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Although difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS) is the most common nighttime insomnia symptom among US adults, many FDA-approved hypnotics have indications only for sleep onset, stipulating bedtime administration to offset residual sedation. Given the well-known self-medication tendencies of insomniacs, concern arises that maintenance insomniacs might be prone to self-administer their prescribed hypnotics middle-of-the-night (MOTN) after nocturnal awakenings, despite little efficacy-safety data supporting such use. However, no US data characterize the actual population prevalence or correlates of MOTN hypnotic use.
Telephone interviews assessed patterns of prescription hypnotic use in a national sample of 1,927 commercial health plan members (ages 18-64) receiving prescription hypnotics within 12 months of study. The Brief Insomnia Questionnaire assessed insomnia symptoms.
20.2% of respondents reported MOTN hypnotic use, including 9.0% who sometimes used twice-per-night (once at bedtime plus once MOTN) and another 11.2% who sometimes used MOTN, but never twice-per-night. The remaining 79.8% used exclusively at bedtime. Among exclusive MOTN users, only 14.0% used MOTN on the advice of their physician (52.6% of those seen by sleep medicine specialists and 42.6% by psychiatrists vs. 5.2% to 13.6% seen by other physicians). MOTN use predictors included DMS being the most bothersome sleep problem, long duration of hypnotic use, and low frequency of DMS.
One-fifth of patients with prescription hypnotics used MOTN, only a minority on advice from their physicians. Since significant next-day cognitive and psychomotor impairment is documented with off-label MOTN hypnotic use, prescribing physicians should question patients about unsupervised MOTN dosing.
Roth T; Berglund P; Shahly V; Shillington AC; Stephenson JJ; Kessler RC. Middle-of-the-night hypnotic use in a large national health plan. J Clin Sleep Med 2013;9(7):661-668.
Insomnia is the most common nighttime sleep problem, and sleep maintenance insomnia the most common insomnia symptom both in the general population1 and among adults with clinical insomnia.2 An estimated one-fourth of all non-institutionalized US civilians and two-thirds of US insomniacs report frequent sleep maintenance problems involving nocturnal awakenings and/or prolonged wake time after nocturnal awakenings.2 Although insomnia symptoms are highly variable from night to night and frequently co-occur, DMS presents alone in roughly 20% of transiently or moderately symptomatic adults and 17% of insomniacs.2 DMS persists in more than 90% of population-based cases for at least 6 months3 and upwards of 70% for at least one year.4 Sleep maintenance insomnia is associated with a variety of impairments, including: daytime sleepiness3; disruptions in cognition, motor coordination, and mood3; decrements in perceived health2; and increased health-care utilization.5 Sleep maintenance insomnia accounts for more daytime sleepiness6 and poor perceived health2 than any other nighttime insomnia symptom.
Despite the high prevalence of sleep maintenance insomnia, the indications of many widely used hypnotics currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration specify efficacy only for sleep onset.7,8 Furthermore, among those hypnotics that are approved for nocturnal awakenings and/or prolonged wake time after nocturnal awakenings, all but one stipulate bedtime administration with middle-of-the-night use being explicitly disapproved to minimize risk of residual sedation. In other words, such bedtime hypnotics are designed to be preventative treatments for possible nocturnal awakenings rather than active treatments administered after nocturnal awakenings occur. The single hypnotic accepted by the FDA for as-needed MOTN use after nocturnal awakenings to date was approved only very recently (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm281013.htm. Published November 23, 2011. Accessed November 23, 2011).
Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: Although difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS) is the most common nighttime insomnia symptom among US adults, many FDA-approved hypnotics have indications only for sleep onset and specify bedtime administration to offset next-day sedation. Given the well-known self-medication tendencies of insomniacs and adverse cognitive and psychomotor impacts of hypnotic-related residual sedation, it is important to assess possible off-label MOTN use among maintenance insomniacs in the community.
Study Impact: The current study offers a preliminary view of real-world MOTN hypnotic use in a national sample of insured Americans. Information is also provided on the distribution of insomnia symptoms of once-a-night MOTN users and recommendations for MOTN use by prescribing physicians.
