bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Statistical Method for SVBRDF Approximation from Video Sequences in General Lighting Conditions
Authors: Palma Gianpaolo , Callieri Marco , Dellepiane Matteo , Scopigno Roberto
Published: July 2012

We present a statistical method for the estimation of the Spatially Varying Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (SVBRDF) of an object with complex geometry, starting from video sequences acquired with fixed but general lighting conditions. The aim of this work is to define a method that simplifies the acquisition phase of the object surface appearance and allows to reconstruct an approximated SVBRDF. The final output is suitable to be used with a 3D model of the object to obtain accurate and photo‐realistic renderings. The method is composed by three steps: the approximation of the environment map of the acquisition scene, using the same object as a probe; the estimation of the diffuse color of the object; the estimation of the specular components of the main materials of the object, by using a Phong model. All the steps are based on statistical analysis of the color samples projected by the video sequences on the surface of the object. Although the method presents some limitations, the trade‐off between the easiness of acquisition and the obtained results makes it useful for practical applications.
Analytic Tangent Irradiance Environment Maps for Anisotropic Surfaces
Authors: Mehta Soham Uday , Ramamoorthi Ravi , Meyer Mark , Hery Christophe
Published: July 2012

Environment‐mapped rendering of Lambertian isotropic surfaces is common, and a popular technique is to use a quadratic spherical harmonic expansion. This compact irradiance map representation is widely adopted in interactive applications like video games. However, many materials are anisotropic, and shading is determined by the local tangent direction, rather than the surface normal. Even for visualization and illustration, it is increasingly common to define a tangent vector field, and use anisotropic shading. In this paper, we extend spherical harmonic irradiance maps to anisotropic surfaces, replacing Lambertian reflectance with the diffuse term of the popular Kajiya‐Kay model. We show that there is a direct analogy, with the surface normal replaced by the tangent. Our main contribution is an analytic formula for the diffuse Kajiya‐Kay BRDF in terms of spherical harmonics; this derivation is more complicated than for the standard diffuse lobe. We show that the terms decay even more rapidly than for Lambertian reflectance, going as l–3, where l is the spherical harmonic order, and with only 6 terms (l = 0 and l = 2) capturing 99.8% of the energy. Existing code for irradiance environment maps can be trivially adapted for real‐time rendering with tangent irradiance maps. We also demonstrate an application to offline rendering of the diffuse component of fibers, using our formula as a control variate for Monte Carlo sampling.
Accurate fitting of measured reflectances using a Shifted Gamma micro‐facet distribution
Authors: Bagher M. M. , Soler C. , Holzschuch N.
Published: July 2012

Material models are essential to the production of photo‐realistic images. Measured BRDFs provide accurate representation with complex visual appearance, but have larger storage cost. Analytical BRDFs such as Cook‐Torrance provide a compact representation but fail to represent the effects we observe with measured appearance. Accurately fitting an analytical BRDF to measured data remains a challenging problem. In this paper we introduce the SGD micro‐facet distribution for Cook‐Torrance BRDF. This distribution accurately models the behavior of most materials. As a consequence, we accurately represent all measured BRDFs using a single lobe. Our fitting procedure is stable and robust, and does not require manual tweaking of the parameters.
Importance Sampling Techniques for Path Tracing in Participating Media
Authors: Kulla Christopher , Fajardo Marcos
Published: July 2012

We introduce a set of robust importance sampling techniques which allow efficient calculation of direct and indirect lighting from arbitrary light sources in both homogeneous and heterogeneous media. We show how to distribute samples along a ray proportionally to the incoming radiance for point and area lights. In heterogeneous media, we decouple ray marching from light calculations by computing a representation of the transmittance function that can be quickly evaluated during sampling, at the cost of a small amount of bias. This representation also allows the calculation of another probability density function which can direct samples to regions most likely to scatter light. These techniques are orthogonal and can be combined via multiple importance sampling to further reduce variance. Our method has very modest per‐ray memory requirements and does not require any preprocessing, making it simple to integrate into production ray tracing based renderers.
ISHair: Importance Sampling for Hair Scattering
Authors: Ou Jiawei , Xie Feng , Krishnamachari Parashar , Pellacini Fabio
Published: July 2012

We present an importance sampling method for the bidirectional scattering distribution function (bsdf) of hair. Our method is based on the multi‐lobe hair scattering model presented by Sadeghi et al. [SPJT10]. We reduce noise by drawing samples from a distribution that approximates the bsdf well. Our algorithm is efficient and easy to implement, since the sampling process requires only the evaluation of a few analytic functions, with no significant memory overhead or need for precomputation. We tested our method in a research raytracer and a production renderer based on micropolygon rasterization. We show significant improvements for rendering direct illumination using multiple importance sampling and for rendering indirect illumination using path tracing.
Gamut Mapping Spatially Varying Reflectance with an Improved BRDF Similarity Metric
Authors: Pereira Thiago , Rusinkiewicz Szymon
Published: July 2012

