bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beccaria and Situational Crime Prevention
Authors: Freilich Joshua D.
Published: September 2014

This article compares Beccaria’s and Situational Crime Prevention’s (SCP) claims across six dimensions. Both perspectives question harsh penalties, embrace crime reduction as a goal, and view some individuals as possessing agency and rationality. The latter two points distinguish them from most other criminological theories that are not focused on crime reduction and downplay offenders’ rationality. Both approaches have also been criticized for ignoring the root causes of crime in society. Importantly though, the approaches also differ. The Classical School and SCP are usually differentiated from positivistic approaches in their assumption of offender agency. This article found, however, that SCP does not assume offender agency in all contexts. In fact, many SCP interventions could be explained in positivistic terms. The analysis indicates that it is sometimes unclear which causal mechanisms underlie each of SCP’s 25 techniques of crime prevention. Clarifying the precise causal mechanism of each technique could lead to more effective implementation. The article places these and other issues in context and outlines a series of suggestions for future research to address to strengthen the SCP approach.
Knowledge and technology transfer to improve the municipal solid waste management system of Durango City, Mexico
Authors: Valencia-Vázquez Roberto , Pérez-López Maria E , Vicencio-de-la-Rosa María G , Martínez-Prado María A , Rubio-Hernández Rubén
Published: September 2014

As society evolves its welfare level increases, and as a consequence the amount of municipal solid waste increases, imposing great challenges to municipal authorities. In developed countries, municipalities have established integrated management schemes to handle, treat, and dispose of municipal solid waste in an economical and environmentally sound manner. Municipalities of developing and transition countries are not exempted from the challenges involving municipal solid waste handling, but their task is not easy to accomplish since they face budget deficits, lack of knowledge, and deficiencies in infrastructure and equipment. In the northern territory of Mexico, the municipality of Durango is facing the challenge of increased volumes of waste with a lack of adequate facilities and infrastructure. This article analyses the evolution of the municipal solid waste management of Durango city, which includes actions such as proper facilities construction, equipment acquisition, and the implementation of social programmes. The World Bank, offering courses to municipal managers on landfill operation and waste management, promoted the process of knowledge and technology transfer. Thereafter, municipal authorities attended regional and some international workshops on waste management. In addition they followed suggestions of international contractors and equipment dealers with the intention to improve the situation of the waste management of the city. After a 15-year period, transfer of knowledge and technology resulted in a modern municipal solid waste management system in Durango municipality. The actual system did not reach the standard levels of an integrated waste management system, nevertheless, a functional evaluation shows clear indications that municipality actions have put them on the right pathway.
Impact of Item Orientation on the Structural Validity of Self-Report Measures
Authors: Mowbray Tony , Boyle Christopher , Jacobs Kate
Published: September 2014

Although test anxiety (TA) has been shown to be prevalent among Australian university students, the 17-item German Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI-G) has only recently been shown to be a valid measure for use with Australian university students. However, contention exists within the literature as to whether the Lack of Confidence subscale is better conceptualized as a correlate of TA as opposed to a constituent factor because it has been found to have the weakest subscale intercorrelation. It has been suggested that this may be due to the positive item wording of this subscale, which is in contrast to wording of the other subscales. To test this, the Lack of Confidence subscale items were worded negatively for this study and previously established 30-item, 20-item, and 17-item models of the TAI-G were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with 473 Australian university students. In line with expectations, the 17-item TAI-G provided the best fit to the data. Furthermore, in contrast to previous findings, there was no notable difference between models conceptualizing the reworded Lack of Confidence subscale as a correlate of TA and models incorporating it as a factor of TA. Moreover, the reworded Lack of Confidence subscale was found to have the strongest subscale intercorrelations. It was concluded that the 17-item TAI-G with the negatively worded Lack of Confidence subscale provided the most valid measure of TA, with semantically opposed items being detrimental to validity. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Influence of fiber surface treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of wood flour-reinforced polypropylene bionanocomposites
Authors: Kord Behzad , Haratbar Donya Taghizadeh
Published: September 2014