Given that 40% to 80% of insomniacs with prominent sleep maintenance problems do not experience symptoms every night,9 and many are only symptomatic 3-4 nights a week,3 one potentially important difference between nightly bedtime hypnotic use to prevent nocturnal awakening and as-needed MOTN use only after nocturnal awakenings occur is a dramatic reduction in the frequency of hypnotic use with MOTN dosing. Although it is difficult to know if this reduced frequency of hypnotic use would have beneficial health effects, as documenting adverse effects of prolonged hypnotic use is problematic given the well-known physical and psychological vulnerabilities of long-term hypnotic users. It is noteworthy, though, within the context of that limitation that prolonged hypnotic use has been linked with multiple subsequent adverse health outcomes.10
Hypnotics approved for bedtime use to prevent nocturnal awakenings have demonstrated inconsistent effects on sleep maintenance parameters during controlled treatment trials.8 In light of these inconsistent efficacy profiles, experimental studies have begun exploring efficacy-safety of MOTN dosing of FDA-approved (for bedtime use) hypnotics9,11–13 and investigational agents.14,15 Although these studies have found MOTN dosing of these medications associated with improvements in sleep maintenance, trials involving off-label use of approved hypnotics have also found next-day compromises in psycho-motor and cognitive functioning,13,16–18 especially at higher dosages. Concerns have been raised that the tight controls in these studies may underestimate real-life adverse effects of MOTN use owing to patient non-compliance regarding hypnotic dosages and timing of doses.17,18 For instance, studies of blood levels among drivers stopped for driving under the influence (DUI) in the United States,19 Norway,20 and Sweden21 have found higher-than-expected blood levels of various hypnotic drugs, suggesting that hypnotic misuse involving escalated dosages and/ or improper timing of doses may be associated with impaired driving.22 This is consistent with other evidence that high proportions of insomniacs self-medicate.23
Since many of the most widely used hypnotics approved by the FDA have indications that specify efficacy only for sleep onset symptoms, concern arises that maintenance insomniacs might be prone to self-administer their prescribed hypnotics after nocturnal awakenings despite little efficacy-safety data supporting off-label MOTN use. Given possible adverse short-term impacts of off-label MOTN dosing on cognitive and psychomotor functioning, possible long-term impacts of prolonged hypnotic use on health, and the very high prevalence of DMS, it is important to establish the extent of unsupervised MOTN hypnotic use in the population. However, we are aware of no community-based epidemiological data regarding the actual magnitude or correlates of MOTN dosing. We conducted a survey to provide basic data of this sort in a sample of insured employees of a large national health plan receiving hypnotic prescriptions during the 12 months before study. As restrictive conditions on recruitment imposed by the Health Plan resulted in a low survey response rate, caution must be used interpreting results. Nonetheless, the findings are useful given absence of other data on this issue.
The sample consisted of adult (ages 18-64 years) members of a large (over 34 million members) national US commercial health plan who received prescriptions for one or more FDA-approved hypnotics at some time in the 12 months before the survey. The sample was restricted to fully insured members enrolled in the Health Plan for at least 12 months in order to allow claims data to be used in substantive analyses. Sample eligibility was also limited to members who provided the Plan with a telephone number, spoke English, and had no impairment that precluded their ability to be interviewed by telephone. The sample was selected with stratification to match the health plan distribution on the cross-classification of age (18-34, 35-49, 50-64) and sex. In an effort to limit sample burden, attempts to contact respondent households were limited by the Health Plan to 2 contacts, except for a 25% subsample of households, in which up to 9 calls were permitted in order to obtain at least some information about hard-to-reach respondents. The data were weighted to adjust for this under-sampling of hard-to-reach respondents.
Survey recruitment began with an advance letter sent to a probability sample of Plan members meeting eligibility requirements explaining that the survey was designed "to better understand how sleep problems affect the daily lives of people," that respondents were randomly selected, that responses were confidential, that participation was voluntary and would not affect health care benefits, and that a $20 incentive was offered for participation among eligible respondents. A toll-free number was included for respondents who wanted to ask questions or opt out. Following initial phone contact, verbal informed consent was obtained before beginning interviews. The Human Subjects Committee of the New England IRB (www.neirb.com) approved these recruitment, consent, and field procedures.
The survey consisted of two parts. All respondents were administered Part I, which asked them to specify when during the course of the evening or night they used their sleep medication(s) in the past 12 months. Part II of the survey was then administered only to (i) all Part I respondents who acknowledged using FDA-approved hypnotics after nighttime waking in order to resume sleep, but who never used hypnotics twice in one night (i.e., both at bedtime to get to sleep and also after waking at night to resume sleep), whom we refer to throughout this paper as once-per-night MOTN users, and (ii) a random 20% subsample of Part I respondents who reported using sleep medications exclusively at bedtime, whom we refer to as exclusive bed-time users. We excluded from Part II all those who ever used both at bedtime to get to sleep and also after waking at night to resume sleep, whom we refer to as twice-per-night MOTN users. The Part II data were weighted so that the exclusive bedtime users received a weight of 5 (i.e., the reciprocal of 20%) to adjust for their under-sampling into Part II, making the weighted Part II sample representative of all once-per-night MOTN users or exclusive bedtime users.