Recent spatially varying reflectance (svBRDF) printing systems can reproduce an input document as a combination of matte, glossy and metallic inks. Due to the limited number of inks, this reproduction process incurs some distortion. In this work, we present an svBRDF gamut mapping algorithm that minimizes distortions in the angular and spatial domains. To preserve a material's perceived variation with lighting and view, we introduce an improved BRDF similarity metric that builds on both experimental results on reflectance perception and on the statistics of natural lighting environments. Our experiments show better preservation of object color and highlights, as validated quantitatively as well as through a perceptual study. As for the spatial domain, we show how to adapt traditional color gamut mapping methods to svBRDFs. Our solution takes into account the contrast between regions, achieving better preservation of textures and edges.
‘All models are wrong...’: an introduction to model uncertainty
Authors: Wit Ernst , Heuvel Edwin van den , Romeijn Jan‐Willem
Published: July 2012

In this article, we introduce the concept of model uncertainty. We review the frequentist and Bayesian ideas underlying model selection, which serve as an introduction to the rest of this special issue on ‘All models are wrong...’, a workshop under the same name was held in March 2011 in Groningen to critically examined the field of statistical model selection methods over the past 40 years. We briefly introduce the philosophical debate that is concerned with model selection. We present the results of a questionnaire that was distributed under the participants of the workshop, showing that the field has not yet reached a comforting consensus and is still in full swing.
Needs and Nonviolent Communication in the Religious Studies Classroom
Authors: Agnew Elizabeth N.
Published: July 2012

Religious studies classrooms are microcosms of the public square in bringing together individuals of diverse identities and ideological commitments. As such, these classrooms create the necessity and opportunity to foster effective modes of conversation. In this essay, I argue that communication attuned to shared human needs – among them needs for safety, respect, and belonging – offers a transformative response to the potential self‐silencing and peer‐conflict to which religious studies classrooms are prone. I develop this claim with reference to the research on teaching religious studies conducted by Barbara Walvoord and the pedagogy of theologian and Swarthmore University President Rebecca Chopp in formulating an “ethics of conversation” with her students. Building on this foundation, I make a case for developing an “ethos of conversation” in the religious studies classroom based on psychologist and peace activist Marshall Rosenberg's method of “nonviolent communication.” While addressing the roles of conflict and toleration in the classroom through the perspectives of Alasdair MacIntyre and Jeffrey Stout, I argue that Rosenberg's approach to communication is a powerful asset to education that models constructive engagement in the macrocosm of civic life.
Catholic/Jesuit Values in an Introductory Religious Studies Course
Authors: Lynch, S.J. Patrick , Mizak Pat
Published: July 2012

A growing interest in the communication to students of the mission and identity of a higher education institution prompted this study about the presence of Catholic, Jesuit values in the introductory religious studies course at a faith‐based university. To conduct this study a survey instrument was developed, piloted, further refined, and then administered again to about four hundred and fifty students. The study's results showed that the introductory course had a positive effect on the majority of students surveyed, namely, those who had no Catholic schooling or only had a Catholic elementary school education. Statistically significant advances in several areas of knowledge about Catholic teachings endorsed by Catholic bishops and the pope occurred. Although less extensive, knowledge of Jesuit values also advanced in the course.
Teaching Religion in Indonesia: A Report on Graduate Studies in Java
Authors: Lewis Bret
Published: July 2012

Established in 2000–2001, the Center for Religious and Cross‐cultural Studies (CRCS) is the only master's level religious studies program at a non‐religiously affiliated university in Indonesia. In many respects, the program is experimental, operating within the dynamic political and religious environment of the Muslim world's youngest and largest democracy. Like other large democracies such as India or the United States, the Indonesian government and courts have their challenges and opportunities in navigating a multiplicity of religions. In Indonesia, this took on particular urgency in the context of religiously‐charged conflict in the 1990's and early 2000's which helped lead to the establishment of the CRCS. This paper seeks to explore how students and key faculty relate to the program's mission and approach to the study of religion while tracing the development of religious studies as a discipline in Indonesia. Special attention is paid to the political and, at times, controversial aspects of approaching religion with secular and pluralistic frameworks and language. It was informed by interviews and surveys conducted between January and May of 2010.
HOUSEHOLD LOCATION AND RACE: A 20‐YEAR RETROSPECTIVE*
Authors: Gabriel Stuart A. , Painter Gary D.
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT In research conducted some 20 years ago, we elucidated the starkly lower suburbanization propensities of black households in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The paper showed that simulated closure of large socio‐economic gaps between blacks and whites did little to diminish prevailing high levels of residential segregation or otherwise enhance moves by black households to areas of educational, employment, and housing opportunity. Some two decades later and in the wake of significant urban evolution, this paper assesses anew racial variations in residential location choice. Results of the multinomial logit (MNL) analysis indicate large, persistent racial differentials in intrametropolitan residential location choice. While black location choice in 2000 was relatively more dispersed than in 1980, it remained remarkably concentrated in D.C. and Prince George's County. As in our prior analysis, results showed that large simulated gains in black economic and educational status had little effect on prevailing racial segregation. These findings underscore the ongoing, limited access of black households to schooling, employment, and homeownership opportunities available outside traditional areas of settlement. In marked contrast, the locational choices of Latino and immigrant households bore greater similarity to those of whites and were more sensitive to improvements in socio‐economic status.
RESPONSE‐DEPENDENCE ABOUT AESTHETIC VALUE
Authors: WATKINS MICHAEL , SHELLEY JAMES
Published: July 2012