In this article, the different chemical modifications of natural fiber on the physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/wood flour (WF)/nanoclay hybrid composites were studied. To meet this objective, the chemical treatments on WF, namely alkali, acetylation, and benzoylation, were carried out. Then, the composites were prepared through the melt mixing of WF and PP at 50% weight ratios, with various amounts of nanoclay (0, 3, and 6 per hundred compounds (phc)) in Haake internal mixer and the test specimens were prepared by injection molding. The amount of coupling agent was fixed at 2 phc for all formulations. The tensile strength, impact strength, and water uptake of these composites were analyzed and the reinforcing properties of the chemically treated composites were compared with those of untreated composites. The chemical modification efficiency was verified by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and the dispersion state of nanoclay in the composites was examined using X-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the tensile modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength of the composites increased by applying chemical treatments. Modified composites had lower water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling than unmodified ones. Furthermore, the highest mechanical properties and the lowest water uptake were observed in the composite modified with acetic anhydride. FTIR spectra show that the intensity of O–H bond at 3444.2 cm–1 and formation of ester bond at 1741.4 cm–1 were indications of changes in the chemical structure of the fibers. The tensile modulus and strength increased with increase of nanoclay up to 3 phc and then decreased. However, the impact strength and WA decreased with increase of nanoclay loading. The morphological findings showed that the samples containing 3 phc of nanoclay had higher order of intercalation and better dispersion.
Buenos Hábitos Alimenticios para Una Buena Salud
Authors: Otilingam Poorni G. , Gatz Margaret , Tello Elizabeth , Escobar Antonio Jose , Goldstein Aviva , Torres Mina , Varma Rohit
Published: September 2014

Objective: The goal of this research was to evaluate nutrition education targeting Latinas, a group at particular risk of obesity and diabetes, which predict to later life cardiovascular disease and dementia. Method: Culturally tailored, theory-based nutrition education was provided to Mexican origin Latinas aged 48 to 84. The randomized design compared participants in workshops incorporating the connection between dietary fat and brain health, participants in workshops focusing only on dietary fat and heart health, a waitlist control group, and a posttest only control group. Results: Among those assigned to either intervention, there was statistically significant gain in health literacy, knowledge about dietary fat, and behaviors to reduce dietary fat compared with waitlist control. There was no difference in outcomes between those given the module about diet and brain health and those not provided that module. Discussion: A program to encourage dietary fat modification in Latinas proved feasible and modestly effective.
Nutritional Assessment and Factors Associated to Malnutrition in Older Adults
Authors: Chavarro-Carvajal Diego , Reyes-Ortiz Carlos , Samper-Ternent Rafael , Arciniegas Antonio J. , Gutierrez Carlos Cano
Published: September 2014

Objective: To determine the nutritional status and factors associated to malnutrition in older adults. Method: Data come from the SABE Bogotá study (Health, Well-Being, and Aging), a cross-sectional survey conducted in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2012 in community-dwelling adults aged 60 years and older. Using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), we evaluated the nutritional status and factors associated to malnutrition in this population with regression models. Results: From the 1,573 older adults interviewed, 4.58% were malnourished and 34.27% were at risk of malnourishment. Factors associated to malnourishment were older age (odds ratio [OR] =1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.00, 1.04]), perceived poor health (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = [1.13, 1.88]), comorbidities (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.30]), and low calf circumference (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = [1.86, 3.72]). Having dentures, perception of being well-nourished, and higher functionality decreased the odds for malnourishment ( p < .05). Conclusion: The MNA is useful to evaluate factors associated with malnutrition among older adults in Bogotá. Malnutrition is associated with perception of poor health, comorbidities, number of medications, and cognitive impairment.
Vortex flow hypothesis for a yawed rotor blade in reverse flow
Authors: Mayo Michael , Raghav Vrishank , Komerath Narayanan
Published: September 2014

Rotating blades at high advance ratios can experience reverse flow on the retreating side of the rotor disc, where the freestream flow is directed from the sharp trailing edge of the blade to the blunt leading edge. Better understanding of this flow regime can help advance the design of high-speed rotorcraft. In this work, it is hypothesized that the sharp trailing edge of a reverse flow blade develops an attached vortex in a similar manner to a sharp-edged delta wing. Lift, drag, and pitching moment data for a static yawed blade in reverse flow are acquired using a load cell and the lift measurements are compared to predictions made with an adaptation of the Polhamus model. Surface tuft flow visualization confirms the presence of an attached spanwise vortex on the blade. Surface flow behavior is used to explain the behavior of observed aerodynamic loads, and correlations are made to previous results found in the literature. Vorticity transport analysis is used to justify the surface flow behavior variation with yaw angle and angle of attack.
Analysis of the Earning Capacity Assessment Form-2: Some Australian data
Authors: Athanasou James
Published: September 2014

The Earning Capacity Assessment Form-2 assesses the factors that inhibit and facilitate an individual’s vocational rehabilitation following an acquired disability (e.g. accident, misadventure). The purpose of this paper is to provide a psychometric analysis of the form. Data on Australian accident victims (N = 87) from a medico-legal vocational assessment practice were used as a basis for evaluation. In order to resolve scoring issues, the responses were converted to dichotomous categories and analysed using the Rasch method. It was concluded that there are weaknesses in the rationale of the Earning Capacity Assessment Form-2 but that some components may be worthwhile where economic loss is a consideration. A revised categorisation is proposed.
Personal Network Recovery Enablers and Relapse Risks for Women With Substance Dependence
Authors: Brown Suzanne , Tracy Elizabeth M. , Jun MinKyoung , Park Hyunyong , Min Meeyoung O.
Published: September 2014