In addition to assessing patterns of hypnotic use, the Part II survey examined insomnia symptoms using the Brief Insomnia Questionnaire (BIQ),24 a self-report measure of insomnia symptoms without diagnostic hierarchy rules or organic exclusion rules that has been validated for use in telephone surveys. As respondents were by definition treated insomniacs, BIQ questions asked how frequently they would have each of 4 nighttime sleep problems if they were unable to use sleep medications: difficulty initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS), early morning awakening (EMA), and non-restorative sleep (NRS). This was done by prefacing the questions with the following instruction: Imagine that you were unable to take your sleep medicine at all. We then asked respondents to estimate about how many nights out of 7 in a typical week they would have problems falling asleep, have problems remaining asleep throughout the night, wake up before you wanted to, and wake up still feeling tired or unrested if they were unable to take sleep medicine. Follow-up questions to positive responses then probed for information about typical duration (e.g., how many minutes or hours it would typically take them to fall asleep). Respondents reporting more than one of these sleep problems were asked which one was most bothersome. Respondents were also asked about the duration and frequency of their hypnotic use. MOTN users were additionally asked about frequency of this use. Finally, all Part II respondents were administered a battery of standard sociodemographic questions. The complete text of the interview is posted at http://www.hcp.med.harvard.edu/wmh/AIS_Study.php.
Given the low response rate, analysis began by comparing respondents to non-respondents on key characteristics available from health plan records. This was done with simple cross-tabulations. A post-stratification weight using the regression-based propensity score method25 was then used to correct for significant differences between respondents and non-respondents on these variables prior to carrying out substantive analyses. Cross-tabulations with these weighted data were then used to estimate the prevalence of MOTN use in the Part I sample (all of whom, as noted above, received prescriptions for ≥ 1 FDA-approved hypnotic(s) in the past 12 months), while means were calculated to estimate the proportion of all instances of hypnotic use that occurred at bedtime versus MOTN. Cross-tabulations and multiple logistic regression analysis were then used in the weighted Part II sample (which, as noted above, included once-per-night MOTN users and exclusive bedtime users, but excluded twice-per-night MOTN users) to study the correlates of once-per-night MOTN use versus exclusive bedtime use. Logistic regression coefficients and their standard errors were exponentiated for ease of interpretation and are reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals. As survey data are weighted, the design-based Taylor series linearization method26 implemented in the SAS 9.2 software system27 was used to estimate standard errors of coefficients and to calculate F tests and Wald χ2 tests. Standard errors of prevalence estimates are reported in parentheses in the text to the right of the prevalence estimates. Statistical significance was consistently evaluated using 0.05-level two-sided tests.
The survey cooperation rate among resolved cases (i.e., the rate of survey completion among target respondents with known working telephone numbers who were reached and whose status was resolved as either completers or refusers, excluding respondents who were never reached and those who were reached but remained unresolved when data collection ended) was 40.7% (Table 1). This is comparable to the cooperation rates found in major government telephone surveys. For example, the 2009 CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey28 had a cooperation rate, calculated in the same way as here, of 43.1% (ftp://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/Data/Brfss/2009_Summary_Data_Quality_Report.pdf; Accessed September 28, 2011).
The distribution of survey response dispositions
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It should be noted, though, that the Health Plan imposed rather restrictive conditions on the recruitment process, as any potential respondent household that was reached twice without obtaining a resolution (an interview, a refusal, or a confirmation of ineligibility) could not be contacted a third time. Unresolved cases included those in which the target respondent was not at home or said it was an inconvenient time to be interviewed. Since Plan restrictions on number of phone contacts prevented follow-up with many unresolved cases, the survey response rate (i.e., the proportion of all households we attempted to contact that yielded an interview exclusive of those known not to be eligible) was only 11.6%. This is much lower than response rates obtained in surveys in which no such limitations on number of contact attempts are imposed.
The 1,927 respondents who completed the Part I survey (including both the subsample administered the Part II survey and the subsample administered only the Part I survey) were compared to non-respondents on key characteristics available from Health Plan records, including sociodemographics (age, sex), geographic information obtained by matching the zip code of household residence with Census data (region of the country, urbanicity, and median household income in the Block Group of residence), and global illness severity in the 12 months before interview as assessed by the Deyo-Charlson score.29 Respondents were somewhat older than non-respondents, somewhat more likely to be female and to live either in the Midwest or South, and less likely to live in the West or in major metropolitan areas. Respondents also lived in zip code areas with lower incomes than non-respondents. (Detailed results are available on request.) Finally, respondents had higher global illness severity than non-respondents. As noted in the section on analysis methods, a weight was imposed on the respondent data to adjust for these differences between respondents and non-respondents.
While 79.8% (1.1) of Part I respondents, representing all hypnotic users, reported that they were exclusive bedtime users, the other 20.2% (1.1) reported being MOTN users (Table 2). The latter include 11.2% (0.8) once-per-night MOTN users (2.1% [0.4] exclusively MOTN and 9.1% [0.8] sometimes at bedtime and other times MOTN) and 9.0% (0.8) twice-per-night MOTN users. As noted above in the section on analysis methods, the parenthetical entries to the right of the prevalence estimates are the standard errors of these estimates.