The dominant view about the nature of aesthetic value holds it to be response‐dependent. We believe that the dominance of this view owes largely to some combination of the following prevalent beliefs:

The belief that challenges brought against response‐dependent accounts in other areas of philosophy are less challenging when applied to response‐dependent accounts of aesthetic value.

The belief that aesthetic value is instrumental and that response‐dependence about aesthetic value alone accommodates this purported fact.

The belief that response‐dependence about aesthetic value alone accommodates the widely acknowledged anthropocentricity of aesthetic value.

The belief that response‐dependence about aesthetic value alone accommodates aesthetic normativity.

We argue that each of these beliefs is false, and that the dominance of response‐dependent accounts of aesthetic value is therefore largely without foundation.
How Do Powerful CEOs Affect Analyst Coverage?
Authors: Jiraporn Pornsit , Liu Yixin , Kim Young S.
Published: July 2012

We examine how CEO power affects the extent of analyst coverage. CEO power can influence a CEO's incentives to disclose information. The amount of information disclosed by the CEO in turn influences the information environment, which affects financial analysts’ incentives to follow the firm. Consistent with this notion, we show that firms with powerful CEOs are covered by fewer analysts. In addition, the evidence shows that firms with more powerful CEOs experience less information asymmetry. Powerful CEOs are well insulated and have fewer incentives to conceal information, resulting in more transparency. The information provided to investors directly by the firm substitutes for the information in the analyst's report. As a result, the demand for analyst coverage is lower. Our results are important because they show that CEO power affects important corporate outcomes such as corporate transparency and analyst following.
Phospholipase activity after β‐endorphin exposure discriminates Malassezia strains isolated from healthy and seborrhoeic dermatitis skin
Authors: Vlachos Ch. , Gaitanis G. , Alexopoulos E.C. , Papadopoulou C. , Bassukas I.D.
Published: July 2012

Background  Phospholipase activity and its induction by β‐endorphin have been associated with pathogenic Malassezia pachydermatis animal isolates.

Objective  To evaluate Malassezia phosholipase activity in human isolates from seborrhoeic dermatitis (SD) and healthy controls before and after β‐endorphin exposure.

Methods  Eighty‐four volunteers with or without SD (N = 41) were sampled. Isolated Malassezia strains were incubated in Dixon’s medium with and without 100 nmol/L β‐endorphin. Subsequently, phospholipase activity was assessed in egg‐yolk agar and the results were compared employing Wilcoxon sign test for paired data, chi‐squared test and multinomial logistic regression analysis.

Results  A total of 64 Malassezia strains were isolated. SD strains tended to have decreased phospholipase activity before (P = 0.057) and increased after exposure to β‐endorphin (P = 0.061) compared to isolates from healthy skin. Phospholipase activity after β‐endorphin exposure related to basal enzyme activity as a measure of per strain phospholipase inducibility by β‐endorphin did not depend on Malassezia species (P = 0.652). However, this latter biochemical trait discriminates strains isolated from SD lesional and healthy skin (P = 0.036).

Conclusion  β‐endorphin exposure modifies the in vitro phosholipase activity in Malassezia species isolated from SD lesional skin. This is in accordance with emerging evidence that enhanced local lipase activity is involved in the pathogenesis of SD.
Nonablative fractional laser resurfacing for the treatment of scars and grafts after Mohs micrographic surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Verhaeghe E. , Ongenae K. , Dierckxsens L. , Bostoen J. , Lambert J.
Published: July 2012

Background  Mohs micrographic surgery is a tissue sparing surgical technique for removal of skin cancer. To optimize the cosmetic result of scars and skin grafts after surgery non invasive procedures as non‐ablative fractional laser (NAFL) resurfacing are attractive.

Objective  To evaluate efficacy and safety of 1540 nm NAFL in the treatment of scars and skin grafts after Mohs micrographic surgery.

Methods  An intra‐individual randomized controlled trial (RCT) with split lesion design and single blinded outcome evaluations. Patients receive four treatments at monthly interval with NAFL [StarLux‐300 with Lux 1540 nm fractional handpiece (Palomar technologies)]. Primary endpoint to evaluate efficacy is a blinded on site visual and palpable Physician Global Assessment (PhGA). Adverse event and pain registration are used to evaluate safety. Patient’s global assessment (PGA) and skin reflectance measurements are secondary endpoints.

