bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

BackgroundCrossed 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.MethodsIn 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.ResultsIn 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.ConclusionsThese 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

BackgroundThere 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.MethodsOur 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.ResultsUnder 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.ConclusionsThe 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

BackgroundEvidence 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).MethodsAdult 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).ResultsDoxazosin 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.ConclusionsDoxazosin 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

ABSTRACTThis 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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTApathy 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

ABSTRACTA 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

ABSTRACTBusiness 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

ABSTRACTCommunication 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

ABSTRACTThe 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.
Midwives and Liability: Results from the 2009 Nationwide Survey of Certified Nurse‐Midwives and Certified Midwives in the United States
Authors: Guidera Mamie , McCool William , Hanlon Alexandra , Schuiling Kerri , Smith Andrea 
Published: July 2012

Introduction: In partnership with the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM), the authors conducted a survey of ACNM members to examine the incidence of lawsuit involvement, the outcomes of the litigation in which they were involved, and coping mechanisms among midwives who had been involved in a lawsuit.Methods: In the spring of 2009, a nationwide Web‐based survey was completed by ACNM members. In addition to using chi‐square tests and nonparametric testing in data analysis, a logistic regression model was used to evaluate predictors of lawsuit involvement.Results: Among 1340 midwives responding to the survey, 32% had been named in a lawsuit at least once. The median number of years in practice when the event leading to lawsuit occurred was 6. The majority of midwifery lawsuits involved hospital births and were settled prior to going to court. Three variables were statistically significant for involvement with litigation: the midwife's age, the number of births attended, and the ACNM region of practice in the United States.Discussion: Lawsuits among midwives were significantly related to exposure to births over time. Practice patterns and job security were not greatly affected by the experience of a lawsuit. Future cyclic surveys are needed to track the frequency of litigation and the outcomes that lead to lawsuits and to better define the relationships between midwifery practice and medical malpractice litigation.
Correlation Between Grain Sizes and Electrical Properties of CaBi2Nb2O9 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Chen Huanbei , Shen Bo , Xu Jinbao , Kong Lingbing , Zhai Jiwei 
Published: July 2012

Calcium bismuth niobate (CaBi2Nb2O9, CBN) is a high Curie temperature (TC=930°C) ferroelectrics material and a promising candidate for high‐temperature piezoelectric applications. This study focuses on the effect of the grain size on the electric properties and thermal stability of CBN ceramics. The CBN ceramics with different grain sizes were prepared by three different sintering methods: normal sintering, two‐step sintering, and hot pressing sintering. Result shows that a strong dependence of piezoelectric properties on the grain size. The d33 of two‐step sintering samples with 1.4 μm grain size is 13.5 pC/N which is more than double of that the normal sintering sample with only about 6 pC/N. With the grain size increasing, the unit‐cell volume of CBN ceramic is expanded and the TC shift to higher temperature for enhanced stability of the orthorhombic structure. The thermal stability of piezoelectric properties is enhanced from room temperature to near Curie temperature when the grain size is larger than that of 4.3 μm. However, the thermal stability is decreased with decreasing of the grain size since internal stresses provide an additional driving force that assists the thermal depolarization.
Bakri balloon for the management of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: AIBAR LAURA , AGUILAR MARIA TERESA , PUERTAS ALBERTO , VALVERDE MERCEDES 
Published: July 2012

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bakri balloon in treating postpartum hemorrhage refractory to medical treatment. This retrospective study included 24 women with postpartum hemorrhage treated with a Bakri balloon as a conservative therapeutic option. The Bakri balloon was successful in controlling hemorrhage in 87.5% of the women. It was effective in all women with vaginal delivery (five of five) and in all women with uterine atony who did not respond to medical uterotonic treatment (eight of eight). Its ease of use and high effectiveness make the Bakri balloon a useful approach for the conservative management of acute postpartum hemorrhage. This device reduces bleeding, shortens the hospital stay and avoids the need for more aggressive procedures.