We examined the experiences of women in treatment for substance dependence and their treatment providers about personal networks and recovery. We conducted six focus groups at three women’s intensive substance abuse treatment programs. Four coders used thematic analysis to guide the data coding and an iterative process to identify major themes. Coders identified social network characteristics that enabled and impeded recovery and a reciprocal relationship between internal states, relationship management, and recovery. Although women described adding individuals to their networks, they also described managing existing relationships through distancing from or isolating some members to diminish their negative impact on recovery. Treatment providers identified similar themes but focused more on contextual barriers than the women. The focus of interventions with this population should be on both internal barriers to personal network change such as mistrust and fear, and helping women develop skills for managing enduring network relationships.
A study of a beam-like electromagnetic vibration absorber
Authors: Zihao Liu , Wanyou Li , Yali Yu
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a study of a beam-like semi-active electromagnetic vibration absorber (EVA). The EVA consists of a flexible ferromagnetic cantilever beam, a ferromagnetic mass attached to the free end of the beam, and an E-shaped electromagnet. By changing the current of the electromagnet, the interactive force between the ferromagnetic mass and the electromagnet is varied accordingly, hence, the stiffness of this EVA is online tunable. The working frequency of the EVA is adjusted simultaneously as well. A finite element method (FEM) analysis study has been carried out to determine the characterization of the EVA. The effective stiffness of the absorber from FEM agrees with the results from the experiment well. A 2 degree-of-freedom experimental semi-active control system is built up to test the effectiveness of the EVA design. The performance under both steady-state exciting and sweeping frequency exciting show the EVA effectiveness in vibration suppression.
Dancing Around (Dis)Ability
Authors: Traver Amy E. , Duran John
Published: September 2014

In this article, we heed lessons from Laurel Richardson’s After a Fall: A Sociomedical Sojourn to investigate how nondisabled high school–aged girls are affected by their volunteer experiences in Believe Ballet, a nonprofit organization that provides primary- and secondary-school-aged girls with physical disabilities with the opportunity to dance and perform ballet. Drawing on a qualitative content analysis of three academic years of volunteers’ pre- and post-participation questionnaires, this article focuses specifically on changes in volunteers’ self-reported perceptions of disability and ability. This article also points to directions for future research in the fields of disability, feminist disability, and ableism studies.
Metronomic maintenance chemotherapy in patients presenting with paraneoplastic autoimmune hepatitis with recurrent thymic carcinoma
Authors: Kivrak Salim Derya , Mutlu Hasan , Karakurt Eryilmaz Melek , Yalçin Musri Fatma , Tural Deniz , Coşkun Hasan Şenol
Published: September 2014

Autoimmune hepatitis is a rarely seen autoimmune paraneoplastic syndrome of thymic carcinoma. Chemotherapy may be an effective choice in the treatment of primary tumor and paraneoplastic disorder. In this case, we report a 32-year-old man presented with increased liver enzymes and cholestasis with a history of thymoma surgically removed four years ago. Liver biopsy showed chronic active autoimmune hepatitis. Computed tomography scan showed pulmonary metastases and pleural mass as a recurrence of thymic carcinoma, proven by biopsy. After four cycles of cisplatin plus adriamycin plus cyclophosphamide plus vincristine and six cycles of paclitaxel plus gemcitabine, maintenance metronomic cyclophosphamide plus etoposide regimen was offered to the patient. Complete biological signs of hepatitis without need for steroids or immune suppressors and complete radiologic response in primary tumor were achieved. Maintenance metronomic chemotherapy regimens may be an alternative to the current treatment options in patients with thymic carcinomas.
Gluten-free dough-making of specialty breads: Significance of blended starches, flours and additives on dough behaviour
Authors: Collar Concha , Conte Paola , Fadda Costantino , Piga Antonio
Published: September 2014