Distribution of exclusive bedtime and MOTN hypnotic use in the Part I sample (n = 1,927)
The health plan from which we selected the survey sample reported that 2.6% of members in the 18- to 64-year age range had a prescription sleep medication at some time in the 12 months before the survey. If we assume provisionally that this rate applies to the total US population in the age range of the sample and that the sample estimate that 20.2% of prescription hypnotic users use MOTN applies equally to other hypnotic users in the US population, then the total of such MOTN users in the population ages 18-64 would be approximately 1 million Americans (95% CI: 800,000-1,200,000), with once-per-night MOTN users representing approximately 550,000 (95% CI: 450,000-650,000) Americans in the same age range.
MOTN users in the Part I sample did not differ significantly from exclusive bedtime users in average age (F2,1924 = 2.0, p = 0.13), percent females (F2,1924 = 4.9, p = 0.08), or the specialty of the physician who most recently prescribed their sleep medication (F2,1924 = 0.2-1.4, p = 0.49-0.91; Table 3). However, mean number of years of hypnotic use was significantly longer for MOTN users (5.5 years for once-per-night MOTN users and 6.2 years for twice-per-night MOTN users) than for exclusive bedtime users (4.3 years; F2,1924 = 9.8, p < 0.001). MOTN users also differed significantly from exclusive bedtime users in frequency of hypnotic use. Frequency of use was significantly lower among once-per-night MOTN users (means of 9.2 nights in the past month and 105.6 in the past 12 months) than exclusive bedtime users (means of 12.4 nights in the past month, F1,1925 = 14.4, p < 0.001; and 155.0 in the past 12 months, F1,1925 = 28.1, p < 0.001), but significantly higher among twice-per-night MOTN users than exclusive bedtime users (means of 18.1 nights in the past month and 228.6 in the past 12 months, F1,1925 = 22.1-28.1, p < 0.001; Table 3).
Sociodemographic and treatment profiles of exclusive bedtime users, once-per-night MOTN users, and twice-per-night MOTN users in the Part I sample (n = 1,927)
In the Part II sample, once-per-night MOTN users were asked how many times they used MOTN in the past month (30 nights). The mean was 2.8 (0.4) compared to the 9.2 mean for overall monthly use. This means that the majority (70%) of use among once-per-night MOTN users is at bedtime rather than MOTN.
Only a small minority of once-per-night MOTN users (14.0% [2.9]) reported that the doctor who prescribed their sleep medicine advised them to use it in the middle of the night to resume sleep. However, the proportion of patients reporting such directions for use varies significantly by type of provider (χ24 = 20.5, p < 0.001), due to much higher proportions of reported doctor advice to use MOTN among once-per-night MOTN users treated by a sleep medicine specialist (52.6% [35.3]) or psychiatrist (42.6% [13.3]) than by a primary care doctor (9.6% [2.9]), pain specialist (13.6% [7.5]), or other doctor (5.2% [5.2]).
The vast majority of once-per-night MOTN users (86.0% [2.6]) reported having a personal rule for MOTN use. By far the most common rules either involved amount of time left in bed, such as not using MOTN unless expecting to be in bed ≥ 6 h after taking the medication (69.5% [3.5]) and/or involved next-day demands (such as not using MOTN unless it was possible to sleep in the next morning (73.2% [3.5]). Presence vs. absence of a rule for use was not significantly related to whether or not MOTN use was based on doctors' advice (t = 1.8, p = 0.071). Nor was presence vs. absence of a rule significantly related either to frequency of MOTN use (3.4 [0.5]/month with a rule vs. 4.6 [1.6]/month without a rule; t = 0.7, p = 0.48) or to the mean individual-level proportion of overall hypnotic use that was MOTN (44.4% [3.4] with a rule vs. 48.6% [10.3] without a rule; t = 0.4, p = 0.70).
Types of sleep problems were assessed only in the Part II sample. NRS was the most commonly reported nighttime sleep problem (reported by 63.8% of Part II respondents), followed by DMS (59.4%), DIS (53.7%), and EMA (47.3%; Table 4) The sum of these 4 percentages is greater than 100%, which means that the typical respondent with sleep problems had more than one symptom. However, only 81.2% of respondents reported any of these 4 symptoms, the remaining 18.8% reporting that feeling tired during the day was their only sleep problem. DIS was reported as the most bothersome sleep problem by the largest proportion of respondents (46.1%) followed by DMS (30.1%), NRS (17.4%), and EMA (5.3%).
Distribution of sleep problems and proportional once-per-night MOTN medication use by type of sleep problem in the Part II sample* (n = 510)
The proportion of respondents in Part II of the sample who are once-per-night MOTN users is 12.3%. (This is higher than the 11.2% in Table 2 because twice-per-night MOTN users were included in the Table 1 calculation but are excluded in Part II of the sample.) This proportion is higher among respondents in the Part II sample who reported EMA (14.3%) than other nighttime sleep problems (10.1% to 11.8%; Table 4). The situation is somewhat different in the subsamples of respondents who reported specific sleep problems as their most bothersome, where the highest proportions with once-per-night MOTN use are among those whose most bothersome problems are either EMA (20.6%) or DMS (15.4%). The proportions of once-per-night MOTN use are much lower among those whose most bothersome problems are DIS (8.6%) or NRS (8.4%).