Results  The PhGA score comparing the treated to the untreated control side of 24 patients is significant different 1 (P = 0.009) and 3 (P = 0.001) months after treatment (Wilcoxon signed rank test). Patients experienced mild to moderate pain. Four days after the treatments patients reported erythema (67%), oedema (31%), crusts (22%), burning sensation (14%), purpura (9%) and vesicles (4%). No long term adverse events are reported. PGA is significant different 1 (P < 0. 001) and 3 months (P < 0. 001) after the last treatment. Skin reflectance do not show significant difference.

Conclusion  This study shows that nonablative 1540 nm fractional laser is a safe and effective treatment for the improvement of scars and grafts after Mohs surgery.
Do sequential EEG changes predict atypical clinical features in rolandic epilepsy?
Authors: KANEMURA HIDEAKI , SANO FUMIKAZU , AOYAGI KAKURO , SUGITA KANJI , AIHARA MASAO
Published: July 2012

Aim  Although the prognosis for rolandic epilepsy is regarded to be favourable, a small proportion of cases that initially present as rolandic epilepsy evolve into atypical benign partial epilepsy (ABPE) of childhood. The purpose of our study was to determine electroencephalogram (EEG) criteria in relation to atypical seizure manifestations, and cognitive and behavioural problems in rolandic epilepsy.

Methods  The rolandic epilepsy group consisted of 10 children (mean age 5y 6mo, SD 1y 1mo, median age 5y 5mo; six males, four females). The ABPE group comprised five children (mean age 5y, SD 1y 2mo, median age 4y 5mo; three males, two females). We recorded the number of spikes, the locations of spikes, and the duration of the spike activity. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Third Edition or the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, depending on age, was administered to all children at the onset of seizures and every year thereafter. The diagnosis of attention‐deficit–hyperactivity disorder was made according to the DSM‐IV.

Results  Significant correlations were found between atypical clinical features and extended periods of high‐frequency paroxysmal EEG abnormalities (>24mo after onset; p<0.01) and frontal EEG focus (>10mo after onset; p<0.003).

Interpretation  A combination of spike rate and extended periods of high‐frequency paroxysmal EEG abnormalities may predict the evolution of atypical rolandic epilepsy.
Molecular basis for the differential sensitivity of rat and human α9α10 nAChRs to α‐conotoxin RgIA
Authors: Azam Layla , McIntosh J Michael
Published: July 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 1137–1144.

The α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) may be a potential target in pathophysiology of the auditory system, chronic pain, and breast and lung cancers. Alpha‐conotoxins, from the predatory marine snail Conus, are potent nicotinic antagonists, some of which are selective for the α9α10 nAChR. Here, we report a two order of magnitude species difference in the potency of α‐conotoxin RgIA for the rat versus human α9α10 nAChR. We investigated the molecular mechanism of this difference. Heterologous expression of the rat α9 with the human α10 subunit in Xenopus oocytes resulted in a receptor that was blocked by RgIA with potency similar to that of the rat α9α10 nAChR. Conversely, expression of the human α9 with that of the rat α10 subunit resulted in a receptor that was blocked by RgIA with potency approaching that of the human α9α10 receptor. Systematic substitution of residues found in the human α9 subunit into the homologous position in the rat α9 subunit revealed that a single point mutation, Thr56 to Ile56, primarily accounts for this species difference. Remarkably, although the α9 nAChR subunit has previously been reported to provide the principal (+) binding face for binding of RgIA, Thr56 is located in the (−) complementary binding face.
Behaviour among children of substance‐abusing women attending a Special Child Welfare Clinic in Norway, as assessed by Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)
Authors: Hjerkinn Bjørg , Lindbæk Morten , Rosvold Elin Olaug
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 285–294

Behaviour among children of substance‐abusing women attending a Special Child Welfare Clinic in Norway, as assessed by Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

Background:  A Special Child Welfare Clinic (SCWC) in Norway provides care for pregnant women with substance abuse problems. Treatment is given without substitution. This investigation assesses the behaviour of the children between the ages 6 and 13 years of women who attended the clinic. It also explores the correlation between the behaviour and a neuropsychological screening performed one and a half year earlier. The study was set up to investigate the influence of prenatal substance exposure.

Method:  Thirty‐eight SCWC children and 63 children in a comparison group were scored by Child Behavior Check List (CBCL). Twenty‐one (55%) SCWC mothers were classed as short‐term users (ceased substance abuse before the end of first trimester), and 17 (45%) were classed as long‐term users (continued a moderate substance abuse throughout pregnancy). Thirteen (77%) of the children of the long‐term users were living in foster homes at the time of the investigation.