The capability of different gluten-free (GF) basic formulations made of flour (rice, amaranth and chickpea) and starch (corn and cassava) blends, to make machinable and viscoelastic GF-doughs in absence/presence of single hydrocolloids (guar gum, locust bean and psyllium fibre), proteins (milk and egg white) and surfactants (neutral, anionic and vegetable oil) have been investigated. Macroscopic (high deformation) and macromolecular (small deformation) mechanical, viscometric (gelatinization, pasting, gelling) and thermal (gelatinization, melting, retrogradation) approaches were performed on the different matrices in order to (a) identify similarities and differences in GF-doughs in terms of a small number of rheological and thermal analytical parameters according to the formulations and (b) to assess single and interactive effects of basic ingredients and additives on GF-dough performance to achieve GF-flat breads. Larger values for the static and dynamic mechanical characteristics and higher viscometric profiles during both cooking and cooling corresponded to doughs formulated with guar gum and Psyllium fibre added to rice flour/starch and rice flour/corn starch/chickpea flour, while surfactant- and protein-formulated GF-doughs added to rice flour/starch/amaranth flour based GF-doughs exhibited intermediate and lower values for the mechanical parameters and poorer viscometric profiles. In addition, additive-free formulations exhibited higher values for the temperature of both gelatinization and retrogradation and lower enthalpies for the thermal transitions. Single addition of 10% of either chickpea flour or amaranth flour to rice flour/starch blends provided a large GF-dough hardening effect in presence of corn starch and an intermediate effect in presence of cassava starch (chickpea), and an intermediate reinforcement of GF-dough regardless the source of starch (amaranth). At macromolecular level, both chickpea and amaranth flours, singly added, determined higher values of the storage modulus, being strengthening effects more pronounced in presence of corn starch and cassava starch, respectively.
A Water-Use Model For The Tourism Industry In The Asia-Pacific Region: The Impact Of Water-Saving Measures On Water Use
Authors: Mclennan Char-lee J. , Becken Susanne , Stinson Kiri
Published: September 2014

The Asia-Pacific region is a hot spot for population and tourism growth, both key drivers of water demand. Already, more than 75% of countries in this region are experiencing water stress. The management of water is becoming increasingly pressing, including for the tourism industry. Yet there has been little research into the predictors of water use in tourism in the Asia-Pacific region and opportunities for water saving. Therefore, this article develops both total and per guest night water-use models to determine the drivers of water use in accommodation in the Asia-Pacific region, delves into the differences between regions, and assesses the effectiveness of different water-saving measures. The results suggest geographical differences in water use that are influenced by climate zone and pool facilities. Importantly, the per guest night water-use model indicates that there are economies of scale to water use and that low/dual-flush toilets can significantly conserve water.
Understanding Chinese Overseas Recreational Vehicle Tourists: A Netnographic and Comparative Approach
Authors: Wu Mao-Ying , Pearce Philip L.
Published: September 2014

A new group of participants, young, independent, technology empowered Chinese tourists, are entering the international recreational vehicle (RV) drive market. This study addressed three research questions: Who are they? Why do they travel in this style? Where do they go? Netnography was undertaken as the research approach. The findings were contextualized by comparison with existing knowledge about mature RV users (e.g., Grey Nomads, Snowbirds, and retirees). It was found that the Chinese RV tourists share some commonalities with the mature RV market. The differences, however, were also substantial. Implications for other markets and destinations in developing the international driving market are offered. Furthermore, the use of netnography to offer insights to understand new markets and/or new activities is highlighted.
Ubiquinol Reduces Muscle Wasting but Not Fatigue in Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Clark Yvonne Y. , Wold Loren E. , Szalacha Laura A. , McCarthy Donna O.
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

Fatigue is the most common and distressing symptom reported by cancer patients during and after treatment. Tumor growth increases oxidative stress and cytokine production, which causes skeletal muscle wasting and cardiac dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine whether treatment with the antioxidant ubiquinol improves muscle mass, cardiac function, and behavioral measures of fatigue in tumor-bearing mice.

Method:

Adult female mice were inoculated with colon26 tumor cells. Half the control and tumor-bearing mice were administered ubiquinol (500 mg/kg/day) in their drinking water. Voluntary wheel running (i.e., voluntary running activity [VRA]) and grip strength were measured at Days 0, 8, 14, and 17 of tumor growth. Cardiac function was measured using echocardiography on Day 18 or 19. Biomarkers of inflammation, protein degradation, and oxidative stress were measured in serum and heart and gastrocnemius tissue.

Results:

VRA and grip strength progressively declined in tumor-bearing mice. Muscle mass and myocardial diastolic function were decreased, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines was increased in serum and muscle and heart tissue on Day 19 of tumor growth. Oxidative stress was present only in the heart, while biomarkers of protein degradation were increased only in the gastrocnemius muscle. Ubiquinol increased muscle mass in the tumor-bearing and control animals but had no effect on the expression of biomarkers of inflammation, protein degradation, or oxidative stress or on behavioral measures of fatigue.
Use of Sodium Hypochlorite for Skin Antisepsis Before Inserting a Peripheral Venous Catheter
Authors: Forni Cristiana , Sabattini Tania , D’Alessandro Fabio , Fiorani Ambra , Gamberini Simonetta , Maso Alessandra , Curci Rosa , Zanotti Enrichetta , Chiari Paolo
Published: September 2014

