristics and plasma cannabinoid concentrations were evaluated with repeated measures mixed linear regression.

Results

Higher evening THC and 11‐OH‐THC concentrations were significantly associated with shorter sleep latency, less difficulty falling asleep, and more daytime sleep the following day. In contrast, the duration of calculated and self‐reported nighttime sleep decreased slightly (3.54 and 5.34 minutes per night, respectively) but significantly during the study.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that tolerance to the somnolent effects of THC may have occurred, but results should be considered preliminary due to design limitations.

Scientific Significance

Somnolence from oral THC may dissipate with chronic, high‐dose use. This has implications for patients who may take chronic oral THC for medicinal purposes, including cannabis dependence treatment. (Am J Addict 2013;22:510–514)
Patterns of substance use initiation among healthcare professionals in recovery
Authors: Merlo Lisa J. , Trejo‐Lopez Jorge , Conwell Tish , Rivenbark Judy
Published: April 2013

Background and Objectives

Substance‐related impairment among healthcare professionals has significant public health implications, but little is known regarding factors associated with substance use initiation in this group.

Methods

In this study, 105 healthcare professionals (80% male), who ranged in age from 24 to 68 years (M = 47.1 years, SD = 10.2) completed a self‐report questionnaire assessing age at first use, education level at first use, means of access to substances upon first use, order of substance use initiation, and reasons for first and continued substance use. Physicians (51%), pharmacists (19.2%), dentists (11.5%), physician assistants (5.8%), and various other allied health professionals (12.7%) participated.

Results

Results demonstrated that 73.2% of the professionals used tobacco, 90.4% used alcohol, and 64.4% used other drugs before beginning professional school. Reasons for first use of substances paralleled those seen in the general public (e.g., curiosity, peer influence, availability), and differed from reasons for continued substance use (e.g., getting high, addiction, stress management).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Given that onset of substance use among health professionals appears to mirror that seen in the general population, their unique treatment success rates likely cannot be solely attributed to later age‐of‐onset of their substance use disorder. Delaying experimentation with addictive substances and improving efforts at early identification of problematic use are crucial to preventing the development of substance use disorders among healthcare professionals, as well as the public as a whole. (Am J Addict 2013;22:605–612)
In vitro fertilization outcomes and alcohol consumption in at‐risk drinkers: The effects of a randomized intervention
Authors: Rossi Brooke V. , Chang Grace , Berry Katharine F. , Hornstein Mark D. , Missmer Stacey A.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objectives

Women's use of alcohol in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal loss and birth defects. Also, alcohol use in women decreases the success of infertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Our goal was to determine if there were differences in IVF outcomes and alcohol use parameters among at‐risk drinkers randomized to a brief intervention (BI) versus assessment only (AO).

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of BI or AO among at‐risk drinkers on IVF. We studied 37 women (AO = 21; BI = 16).

Results

While the BI group had a significantly greater decrease in the number of drinks/drinking day compared to the AO group (p = .04), there were no differences in the likelihood of implantation failure, chemical pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, or live birth.

Conclusions

BI and AO contributed to a decrease in alcohol use and did not demonstrate differences in IVF outcomes. A larger study may confirm these preliminary findings.

Scientific Significance

Our results will assist care providers in treating alcohol use in pregnancy in an effective way, such that IVF cycles and the chance of pregnancy are optimized. (Am J Addict 2013;22:481–485)
The associations of anticipated parental reactions with smoking initiation and progression in adolescents
Authors: de Leeuw Rebecca N. H. , Scholte Ron H. J. , Vermulst Ad A. , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: April 2013

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine whether anticipated parental reactions to smoking were related to smoking onset and progression during adolescence.

Methods

Data were used from the six‐wave, 5‐year longitudinal “Family and Health” project, in which N = 428 adolescents (M = 13.4, SD = .50; 52.3% girls) and their families participated.