Results:  SCWC children were scored within normal ranges for most items, but their scores were significantly worse than those of the comparison group. Children of short‐term users were given lower scores than comparisons on more issues in CBCL than were children of long‐term users. The SCWC children were breastfed for a shorter time (p = 0.023) and had moved house more often (p < 0.001) than comparisons. SCWC children living with their biological mothers received more special education or remedial classes (p ≤ 0.001) than children of the comparisons.

Conclusion:  Most children of long‐term users were living in foster homes. Notably, children of short‐term users, that is, children living with their biological mothers, were given lower scores than comparisons in CBCL. Children of short‐term users were more likely to receive special education than children of comparisons. More research is needed on how to reveal parenting problems and how to guide mothers with previous or present substance abuse problems.
The demographic drivers of future ethnic group populations for UK local areas 2001–2051
Authors: Rees Philip , Wohland Pia , Norman Paul
Published: July 2012

Projections of the ethnic composition of the UK population presage radical change in the future at both national and local levels. The first question that users of such population projections ask is ‘what is driving the results?’ The answer can be found in the assumptions made for future mortality rates, future fertility rates, future migration rates and flows, and the age–sex structure of the starting populations. But it is difficult to disentangle the component effects and demographic momentum. We adapt a methodology proposed and used by Bongaarts and Bulatao in 1999 (Population and Development Review 25 515–29) by extending to national, subnational and ethnic group projections, applying it to projections of the ethnic group populations in English local authorities. We assess the roles played by immigration assumptions (the subject of continuous public debate), fertility assumptions, mortality assumptions and internal migration assumptions together with the role of the existing population age structure of each group in each area. Our findings are that positive immigration assumptions contribute to population growth in all local authorities, below replacement fertility lowers the population everywhere, declining mortality compensates for missing babies but substitutes elders and internal migration has very different effects depending on the local authority. Ethnic groups vary enormously in terms of the contribution of the current age structure. The demographic momentum of the White groups produces population declines while it is the most important demographic driver for some but not all of minority ethnic groups. The paper reports on the methods, assumptions and results associated with a systematic set of ‘what if’ projections. These enable us to determine the demographic drivers of future ethnic population change for England's local areas over the time horizon 2001–2051.
Association of H. pylori Infection with Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Among Lebanese Adults
Authors: Naja Farah , Nasreddine Lara , Hwalla Nahla , Moghames Patricia , Shoaib Hikma , Fatfat Maamoun , Sibai Abla , Gali‐Muhtasib Hala
Published: July 2012

Background

Several epidemiological studies proposed an association between
Helicobacter pylori (
H. pylori) infection with insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, up to date there is no conclusive evidence regarding this association.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence and correlates of
H. pylori infection among Lebanese adults and to evaluate its association with IR and MetS.

Materials and Methods

Stored blood samples of adults participating in the national Nutrition and Non‐Communicable Diseases Risk factors survey conducted in Lebanon were used for this study (n = 308).
H. pylori‐specific immunoglobulin G antibody titers were measured by ELISA. Data available included, in addition to anthropometric measurements, sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, blood pressure, and biochemical indices (serum insulin, HDL, LDL, TAG, glucose). A HOMA –IR level was used to assess insulin resistance. The International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to classify study participants with MetS.

Results

The prevalence of
H. pylori infection in the study sample was 52% (95% CI, 46.43–57.57). A higher crowding index was associated with a 50% increase in the odds of infection (OR, 1.41; CI, 1.08–2.27). Blood pressure, waist circumference, serum HDL, LDL, TAG, and glucose levels were comparable between
H. pylori positive and negative subjects. The odds of IR and MetS were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion

Prevalence of
H. pylori infection in Lebanon is comparable to other developing countries. Furthermore, our findings suggested no association of
H. pylori infection with IR or MetS. Eradication of
H. pylori infection to prevent IR or MetS is not warranted.
Chronic Free‐Choice Drinking in Crossed High Alcohol Preferring Mice Leads to Sustained Blood Ethanol Levels and Metabolic Tolerance Without Evidence of Liver Damage
Authors: Matson Liana , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Crabb David , Buckingham Amy , Ross Ruth Ann , Halcomb Meredith , Grahame Nicholas
Published: July 2012

Background

Crossed high alcohol preferring (cHAP) mice were selectively bred from a cross of the HAP1 × HAP2 replicate lines, and we demonstrate blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) during free‐choice drinking that are reminiscent of those observed in alcohol‐dependent humans. Therefore, this line may provide an unprecedented opportunity to learn about the consequences of excessive voluntary ethanol (EtOH) consumption, including metabolic tolerance and liver pathology. Cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1) induction plays a prominent role in driving both metabolic tolerance and EtOH‐induced liver injury. In this report, we sought to characterize cHAP drinking by assessing whether pharmacologically relevant BEC levels are sustained throughout the active portion of the light–dark cycle. Given that cHAP intakes and BECs are similar to those observed in mice given an EtOH liquid diet, we assessed whether free‐choice exposure results in metabolic tolerance, hepatic enzyme induction, and hepatic steatosis.