Although it can be prevented, catheter-related bacteremia is common and dangerous. The antiseptics most widely used during insertion of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) include povidone iodine, alcohol, and chlorhexidine. Another widely used antiseptic is a solution of 0.057 g sodium hypochlorite. This pilot study explored the contamination rate of the PVC tip inserted after skin decontamination with sodium hypochlorite. Culture analysis of the tips of the PVCs inserted into the 42 participants showed 7 (16.7%) colonized catheters. The results of this pilot study suggest taking into serious consideration the assessment of this antiseptic in randomized experimental studies.
Calf Muscle Pump Stimulation as a Means to Reduce Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Baniak Lynn M. , Pierce Carolyn S. , Hiester Erik , McLeod Kenneth J.
Published: September 2014

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a debilitating chronic condition that often affects women in midlife with widespread pain that interrupts attempts to exercise. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the efficacy of calf muscle pump (CMP) stimulation as an adjuvant therapy for FM by (1) assessing the correlation of the level of symptoms, as measured by the revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR), and blood pressure (BP), (2) measuring change in mean FIQR scores for subjects who use a CMP-stimulation device for 12 weeks, and (3) measuring the correlation of total device usage and the level of symptoms as measured by the FIQR. The 29 male and female participants (mean age = 47.3 years) were screened using the Widespread Pain Index (WPI), Symptom Severity (SS) score, and the FIQR. Participants were contacted weekly, and progress was assessed using the WPI, SS score, and the FIQR as well as general questions regarding responses to CMP stimulation. The attrition rate was high, which is not uncommon in studies of patients with FM. We found that diastolic BP was significantly inversely correlated with baseline FIQR scores during quiet sitting. Further, 12 weeks of CMP stimulation was associated with significant improvement in average FIQR scores at a rate of approximately −1.5 points per week ( R2 = .9; p ≤ .0001). Total device usage was strongly and inversely correlated with baseline FIQR scores ( R2 = .43; p = .02). These findings suggest that CMP stimulation may provide an additional treatment option for individuals with FM who are challenged to perform traditional forms of exercise.
Attitude is everything: Youth attitudes, gang involvement, and length of institutional gang membership
Authors: Scott Daniel W.
Published: September 2014

Prison gangs have been a topic of interest among scholars, but research on youth prison gangs is limited. Furthermore, violent attitudes and gang involvement have not been addressed extensively, and a better understanding of youth prison gang involvement is needed to effectively inform responses to violence in correctional facilities. This paper fills this research gap through an analysis of violent attitudes as they relate to gang involvement and length of gang membership. The data derive from interviews with 285 males conducted in a larger study on gangs and violence in California’s youth correctional facilities. The results show that gang members tend to have stronger violent and aggressive attitudes compared to nongang members, and length of institutional gang membership is statistically significant and negatively associated with violent and aggressive attitudes. Furthermore, a youth’s violent and aggressive attitudes will vary depending on if the youth has never spent time in an institutional gang, is currently in one, or is a former institutional gang member. I conclude the paper with a discussion of these findings and what they imply for gang group processes, theory, institutional policy, and programs.
Space and place matters: A tool for the analysis of geolocated and mapped protests
Authors: Rodríguez-Amat Joan Ramon , Brantner Cornelia
Published: September 2014

Crowdmapping and geolocated protests form complex multilayered systems of communicated spaces and places that can only be partially grasped by the available literature. This article responds to these limitations by presenting a model for the analysis of the composition of space and place in networked geolocated activities. The model identifies the several forms of expression, opens four modes of analysis (representations, textures, structures, and connections), and allows the consideration of the communication devices involved, while highlighting the forms of power behind the social and cultural practices of protests and crowdmapping. The model is applied to the case of Voces25s, a protest action against the Spanish government’s austerity measures in September 2012, which relied heavily on interactive, networked maps. Furthermore, the raised sensitivity for space and place as forms of social (in)justice opens a fertile empirical research agenda in the area of the governance of communicative spaces.
Rethinking the tourist gaze through the Hindu eyes: The Ganga Aarti celebration in Varanasi, India
Authors: Zara Cristiana
Published: September 2014

This article is about the practices of the gaze enacted in tourist sites. It draws on ethnographic research carried out in the Indian sacred city of Varanasi, on the bank of the ‘holy’ Ganges, to suggest alternative, non-Western ways of conceptualizing and performing sight and the visual. The case study focuses on the Ganga Aarti, a popular Hindu ceremony performed daily on the city’s riverfront. Celebrating the sacred vision of the Ganges, this ceremony can be considered as an expression of the ‘host’ gaze. At the same time, the Ganga Aarti and the quaint city’s riverscape constitute the focus of the tourist gaze, and draw together, in fact, diverse visual traditions and practices. Indeed, I argue that tourist places are to be understood as sites of multiple, situated gazes, where different gazing subjects negotiate different visions, meanings and practices and co-construct, both visually and physically, the tourist space.
Antihyperglycaemic therapies and cancer risk
Authors: Lutz Stefan Z , Staiger Harald , Fritsche Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich
Published: September 2014

Aims:

This review is aimed at highlighting the potential mitogenic/tumour growth–promoting or antimitogenic/tumour growth–inhibiting effects of the main antihyperglycaemic drug classes.