Results

Parental reactions, as anticipated by adolescents, included benign indifference, conflict engagement, disclosing disappointment, and positive problem‐solving. Findings of discrete‐time survival analyses indicated no direct association between anticipated reactions at baseline and smoking onset within 5 years. However, a significant interaction effect was found between parental smoking and anticipated parental disappointment. This finding indicates that adolescents of non‐smoking parents, who expected reactions of annoyance and disappointment, were less at risk for initiating smoking than adolescents from smoking parents who expected such reactions. None of the anticipated parental reactions were significantly related to smoking progression, neither directly nor indirectly.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Findings from this study suggest that focusing on anticipated reactions to smoking is probably not the most promising endeavor for effective smoking prevention and intervention. (Am J Addict 2013;22:527–534)
Does exposure to parental substance use disorders increase substance use disorder risk in offspring? A 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Yule Amy M. , Wilens Timothy E. , Martelon Mary Kate , Simon Andrew , Biederman Joseph
Published: April 2013

Background

This study examined the impact of exposure to parental substance use disorders (SUD) (alcohol or drug abuse or dependence) on the development of SUD in offspring.

Methods

The original sample was derived from pediatric and psychiatric ascertained females 6–17 years old with (N = 140) and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; N = 122). At baseline, these groups had 143 and 131 biological siblings and 274 and 238 parents, respectively. All subjects and their family members were comprehensively and blindly assessed by structured psychiatric interviews for psychopathology and substance use. The female probands and their siblings were reassessed after a follow‐up period of 5 years.

Results

At follow‐up the mean age of offspring was 17.9 ± 4.20 years. Independently of ADHD, familial risk, and socioeconomic status, exposure to maternal drug use disorders, but not paternal drug use disorders, was significantly associated with the development of a drug use disorder in offspring (OR: 7.04; p = 0.03). There was a significant association between exposure to parental SUD during adolescence (relative to preschool or latency years) and SUD in offspring (OR: 3.61; p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Exposure to maternal drug use disorders during adolescent years increased the risk for the development of a drug use disorder in a sample of females with and without ADHD and their siblings. Exposure to parental SUD during adolescence specifically increases the risk of SUD development in offspring. (Am J Addict 2013;22:460–465)
The Influence of the Use of Diagnostic Resources on Nurses' Communication With Simulated Patients During Admission Interviews
Authors: Paans Wolter , Müller‐Staub Maria , Nieweg Roos
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine how the use of diagnostic resources influences nurses' communication during admission interviews.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was performed. Actors simulated patients based on case studies. We analyzed transcriptions of 60 interviews and video recordings using the Roter Method of Interaction Process Analysis.

Findings

Nurses mainly asked closed‐ended questions. The use of knowledge sources, such as forms in the PES format or an assessment format, affected communication significantly in several aspects.

Conclusion

Prestructured forms may promote comprehensive interviews, but nurses need to be aware that using certain kinds of diagnostic resources may hinder them from asking open‐ended questions.

Practice Implications

Nurses need to increase their use of open‐ended questions.

Titel

De invloed van het gebruik van diagnostische kennishulpmiddelen op de verpleegkundige communicatie met simulatiepatiënten gedurende opnamegesprekken.

Doel

Het doel van deze studie was te bepalen hoe diagnostische kennishulpmiddelen de communicatie van verpleegkundigen kunnen beïnvloeden bij opnamegesprekken.

Methode

Een gerandomiseerd onderzoek met controlegroep werd uitgevoerd. Simulatiepatiënten (acteurs) representeerden patiëntencasuïstiek. We analyseerden transcripties van 60 interviews en video‐opnames met gebruikmaking van de Roter Method of Interaction Process Analysis.

Findings

Verpleegkundigen stelden overwegend gesloten vragen. Het gebruik van diagnostische kennishulpmiddelen, zoals het PES‐format en een voorgestructureerd opnameformulier, beïnvloedde de communicatie significant op verschillende aspecten.