Methods

In experiment 1, blood samples were taken across the dark portion of a 12:12 light–dark cycle to examine the pattern of EtOH accumulation in these mice. In experiments 1 and 2, mice were injected with EtOH following 3 to 4 weeks of access to water or 10% EtOH and water, and blood samples were taken to assess metabolic tolerance. In experiment 3, 24 mice had 4 weeks of access to 10% EtOH and water or water alone, followed by necropsy and hepatological assessment.

Results

In experiment 1, cHAP mice mean BEC values exceeded 80 mg/dl at all sampling points and approached 200 mg/dl during the middle of the dark cycle. In experiments 1 and 2, EtOH‐exposed mice metabolized EtOH faster than EtOH‐naïve mice, demonstrating metabolic tolerance (p < 0.05). In experiment 3, EtOH‐drinking mice showed greater expression of hepatic CYP2E1 than water controls, consistent with the development of metabolic tolerance (p < 0.05). EtOH access altered neither hepatic histology nor levels of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that excessive intake by cHAP mice results in sustained BECs throughout the active period, leading to the development of metabolic tolerance and evidence of CYP2E1 induction. Together, these results provide additional support for the cHAP mice as a highly translational rodent model of alcoholism.
The Use of a Novel Drinkometer System for Assessing Pharmacological Treatment Effects on Ethanol Consumption in Rats
Authors: Vengeliene Valentina , Noori Hamid R. , Spanagel Rainer
Published: July 2012

Background

There are numerous studies in the preclinical alcohol research field showing that pharmacological interventions and many other manipulations can influence ethanol (EtOH) consumption in a free‐choice paradigm in rats. Most of these studies are based on 24‐hour measurements. These studies provide a measure of the total amount of EtOH consumed per day, but do not provide information on the drinking patterns within this period of measurement. Here, we used a novel drinkometer system in combination with Fourier analysis to provide detailed information on drinking patterns.

Methods

Our automated drinkometer system measures fluid consumption by means of high‐precision sensors attached to the drinking bottles in the home cage of the rat and thereby ameliorates several limitations of a classical lickometer‐based drinkometer system. As an example of its application, we used the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) model for relapse‐like drinking and tested as a reference compound lamotrigine, which has a robust effect on the ADE. Fourier analysis was chosen as the main strategy for 24‐hour drinking pattern recognition during water/EtOH drinking.

Results

Under baseline conditions, voluntary EtOH consumption in rats can be expressed as characteristic oscillations that follow diurnal activity and differ in their amplitude, depending on the EtOH concentration. This diurnal drinking rhythmicity was altered during a relapse condition. Furthermore, lamotrigine given during the ADE did not significantly affect the drinking frequency or the number of approaches to the EtOH bottles when compared to vehicle‐treated animals. However, EtOH intake during a drinking approach was dramatically reduced.

Conclusions

The use of the drinkometer system and mathematical modeling allows the characterization of treatment effects on relapse‐like drinking with a great level of detail. One use of such detailed information may lie in its translational predictability. For instance, owing to lamotrigine treatment's lack of effect on EtOH drinking frequency or the number of approaches to the EtOH bottles, this compound might not be effective in relapse prevention per se but may reduce hedonic EtOH effects and could therefore be used in alcohol‐dependent patients if harm reduction is the primary goal of treatment.
The α1‐Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist, Doxazosin, Reduces Alcohol Drinking in Alcohol‐Preferring (P) Rats
Authors: O'Neil Meghan L. , Beckwith Lauren E. , Kincaid Carrie L. , Rasmussen Dennis D.
Published: July 2012

Background

Evidence supports a role for the noradrenergic system in alcohol drinking in animals and humans. Our previous studies demonstrated the efficacy of prazosin, an α1‐adrenergic antagonist, in decreasing alcohol drinking in rat models of alcohol dependence. Prazosin has also been shown to decrease alcohol drinking in treatment‐seeking alcohol‐dependent men. Clinically, the use of prazosin is limited by the requirement for multiple daily administrations, whereas doxazosin, a structurally similar α1‐adrenergic antagonist, requires only once‐daily dosing. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that doxazosin, like prazosin, would decrease alcohol drinking in rats selectively bred for alcohol preference (P line).

Methods

Adult male P rats were given 2 h/d scheduled access to a 2‐bottle choice (15% v/v alcohol vs. water) session 5 d/wk (M–F), with food and water available ad libitum 24 h/d. Rats were injected with doxazosin (0 to 10 mg/kg, IP) 40 minutes prior to initiation of the alcohol access session in 3 trials (of 3, 5, and 5 consecutive days) each separated by 5 to 8 weeks. The third trial included 1 day without alcohol access (for locomotor testing), and 1 day of a single hour of alcohol access (for plasma alcohol determination).