A logistic regression analysis was carried out among Part II respondents to examine significant predictors of once-per-night MOTN use from among the variables considered previously. Respondents who reported that DMS was their most bothersome sleep problem had a significantly elevated OR (95% CI) of once-per-night MOTN use (1.9 [1.2-3.1], p = 0.011), indicating that those for whom DMS was most bothersome were nearly twice as likely as others to use once-per-night MOTN rather than exclusively at bedtime (Table 5). Number of years since starting hypnotic use also had a significantly elevated OR (95% CI) with once-per-night MOTN use (1.1 [1.0-1.1], p = 0.014). Number of nights per week respondents typically experienced nighttime awakenings in the absence of medication, in comparison, was inversely related to once-per-night MOTN use (0.8 [0.7-0.9], p = 0.002). The other predictors considered in the analysis (number of nights per week with early morning waking, number of nighttime awakenings on nights when they occur, mean overall time awake at night) were all insignificant (χ21 = 0.1-2.5, p = 0.11-0.69).
Predictors of once-per-night MOTN medication user versus exclusive bedtime use in the Part II sample* (n = 510)
No previous research exists on the epidemiology of MOTN use in the general population. Such research is warranted, though, given the high prevalence and persistence of sleep maintenance insomnia and the suspicion that off-label MOTN use is common. The current results are the first systematic large-scale survey data to estimate the prevalence of MOTN hypnotic use in any detail. Although the external validity of findings is limited by a low response rate and the fact that the sample was restricted to insured people in the age range 18-64, results nonetheless provide a preliminary view of real-world MOTN hypnotic use patterns in the community.
Within the context of these sample constraints, the results suggest that approximately one-fifth of hypnotic users in the age range of 18 to 64 years use hypnotics off-label in the middle of the night to resume sleep. Nearly half of these MOTN users take hypnotics twice in the same night. The data also suggest that once-per-night and twice-per-night MOTN users are quite different, in that the former use hypnotics significantly less frequently than exclusive bedtime users while the latter use hypnotics significantly more frequently than exclusive bedtime users. We were unable to make more detailed comparisons of once-per-night versus twice-per-night MOTN users because the latter were excluded from Part II of the survey, but we were able to compare once-per-night MOTN users with exclusive bedtime users. The fact that once-per-night MOTN users take hypnotics at bedtime less often than exclusive bedtime users (averages of 6.4 nights/month vs. 12.4 nights/month, respectively) is indirectly consistent with the suggestion in the introduction that PRN dosing options could lead to a reduction in nightly hypnotic use among patients with a primary concern about DMS.9 However, the fact that once per month MOTN users have a longer duration of use than exclusive bedtime users might indicate an opposite long-term effect. Causal interpretations of these naturalistic associations are inappropriate, though, and can only be confirmed by controlled studies.
That twice-per-night MOTN users had much higher numbers of uses (an average of 18.1 nights/month compared to 12.4 nights/month among exclusive bedtime users) might be due to them having more complex insomnia (e.g., high rates of both DIS and DMS). Alternatively, one might speculate that twice-per-night MOTN users take hypnotics at bedtime with the intent of being able to sleep through the night, and when they awaken, despite having taken the medication at bedtime, they re-medicate. This possibility is consistent with our finding that twice-per-night MOTN users have been taking hypnotics for a longer duration than exclusive bedtime users. Although laboratory studies suggest that tolerance and dose escalation is not a significant issue with hypnotics,23 it may be that long-term users habituate to the sedative effects of prescription hypnotics and experience "breakthrough" sleep maintenance symptoms, which then need a second medication dosing for adequate coverage. Such speculations, however, extend beyond the data available here.