Methods:

We review and discuss the most current studies evaluating the association between antidiabetic medications used in clinical practice and malignancies as described so far.

Results:

Metformin seems to be the only antidiabetic drug to exert protective effects both on monotherapy and also when combined with other oral antidiabetic drugs or insulins in several site-specific cancers. In contrast, several other drug classes may increase cancer risk. Some reason for concern remains regarding sulphonylureas and also the incretin-based therapies regarding pancreas and thyroid cancers and the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as pioglitazone regarding bladder cancer. The majority of meta-analyses suggest that there is no evidence for a causal relationship between insulin glargine and elevated cancer risk, although the studies have been controversially discussed. For α-glucosidase inhibitors and glinides, neutral or only few data upon cancer risk exist.

Conclusion:

Although the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood, a potential risk of mitogenicity and tumour growth promotion cannot be excluded in case of several antidiabetic drug classes. However, more large-scale, randomized, well-designed clinical studies with especially long follow-up time periods are needed to get reliable answers to these safety issues.
Dispelling Misperceptions
Authors: Thurlow Martha L.
Published: September 2014

Misperceptions related to the alternate assessment based on alternate achievement standards (AA-AAS) continue in the field. Three misperceptions identified in the section on alternate assessment are addressed in this response: the perception that grade-level content is inappropriate for students with significant cognitive disabilities; the view that functional skills should be the primary content taught to students with significant cognitive disabilities; and the belief that alternate assessments reduce opportunities for inclusion or other instructional opportunities. The field is encouraged to focus on how to ensure that standards-based reforms result in better outcomes for students with significant cognitive disabilities, including increased participation in inclusive settings and access to the content in those settings. Doing this can be promoted by identifying a theory of action that includes curriculum, instruction, professional development, classroom assessments, and accountability assessments.
Senescence and apoptosis block hematopoietic activation of quiescent hematopoietic stem cells with short telomeres
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Lu Xin , Sakk Vadim , Klein Christoph A. , Rudolph Karl Lenhard
Published: September 2014

Key Points

DNA damage induced by telomere shortening resides in most quiescent HSCs. Senescence and apoptosis compromise the activation of HSCs with dysfunctional telomeres.
How I treat myelofibrosis
Authors: Cervantes Francisco
Published: September 2014

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a BCR-ABL1–negative myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by clonal myeloproliferation, dysregulated kinase signaling, and release of abnormal cytokines. In recent years, important progress has been made in the knowledge of the molecular biology and the prognostic assessment of MF. Conventional treatment has limited impact on the patients’ survival; it includes a wait-and-see approach for asymptomatic patients, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, androgens, or immunomodulatory agents for anemia, cytoreductive drugs such as hydroxyurea for the splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms, and splenectomy or radiotherapy in selected patients. The discovery of the Janus kinase (JAK)2 mutation triggered the development of molecular targeted therapy of MF. The JAK inhibitors are effective in both JAK2-positive and JAK2-negative MF; one of them, ruxolitinib, is the current best available therapy for MF splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms. However, although ruxolitinib has changed the therapeutic scenario of MF, there is no clear indication of a disease-modifying effect. Allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative therapy of MF, but due to its associated morbidity and mortality, it is usually restricted to eligible high- and intermediate-2–risk MF patients. To improve current therapeutic results, the combination of JAK inhibitors with other agents is currently being tested, and newer drugs are being investigated.
Should we consider the infusion of lipid emulsion in the resuscitation of poisoned patients?
Authors: Cave Grant , Harvey Martyn G
Published: September 2014

The use of intravenous lipid emulsions (ILEs) as antidote in local anaesthetic systemic toxicity has gained widespread support following convincing data from animal models, and successful case reports in humans. Proposed beneficial mechanisms of action for ILEs include intravascular sequestration of intoxicant and subsequent enhanced redistribution to biologically inert tissues, augmentation of fatty acid utilisation for ATP synthesis in the context of metabolic poisoning, and direct cardiotonic and ion channel effects. The evidence base for use of ILEs in acute drug intoxication is evolving. The present evidence supports use of ILEs only in local anaesthetic systemic toxicity and in lipophilic cardiotoxin intoxication when there is an immediate threat to life, and other therapies have proven ineffective.
Bayesian inversion for effective pore-fluid bulk modulus based on fluid-matrix decoupled amplitude variation with offset approximation
Authors: Yin Xingyao , Zhang Shixin
Published: September 2014