Results

Doxazosin significantly reduced alcohol intake in all 3 trials. The 5 mg/kg dose consistently reduced alcohol intake, increased water drinking, did not affect locomotor activity, and resulted in lower plasma alcohol concentrations, suggesting that the doxazosin‐induced reduction in alcohol drinking was not dependent on a motor impairment or an alteration in alcohol clearance.

Conclusions

Doxazosin decreases voluntary alcohol consumption by male alcohol‐preferring (P) rats, supporting a role for the noradrenergic system in alcohol drinking in P rats and suggesting that doxazosin could potentially be an effective once‐daily pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Commentary on Seppänen and Colleagues (2012): Institutionalization of Brief Alcohol Intervention in Primary Health Care—The Finnish Case
Authors: Heather Nick
Published: July 2012

Despite good evidence for the effectiveness of brief intervention (BI) for hazardous and harmful drinking delivered in primary health care, the uptake of such interventions among physicians and other healthcare staff still leaves much to be desired. Seppänen and colleagues (2012) report an evaluation of efforts funded by the Finnish government to “institutionalize” BI among primary care physicians in Finland. The evaluation was based on 2 surveys of Finnish primary healthcare physicians, one conducted in 2002 before the government‐funded implementation project had begun and the other in 2007 after it had ended. Major findings were that the proportion of physicians offering BI had increased between the 2 surveys from 59.2 to 78.5% and that, of those who said they offered BI in 2007, 52.4% reported increased activity compared with 5 years earlier. However, in the 2007 survey, regular BI activity was reported by 17.2% of the sample but 61.3% reported only occasional activity. Also, a separate survey of the Finnish general population indicated that the extent to which people are asked by health professionals about their alcohol consumption, and the extent to which heavy drinkers receive advice about it, still appears to be low. Thus, the claim that the institutionalization of BI in the Finnish primary care system has been successful is tentative. The clinical benefits of increased BI activity are unquestionable but it can be argued that, for a public health benefit to occur, a greater proportion of hazardous and harmful drinkers need to receive BI than is suggested in the data reported by Seppänen and colleagues.
Integration of Study Abroad with Social Media Technologies and Decision‐Making Applications
Authors: Deans P. Candace
Published: July 2012

This article describes the design and delivery of a program, “Global Business in a Digital World.” The program integrates the use of social media technologies and business applications in a series of courses that include short‐term study abroad components that focus on emerging markets. The objectives are to: (1) provide additional options for study abroad; (2) broaden the scope of the international business program to include more emphasis on emerging markets; (3) provide integration across business and liberal arts; and (4) integrate social media technologies into the study abroad experience. To achieve these objectives, students study business in the host country, interact with local company executives, and experiment with social media and related technologies. A conceptual framework describes the course structure and its relationship with the four categories of social media classified as 4Cs: Communication, Connection, Cooperation, and Collaboration (Cook, 2008; Enterprise 2.0. Burlington, VT: Gower Publishing Limited). Conclusions reveal improved student learning outcomes after exposure to the study abroad, but also suggest the study abroad experience requires specific skill development. A research framework gives direction for future work.
The Association between Students’ Evaluation of Teaching and Grades
Authors: Hoefer Peter , Yurkiewicz Jack , Byrne John C.
Published: July 2012

The results of a student evaluation of teaching instrument are analyzed for a semester of classes at a large collegiate business school, at both the graduate and undergraduate academic level. In particular, we concentrate on the relationship between responses to the instrument and student grades. The results show interesting differences, suggesting dissimilarities, especially for gender, academic level, and field. Our research suggests that academic administrators and others need be cautious when they use such data in evaluating teaching.
Students’ Perspective into the Apathy and Social Disconnectedness They Feel in Undergraduate Business Classrooms
Authors: Sashittal Hemant C. , Jassawalla Avan R. , Markulis Peter
Published: July 2012

Apathy and social disconnectedness among undergraduate business students remain poorly understood and under‐researched—despite evidence that they produce an adverse impact on learning‐related outcomes. Qualitative research was initially conducted among a sample of undergraduate business students to identify the antecedents and learning‐related consequences of apathy and social disconnectedness, develop grounded definitions, hypotheses, and scales. This was followed by a survey that aimed to test a conceptual model that emerged from qualitative data. The study finds evidence to suggest that high levels of anxiety among students antecedes social disconnectedness and powerlessness, which trigger apathy or the lack of caring about being a student or attending college. These psychosocial problems are severe enough, the study finds, to adversely impact the quality of students’ learning experiences. Implications for new thinking and research are discussed, and implications for improving instruction are derived from the findings.
A Conceptual Framework for Evolving, Recommender Online Learning Systems
Authors: Peiris K. Dharini Amitha , Gallupe R. Brent
Published: July 2012