Conclusie

Het gebruik van voorgestructureerde formulieren kan uitgebreide opnamegesprekken ondersteunen, echter verpleegkundigen moeten er op bedacht zijn dat deze hulpmiddelen ook belemmerend kunnen werken bij het stellen van open vragen.

Praktijkimplicaties

Verpleegkundigen zouden meer open vragen moeten stellen ten behoeven van het verkrijgen van volledige en evenwichtige informatie in het opnamegesprek.
Fracture Behavior of Layered Alumina Microstructural Composites with Highly Textured Layers
Authors: Pavlacka Robert , Bermejo Raul , Chang Yunfei , Green David J. , Messing Gary L.
Published: April 2013

A new class of layered microstructural composites that combines equiaxed and textured alumina layers was fabricated. Template loading was used to change the texture fraction and porosity in the textured layers. Due to the thermal expansion anisotropy of the textured layers, residual compressive stresses as high as 100 MPa were achieved during cooling from the sintering step. Fracture experiments showed that the interface between the basal planes of highly oriented alumina grains in the textured layers changes from a “strong interface” to a “weaker interface” as the porosity changes from 1% to 5%. Composites with 5% porous textured layers show both crack bifurcation and crack deflection in the textured layers. Crack deflection is attributed to the anisotropic fracture energy of the oriented microstructures and crack bifurcation is ascribed to the compressive stresses that arise from the thermal expansion mismatch between adjacent layers.
Evaluation of a compression resistant matrix for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2
Authors: Lu Sheldon X. , Fiorini Tiago , Lee Jaebum , Prasad Hari S. , Buxton Amanda N. , Bisch Fredrick C. , Dixon Douglas R. , Susin Cristiano , Wikesjö Ulf M. E.
Published: April 2013

Background

Previous studies document the therapeutic potential of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) carrier for indications in the axial and appendicular skeleton. Nevertheless, the ACS does not comprise structural integrity to adequately support bone formation for onlay indications. The objective of this study was to evaluate local bone formation and osseointegration following surgical implantation of rhBMP‐2 soak‐loaded onto a compression resistant matrix (CRM).

Methods

Routine, contralateral, critical‐size, supraalveolar, peri‐implant defects in five adult male Hound Labrador mongrel dogs received 0.8 mg rhBMP‐2 soak‐loaded onto either the ACS (benchmark control) or a CRM (collagen/β‐TCP/hydroxyapatite) followed by submerged wound closure for primary intention healing. The animals were euthanized at 8 weeks for histologic/histometric evaluation.

Results

Healing was uneventful albeit considerable initial swelling was observed for either treatment. Sites receiving rhBMP‐2/CRM showed significantly increased bone area (20.0 ± 0.9 versus 12.3 ± 2.6 mm2, p = 0.03) and bone density (24.1 ± 1.4% versus 14.6 ± 2.0%, p = 0.04) compared with those receiving rhBMP‐2/ACS. There were no significant differences between treatments for new bone height and osseointegration. Woven and lamellar trabecular bone lined with abundant osteoid was observed for all sites. Inconsistent cortex formation confirmed the immature nature of the newly formed bone. Seroma formation was observed for both treatments (80–100% of the animals/implants). Sites receiving rhBMP‐2/CRM showed residual ceramic granules undergoing biodegradation, including accumulation of foamy macrophages.

Conclusions

rhBMP‐2/CRM supports bone formation of clinically relevant geometry. Longer observation intervals as well as dose variations appear necessary to capture maturation of the newly formed bone, elimination of residual ceramic granules and resolution of seroma formation(s).
The impact of sphincterotome design on selective cannulation of the common bile duct
Authors: Ozaslan Ersan , Ozaslan Nihal Gokbulut , Purnak Tugrul , Ozkaya Guven
Published: April 2013

Background and Aim

There is a paucity of data regarding the impact of sphincterotome design on cannulation success.