Fluid indicators estimated from seismic data play important roles in reservoir characterization and prospect identification. Traditionally, there are a variety of fluid indicators proposed, but they are very likely to provide ambiguous results for fluid identification due to the fact that their sensitivity is dependent upon the mixed effect of pore fluid and rock porosity. To raise the sensitivity of fluid indication, we used the effective pore-fluid bulk modulus as a fluid indicator. Starting with the poroelastic amplitude variation with offset (AVO) theory and the corresponding rock-physics model with the homogeneous sorting trend, we derived a new AVO approximation that allowed us to estimate the effective pore-fluid bulk modulus in a direct fashion. The inversion for the fluid indicator is formulated in Bayesian framework with the Cauchy distribution as a prior constraint. We tested the method on synthetic data and analyzed the feasibility and stability of the inversion. A field data example shows that the effective pore-fluid bulk modulus can reduce the ambiguity caused by the rock porosity and improve the quality of fluid discrimination in a clastic reservoir. Further research needs to be done on the reservoirs that do not fit the rock-physics model without a sorting trend.
Hepatic CREB3L3 Controls Whole-Body Energy Homeostasis and Improves Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshimi , Satoh Aoi , Yabe Sachiko , Furusawa Mika , Tokushige Naoko , Tezuka Hitomi , Mikami Motoki , Iwata Wakiko , Shingyouchi Akiko , Matsuzaka Takashi , Kiwata Shiori , Fujimoto Yuri , Shimizu Hidehisa , Danno Hirosuke , Yamamoto Takashi , Ishii Kiyoaki , Karasawa Tadayoshi , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Shimada Masako , Kawakami Yasushi , Urayama Osamu , Sone Hirohito , Takekoshi Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Kazuto , Yatoh Shigeru , Takahashi Akimitsu , Yahagi Naoya , Suzuki Hiroaki , Yamada Nobuhiro , Shimano Hitoshi
Published: September 2014

Transcriptional regulation of metabolic genes in the liver is the key to maintaining systemic energy homeostasis during starvation. The membrane-bound transcription factor cAMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like 3 (CREB3L3) has been reported to be activated during fasting and to regulate triglyceride metabolism. Here, we show that CREB3L3 confers a wide spectrum of metabolic responses to starvation in vivo. Adenoviral and transgenic overexpression of nuclear CREB3L3 induced systemic lipolysis, hepatic ketogenesis, and insulin sensitivity with increased energy expenditure, leading to marked reduction in body weight, plasma lipid levels, and glucose levels. CREB3L3 overexpression activated gene expression levels and plasma levels of antidiabetic hormones, including fibroblast growth factor 21 and IGF-binding protein 2. Amelioration of diabetes by hepatic activation of CREB3L3 was also observed in several types of diabetic obese mice. Nuclear CREB3L3 mutually activates the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α promoter in an autoloop fashion and is crucial for the ligand transactivation of PPARα by interacting with its transcriptional regulator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α. CREB3L3 directly and indirectly controls fibroblast growth factor 21 expression and its plasma level, which contributes at least partially to the catabolic effects of CREB3L3 on systemic energy homeostasis in the entire body. Therefore, CREB3L3 is a therapeutic target for obesity and diabetes.
Integrative Analysis of mRNA and miRNA Array Data Reveals the Suppression of Retinoic Acid Pathway in Regulatory T Cells of Graves' Disease
Authors: Wang Zhe , Fan Xiaohua , Zhang Rongrong , Lin Zongwei , Lu Ting , Bai Xue , Li Wenchao , Zhao Jiajun , Zhang Qunye
Published: September 2014

Context:

It is well known that regulatory T cells (Tregs) are abnormal in Graves' disease (GD) and play crucial roles in the breakdown of immune tolerance and GD development. However, there are controversies about whether the quantity and/or function of Tregs is aberrant in GD. The molecular mechanism of Tregs abnormality and its effects on GD development was still unclear, until now.

Objective:

MiRNAs play important roles in the function and development of the immune system including Tregs. To reveal the Tregs abnormality and its molecular mechanism in GD, we systematically studied the quantity and immunosuppressive function as well as the differential expression profiles of miRNA and mRNA of Tregs in newly diagnosed patients with GD using TaqMan miRNA array and mRNA microarray.

Results:

Our results showed that the quantity and immunosuppressive function of Tregs in initial patients with GD was significantly decreased. More importantly, the retinoic acid (RA) pathway was markedly suppressed and its agonist, all-trans retinoic acid, could notably improve the quantity and immunosuppressive function of Tregs from patients with GD in vitro. In addition, many other pathways including protein ubiquitination and circadian rhythm were also significantly regulated in Tregs of GD.