A comprehensive conceptual framework is developed and described for evolving recommender‐driven online learning systems (ROLS). This framework describes how such systems can support students, course authors, course instructors, systems administrators, and policy makers in developing and using these ROLS. The design science information systems research approach was used to develop the framework. The ROLS framework incorporates both the cognitive and situative perspectives of the constructivist paradigm of learning. Research propositions are developed to highlight new research opportunities for these systems. The framework demonstrates how various components of an evolving ROLS can be integrated to provide potential benefits for all users.
Illustrating the Impact of Performance Measurement Systems on Organizational Performance: The Blue‐Green Game
Authors: Umble Elisabeth , Umble Michael
Published: July 2012

Business students are thoroughly schooled about the importance of measurement systems that, by their very nature, are designed to accurately measure the past performance of organizations, departments, and individuals. This article describes a team‐based, active‐learning exercise that clearly illustrates an additional important and often underemphasized aspect of performance measurement systems—their influence on individuals’ future behaviors and organizations’ future performance.
Using Online Studio Groups to Improve Writing Competency: A Pilot Study in a Quality Improvement Methods Course
Authors: Kovach Jamison V. , Miley Michelle , Ramos Miguel A.
Published: July 2012

Communication skills are a significant contributor to an individual's success in the workplace. Unfortunately, students often have trouble expressing their ideas in written form and the poor quality of students’ written work often impedes the learning process. This pilot study investigates the use of online writing studios within a quality improvement methods course and the impact of this intervention on students’ writing competency and perceptions about the writing process. The impact of this approach on student performance is evaluated within and across semesters using comparative statistical analyses. Results show that students who participated in online writing studios performed better (i.e., at least one rubric level higher) on their final written assignments for the course compared to students who did not, and that this approach is associated with improved students’ perceptions about the writing process. This research suggests that the use of online writing studios within a content‐specific course can incrementally improve students’ writing competency over the course of one semester, and can positively affect the learning of written communication skills and change students’ perceptions about various aspects of the writing process.
Predicting Study Abroad Intentions Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Schnusenberg Oliver , de Jong Pieter , Goel Lakshmi
Published: July 2012

The emphasis on study abroad programs is growing in the academic context as U.S. based universities seek to incorporate a global perspective in education. Using a model that has underpinnings in the theory of planned behavior (TPB), we predict students’ intention to participate in short‐term study abroad program. We use TPB to identify behavioral, normative, and control beliefs pertinent to the study abroad context. Our research model hypothesizes that intention is predicted by affordability, willingness to pay, and desire. Moreover, willingness to pay is explained by future job prospects, family expectations, and administrative support. We believe that the elements of TBP are reflective of categories of factors that have been demonstrated as important in the context of short‐term study abroad decisions, but that have not been included in previous studies applying TPB to a study abroad context. We test our research model through a survey of 254 undergraduate business students at a southern U.S. university, and find support for all our hypotheses. Results from our study aid in the understanding of students’ decision‐making process to participate in a short‐term study abroad program and have implications for education and learning in the study abroad context. We also contribute to the extant research in TPB by applying it to the context of studying abroad programs and by identifying, and finding support for, a mediated relationship between beliefs and intentions.
Two‐Provider Technique for Bimanual Uterine Compression to Control Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Andreatta Pamela , Perosky Joseph , Johnson Timothy R.B.
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Bimanual uterine compression may provide a reasonable treatment option for controlling or arresting postpartum hemorrhage in areas where access to care and advanced medical interventions are limited. Preliminary evidence suggests that correctly performed bimanual uterine compression is unsustainable for more than a few minutes, despite empirical evidence and practice recommendations that support extended compression for optimal effect. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of team‐based (pairs) bimanual uterine compression for managing postpartum hemorrhage from uterine atony.

Methods: Obstetricians, nurse‐midwives, midwifery students, and unskilled birth attendants (N = 30) in Ghana performed bimanual uterine compression using a simulator with objective performance feedback (6 lights) corresponding to pressure sensors on the uterus. For each participant, we tracked the degree and duration of maintained uterine compression. Birth attendants were then paired (15 pairs) and were similarly assessed performing the technique as a team, with 1 attendant providing external compression to the uterine fundus using 2 hands and the other providing internal pressure against the body of the uterus with a single hand.

Results: Individuals were unable to fully compress the uterus and maintain compression for more than 150 seconds without fatiguing. All paired teams were able to fully compress the uterus and maintain the compression for the maximum allotted time of 5 minutes.

Discussion: Results suggest that bimanual uterine compression is more effective when performed by a team, with a primary attendant maintaining internal lower uterine segment pressure and monitoring the patient's condition and a partner applying external pressure to the uterine fundus. For cases where access to advanced medical care is limited or delayed, team‐applied bimanual uterine compression could enhance the ability to control or arrest postpartum hemorrhage and increase the likelihood of maternal survival.