Methods

We aimed to compare the 5.5 F standard sphincterotomes of two different manufacturers (sphincterotome 1: Endo‐flex 5.5F [ENDO‐FLEX GmbH, Voerde, Düsseldorf, Germany] vs sphincterotome 2: Ultratome 5.5F [Boston Scientific, Spencer, IN, USA]). Adult patients undergoing their first endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were included in two study groups. The sphincterotome preloaded with a guidewire was used for selective common bile duct cannulation in each group. Precut methods were applied in failed cases without crossover. Successful biliary cannulation in 10 attempts was the primary outcome.

Results

Baseline features and indications were similar between groups (n = 100, group I, sphincterotome 1, vs n = 100, group II, sphincterotome 2). A higher success in initial cannulation was obtained in group II compared to group I (92% vs 81%, P = 0.03). Moreover, number of cannulation attempts and time to cannulation differed. No statistical significance was noted in group I (8%) versus group II (3%) regarding pancreatitis rate. The overall cannulation success after precut in failed cases was 95% (group I) and 97% (group II).

Conclusions

There was a significant difference in cannulation success between the two different sphincterotome. 5.5F Ultratome with guidewire was superior to 5.5F Endo‐flex sphincterotome with guidewire in initial selective cannulation of common bile duct. The results may show the importance of sphincterotome features to overcome the obstacles during cannulation such as complex intrapapillary mucosal features.
Relationship of a turbidity of an oral rinse with oral health and malodor in Vietnamese patients
Authors: Pham Thuy A.V.
Published: April 2013

Aim

In the present study, the relationship between the turbidity of mouth‐rinse water and oral health conditions, including oral malodor, in patients with (n = 148) and without (n = 231) periodontitis was examined.

Methods

The turbidity of 20 mL distilled water that the patients rinsed in their mouths 10 times was measured using a turbidimeter. Oral malodor was evaluated using an organoleptic test and Oral Chroma. Oral health conditions, including decayed teeth, periodontal status, oral hygiene status, proteolytic activity of the N‐benzoyl‐dl‐arginine‐2‐napthilamide (BANA) test on the tongue coating, and salivary flow rate, were assessed.

Results

Turbidity showed significant correlations with oral malodor and all oral health parameters in the periodontitis group. In the non‐periodontitis group, turbidity showed significant correlations with oral malodor and oral health parameters, including dental plaque, tongue coating, BANA test, and salivary flow rate. The regression analysis indicated that turbidity was significantly associated with methyl mercaptan and the BANA test in the periodontitis group, and with hydrogen sulfide, dental plaque, tongue coating, and salivary flow rate in the non‐periodontitis group.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study indicate that the turbidity of mouth‐rinse water could be used as an indicator of oral health conditions, including oral malodor.
The Global Nursing Faculty Shortage: Status and Solutions for Change
Authors: Nardi Deena A. , Gyurko Charlene C.
Published: April 2013

Background

In addition to a global shortage of nurses, there is also a shortage of academically qualified faculty available to teach in schools of nursing.

Methods

A systematic review examined proposed solutions to the global shortage of nursing faculty. Metasynthesis was used to compare and critically appraise strategies offered for solving or ameliorating the global nursing faculty shortage by premier nursing organizations.

Findings

181 recommendations in 62 publications were categorized into eight major themed solutions, including centralizing data management, international collaboration in nursing research, and increased funding for full‐time faculty positions in nursing programs.

Discussion

The nursing faculty shortage is due to a confluence of factors, including the global migration of nurses, a seeming persistent devaluation of faculty by academic programs, disincentives, and an overall reduction in full‐time equivalent faculty positions.

Conclusions

Results point to a needed change in direction and approach to solving the nursing faculty shortage. By designing new education models that fit global healthcare needs and pooling teaching resources, designing and using the same databases across organizations to track and project faculty needs, and collaborating between schools and businesses to create mutually beneficial agreements for services, nursing faculty capacity can be enhanced, and nursing's capacity to meet global healthcare needs can be expanded.

Clinical Relevance

The results of this systematic review can be used as a rubric for the design and development of strategies to end the nursing faculty shortage and expand global nursing capacity.