We found that the vast majority of once-per-night MOTN users switch between bedtime use and MOTN use, with MOTN use occurring much less often than bedtime use (on average of 2.8 MOTN uses/month compared to an average of 6.4 bedtime uses/month). Frequency of MOTN use among patients who use twice a night was not determined, as they were not included in Part II of the survey. However, as twice-per-night MOTN dosing occurs much more frequently than once-per-night MOTN dosing (an average of 18.1 in the past 30 days among twice-per-night MOTN users compared to 9.2 among once-per-night MOTN users) and are almost as numerous as once-per-night MOTN users (9.0% vs. 11.2% of all hypnotic users), it is not implausible that the rate of overall MOTN use among twice-per-night MOTN users in the age range of the sample might accumulate to twice that of once-per-night MOTN users. This would put the total annual number of MOTN uses in this age range in the country as a whole at well over 50 million if we assumed that sample estimates apply to the total population and that the proportion of the population using prescription hypnotics is consistent with previous national estimates.30–32
This high estimated rate of off-label MOTN use is perhaps expectable in light of broader evidence that insomniacs frequently use alcohol, over-the-counter medications, and a variety of prescription medications other than hypnotics to self-medicate their sleep problems,33 along with evidence that sleep maintenance insomniacs are particularly prone to self-medication.34 We found that only a small proportion of once-per-night MOTN users (14.0%) reported that their MOTN use was on the advice of a physician, although this physician advice was reported by patients to be much more common among once-per-night MOTN users treated by a sleep medicine specialist or psychiatrist than by other practitioners. Being mindful that this result is based on patient self-report, it is possible that specialists in sleep medicine and psychiatry are more sophisticated than other practitioners regarding sleep psychopharmacology, more familiar with newer short-acting hypnotic agents, and more comfortable prescribing them for MOTN use. However, such speculations are beyond the scope of the current data. One thing is clear, though, regarding the implications of the overall low rate of physician recommendation in light of the potential adverse effects of off-label MOTN hypnotic use: that prescribing physicians should routinely ask patients with hypnotic prescriptions about possible MOTN use and caution them against off-label MOTN use. Although we are aware of no controlled studies on the effects of such an intervention, experimental studies of the basic psychological processes underlying treatment adherence suggest that physician efforts to help patients understand the rationale for discouraging off-label hypnotic use could lead to substantial reductions.35
Comparison of once-per-night MOTN users with exclusive bedtime users found only three significant correlates: DMS as a most bothersome sleep problem, long duration of hypnotic use, and low weekly frequency of DMS. The first two of these three associations are easily interpreted, as we might expect patients to be more aggressive in self-medicating problems they consider most bothersome and as they become more familiar with medication effects over time. It is somewhat more diffi-cult to understand the finding that frequency of DMS is lower among MOTN users than exclusive bedtime users. This might be a chance finding in the many comparisons made here, or suggest either an especially high rate of habituation among chronic maintenance insomniacs or a lower severity threshold for self-medication among MOTN users than other hypnotic users, perhaps due to the intermittent character of symptoms. Evidence consistent with the possibility of lower symptom tolerance has been reported in a study of predictors of sham self-medication,34 but future research is needed to determine the extent to which this accounts for the association of MOTN use with low DMS frequency. Future research is also needed to examine other predictors of off-label MOTN use, such as the presence and severity of comorbid physical and mental disorders.
The research reported here was funded by Transcept Pharmaceuticals and the work was performed at EPI-Q, Inc. Dr. Roth has served as a consultant for Abbott, Accadia, Acogolix, Acorda, Actelion, Addrenex, Alchemers, Alza, Ancel, Arena, Astra-Zenca, Aventis, AVER, Bayer, BMS, BTG, Cephalon, Cypress, Dove, Eisai, Elan, Eli Lilly, Evotec, Forest, Glaxo Smith Kline, Hypnion, Impax, Intec, Intra-Cellular, Jazz, Johnson and Johnson, King, Lundbeck, McNeil, MediciNova, Merck, Neurim, Neurocrine, Neurogen, Novartis, Orexo, Organon, Otsuka, Prestwick, Proctor and Gamble, Pfizer, Purdue, Resteva, Roche, Sanofi, SchoeringPlough, Sepracor, Servier, Shire, Somaxon, Syrex, Takeda, TransOral, Yanda, Vivometrics, Wyeth, Yamanuchi, and Xenoport. He has served on speakers bureau for Purdue and Sepracor. He has received research support from Apnex, Aventis, Cephalon, Glaxo Smith Kline, Merck, Neurocrine, Pfizer, Sanofi, SchoeringPlough, Sepracor, Somaxon, Syrex, Takeda, Transcept, Wyeth, and Xenoport. Ms. Berglund has participated in research activities supported by Dr. Kessler's grants, which have included research funding from Pfizer, SanofiAventis, Shire, and Janssen. Ms. Berglund has no financial interest in any of these organizations. Dr. Shahly is an employee of the Department of Health Care Policy at Harvard Medical School. That program has received research funding from Pfizer, SanofiAventis, Shire Development, Inc., and Janssen Pharmceutica, N.V. Dr. Shahly has no financial interest in any of these organizations. Dr. Shillington is an employee and shareholder in the company Epi-Q, Inc. Epi-Q provides project management service and has received grant and consulting support from the following companies: Merck, Cephalon, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, Biogen-IDEC, Onconova, AstraZeneca, Glaxo Smith Kline, Novartis, Roche, Ortho McNeil, Takada, Transcept, Lundbeck Genentech, Bayer, Baxter, and Abbott. Dr. Shillington receives no direct compensation as a result of grants or contracts, other than her salary from Epi-Q. Dr. Stephenson is an employee of HealthCore, Inc., a research and consulting organization. All of her research activities are industry-sponsored. However, she receives no direct compensation as a result of grants or contracts, other than her salary from Health Core. Dr. Kessler has been a consultant for AstraZeneca, Analysis Group, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cerner-Galt Associates, Eli Lilly & Company, GlaxoSmithKline Inc., HealthCore Inc., Health Dialog, Integrated Benefits Institute, John Snow Inc., Kaiser Permanente, Matria Inc., Mensante, Merck & Co, Inc., Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, Pfizer Inc., Primary Care Network, Research Triangle Institute, Sanofi-Aventis Groupe, Shire US Inc., SRA International, Inc., Takeda Global Research & Development, Transcept Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Wyeth-Ayerst; has served on advisory boards for Appliance Computing II, Eli Lilly & Company, Mindsite, Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs, Plus One Health Management and Wyeth-Ayerst; and has had research support for his epidemiological studies from Analysis Group Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly & Company, EPI-Q, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Ortho-McNeil Janssen Scientific Affairs., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi-Aventis Groupe, and Shire US, Inc.