Conclusions:

This integrative study first revealed the expression profiles of mRNA/miRNA in Tregs of initial GD and RA pathway might play important roles in GD development. Our results implied that all-trans RA, which had been used for a long time in the clinical setting, had potential value in the treatment of GD and was worthy of additional study.
Density but not climate affects the population growth rate of guanacos (Lama guanicoe) (Artiodactyla, Camelidae)
Authors: Zubillaga María , Skewes Oscar , Soto Nicolás , Rabinovich Jorge E
Published: September 2014

We analyzed the effects of population density and climatic variables on the rate of population growth in the guanaco (Lama guanicoe), a wild camelid species in South America. We used a time series of 36 years (1977-2012) of population sampling in Tierra del Fuego, Chile. Individuals were grouped in three age-classes: newborns, juveniles, and adults; for each year a female population transition matrix was constructed, and the population growth rate (λ) was estimated for each year as the matrix highest positive eigenvalue. We applied a regression analysis with finite population growth rate (λ) as dependent variable, and total guanaco population, sheep population, annual mean precipitation, and winter mean temperature as independent variables, with and without time lags. The effect of guanaco population size was statistically significant, but the effects of the sheep population and the climatic variables on guanaco population growth rate were not statistically significant.
Decimal Commas Are a Problem; Actiq Is Not for Sore Throats; Dosing Error with Tasigna; Repackaging of Imbruvica Is Approved
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: September 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 newsletters 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.
Metformin-Induced Hepatitis; Paliperidone-Related Peripheral Edema; Vasospastic Angina Induced by Oral Capecitabine; Skin Hyperpigmentation Due to Long-Term Voriconazole Therapy; Vaccine-Associated Measles
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: September 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.
Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk: Are Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors Beneficial?
Authors: Howard Patricia A.
Published: September 2014

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Whereas the link between glycemic control and reducing microvascular disease is firmly established, the evidence for macrovascular risk reduction remains unclear. Despite a host of available drugs for lowering serum glucose, none to date have been shown to substantially reduce CV risk and some have been associated with adverse effects. Recent trials have examined the CV effects of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors or “gliptins.”
Drug Monographs: Ibrutinib and Ramucirumab
Authors: Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: September 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.
An Accelerated, Practice-Based Model for Fostering Precepting Skills in Pharmacy Residents
Authors: Anderegg Sammuel V. , Christenson Jay C. , Padgett Carson P.
Published: September 2014

Sound precepting skills are vitally important for all pharmacists and for the future of our profession. Residency training provides a fertile environment for the resident to learn and foster new skills. This article outlines an accelerated model for developing precepting skills in residents and provides helpful advice for residents seeking to gain experience as a preceptor.
Significant Publications for Pharmacy Nutrition Support Practice in 2013
Authors: Dickerson Roland N. , Kumpf Vanessa J. , Rollins Carol J. , Frankel Eric H. , Kraft Michael D. , Canada Todd W. , Crill Catherine M.
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To assist the pharmacy clinician engaged in nutrition support in staying current with the most pertinent literature.

Methods

Several experienced board-certified clinical pharmacists in nutrition support compiled a list of publications published in 2013 that they considered to be important to their practice. The citation list was compiled into a Web-based survey whereby pharmacist members of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.), GI-Liver-Nutrition Practice Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Pharmacy and Pharmacology Section of the Society of Critical Care Medicine were asked to rank each article according to level of importance in their practice.

Results

A total of 30 articles were identified by the author group. Thirty-six participants responded to the survey. The top-ranked papers by participants from the Web-based survey were reviewed by the authors. Due to its high level of importance, the parenteral nutrition safety consensus recommendations article, to be published in 2014 by A.S.P.E.N., was also reviewed.

Conclusion

It is recommended that the informed pharmacist, who is engaged in nutrition support therapy, be familiar with the majority of these publications.
Estimated Cost Savings from Reducing Errors in the Preparation of Sterile Doses of Medications
Authors: Urbine Terry F. , Schneider Philip J.
Published: September 2014

Background

Preventing intravenous (IV) preparation errors will improve patient safety and reduce costs by an unknown amount.

Objective

To estimate the financial benefit of robotic preparation of sterile medication doses compared to traditional manual preparation techniques.

Methods

A probability pathway model based on published rates of errors in the preparation of sterile doses of medications was developed. Literature reports of adverse events were used to project the array of medical outcomes that might result from these errors. These parameters were used as inputs to a customized simulation model that generated a distribution of possible outcomes, their probability, and associated costs.

Results

By varying the important parameters across ranges found in published studies, the simulation model produced a range of outcomes for all likely possibilities. Thus it provided a reliable projection of the errors avoided and the cost savings of an automated sterile preparation technology. The average of 1,000 simulations resulted in the prevention of 5,420 medication errors and associated savings of $288,350 per year. The simulation results can be narrowed to specific scenarios by fixing model parameters that are known and allowing the unknown parameters to range across values found in previously published studies.

Conclusions

The use of a robotic device can reduce health care costs by preventing errors that can cause adverse drug events.