The research reported here was funded by Transcept Pharmaceuticals. The study was designed by Kessler and Roth. The survey instrument was developed by Kessler, Roth, Shahly, and Shillington. Shahly and Shillington supervised data collection. All coauthors collaborated in planning data analyses and interpreting results. Kessler supervised data analyses and Berglund carried out the analyses. Roth and Shahly prepared the first draft of the manuscript and all coauthors collaborated in making revisions. All coauthors are fully responsible for content and editorial decisions. Transcept played no role in data collection or management other than in posing the initial research question and providing operational and financial support. Transcept played no role in data analysis, interpretation of results, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors thank Marcus Wilson and his staff at HealthCore, Inc. for use of the Health-Core research environment and calculation of population rates of sleep medication use, the staff of EPI-Q, Inc. for study management, and Marielle Weindorf and her staff at DataStat, Inc. for carrying out the survey.
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Meichenbaum D, Turk DC, authors. Facilitating treatment adherence. 1987. New York: Plenum;


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subset: commoncrawl


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June 20, 1941 – Feb. 10, 1998
Westview Cemetery is located in Blacksburg, Montgomery, VA
Contributed on 3/1/06
Record #: 526
Thank you for visiting the Virginia Gravestone Photo Project. On this site you can upload gravestone photos, locate ancestors and perform genealogy research. If you have a relative buried in Virginia, we encourage you to upload a digital image using our Submit a Photo page. Contributing to this genealogy archive helps family historians and genealogy researchers locate their relatives and complete their family tree.
Submitted: 3/1/06 • Approved: 3/1/06 • Last Updated: 11/22/12 • R526-G0


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When Ricki and I discussed which ingredient to use for the SOS Kitchen Challenge this month - the month of Valentine's Day - we both agreed that we needed something that could help showcase desserts. After all, we wanted our ingredient to be suitable as we whip up healthy sweets for our sweethearts (which includes anyone you care about - even yourself!).
Whether you follow a Lyme-specific diet like me, the ACD like Ricki, or just want to reduce the amount of white sugar in your life, this month's key ingredient is a fabulous natural sweetener and a healthy alternative to sugar. That's right - this month's SOS ingredient is none other than both Ricki's and my favorite sweetener:
Stevia, an herbal sweetener dervied from the stevia rebaudiana plant (native to Paraguay) has become massively popular in the US over the past couple of years; it's been available in Canada since 1987. (In Japan, it's been a staple since 1971, and remains the most popular sweetener in the country–more popular than white sugar).
Just about a year ago, Ricki devoted an entire post to this herbal sweetener. For those of you who are new to it, here's a recap and some updated information.
Our favorite shrub with the sweet edible leaves, stevia, was given US designation as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) in 2008. That's why you've likely seen more and more foods recently that contain stevia, either in its pure form or a combination with fillers like cellulose or maltodextrin. In Canada, stevia is still considered an herbal supplement, so while you can buy it in its pure form, you won't find Canadian soft drinks, puddings, or diet foods sweetened with stevia.
Stevia provides a natural sweeteness with zero calories and without raising blood sugar levels (it scores "0″ on the Glycemic Index). When the stevia leaves are dried, the compounds stevioside and rebaudioside are extracted to give stevia its sweetness (about 250-300 times sweeter than sugar). These resulting compounds can be dried into powder or used in liquid form; either way, they are usually augmented with fillers, since the pure extract is so sweet the amounts used would be infinitesmal. You can also consume the fresh leaves, which are about 30-45 times sweeter than sugar.
What Does Stevia Taste Like?
According to Chet Day on his Health and Beyond website, stevia acquires its sweetness from "its complex stevioside molecule that is composed of glucose, sophorose and steviol. A second compound called rebaudioside, which is present in Stevia, also contributes to Stevia's sweetness." I personally have never had any problems with the unique taste that stevia confers in foods, but I know that some people do consider that it has a slightly bitter aftertaste; some notice a very subtle licorice undertone. Apparently, the better the quality, the less likely you'll notice any kind of bitterness.
In addition, since stevia is so much sweeter than sugar, it's important to remember that a little goes a (really) long way. When first starting out with this natural sweetener, it's better to err on the side of slightly less sweet than too sweet, to avoid this potential problem.
Types of Stevia and How to Use It
Stevia is available in many forms, including pure liquid, pure powder and both with added ingredients (usually fillers to render it easier to measure, since pure stevia is so sweet that the amounts needed are sometimes too small to portion accurately). I prefer liquid stevia as the dropper makes it easy to measure, but both Ricki and I use the powdered form as well. (There are also one-for-one stevia-based sweeteners on the market that allow you to measure one cup of the mixture for one cup of sugar, but these always contain bulking agents. While they produce a good product, they may cause digestive distress for some people).
You'll find pure stevia liquid in purified water, glycerin, or food grade alcohol. While the alcohol helps to preserve it longer, it's not always suitable for those of us on the anti candida diet. The powder in its pure form is extremely potent, so it's often mixed with fillers such as cellulose or maltodextrin. Again, if you're sensitive to any of those ingredients, you'll want to opt for pure stevia.
I tried my hand at growing my own stevia herb last year in my garden, which was a lot of fun. I ended up with a lot of stevia leaves, which I added to the tea pot with fresh lemon balm, peppermint, and lemon verbena for a lovely, sweet, digestive system-friendly tea. I also dried some of the leaves and made my own natural stevia powder. That stuff is intense.
If you'd like to try stevia for this challenge, keep in mind that the most difficult substitutions occur in baking, where both the wet and dry ratios of ingredients will be altered; it's difficult to replace 1/2 cup of maple syrup with only 1/2 tsp of powder. If you're just starting out, you might prefer to try any one of the following types of recipe:
- salad dressings
- syrups
- puddings or custards
- oatmeal
- smoothies or other beverages
- sauces
- fruit-based desserts
- any other items that use very little sugar (pie crust, savory baking, pasta sauces, etc.)
If you type "stevia" into the search box at the right of this page, you'll find a plethora of recipe ideas you can try. Remember, your entry to the SOS Challenge doesn't have to be an original recipe–so feel free to use one of Ricki's or mine if you're new to stevia!
AND PLEASE NOTE: For this month's Challenge, you can combine stevia with other natural sweeteners (maple syrup, agave, coconut sugar, etc.) for your recipe(s). There is no need to create a recipe that uses stevia-only! That will also make a transition to cooking with stevia a little smoother for many of you.
Health Benefits of Stevia
Several studies have shown that stevia in its pure form (not processed products like Truvia or PureVia) may confer many types of health benefits. It's been shown to be safe without containing toxins or producing side effects in those who consume it. And because it's zero calorie and doesn't spike blood glucose, it's a great sweetener for diabetics or others with blood sugar issues. Recent research suggests it may help to stabilize insulin levels as well, and some studies even suggest that it can regulate blood pressure. A Japanese study (where stevia is immensely popular) found that stevia can help to prevent plaque buildup on teeth. In addition, stevia (like all plants) contains antioxidants, known to help fight free radicals that can lead to chronic conditions and cancer.
[Some of the many products offered by NuNaturals]
And Now. . . Some Stevia for Four of You!
This month, the amazing folks at NuNaturals (often described as the only "non-bitter" stevia extract) have offered a fabulous giveaway prize for our SOS Kitchen Challenge! By submitting a recipe to this month's Challenge, you enter to win one of four prizes. (For full Challenge guidelines, please see this post). And remember, it's perfectly fine to combine the stevia with other natural sweeteners in the recipe–no need to use stevia all on its own!
I just recently had the opportunity to try NuNaturals products, and their stevia has risen to the top of my "favorite stevia brands" list. The flavor is great.
Each prize contains:
- a box of 50 packets of NuNaturals stevia powder
- a 2-ounce bottle of NuNaturals Vanilla flavored stevia liquid
At the end of the month, Ricki and I will choose the four winners at random and ask that you send us your full names and shipping addresses–so be sure to come back here and check if you won at the beginning of next month!
We've been blown away by the enthusiasm and incredible creativity you've all shown over the past Challenges. So put those (sugar-free) thinking caps on, and start cooking with stevia this month! We can't wait to see what sweet things you develop for our February Challenge!


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HILLSVILLE –– Grayson County earned a title sweep while all six area cross country teams advanced to region competition during Mountain Empire and Southwest District cross country championships last week.
In the MED meet at the Southwestern Virginia Training Center, Grayson County held off Galax by eight points to win the boys' championship while the Blue Devils nipped Galax by three points to take home the girls' crown.
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Santa Clarita WineFest 2013
Santa Clarita WineFest
Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM (PST)
Tickets are not refundable.
3rd Annual Santa Clarita WineFest - March 2, 2013
Sip Great Wines, Spirits, Brews & mingle at the Bridgeport Marketplace in Valencia, March 2, 2013. The 3rd Annual Santa Clarita WineFest will feature 150-plus Wines, Spirits, Brews, Lifestyle Exhibitors, Food and Music for your enjoyment!
This year the WineFest will be benefiting
The Michael Hoefflin Foundation
for Pediatric Cancer
Time: 2pm-6pm (VIP Entrance @ 1pm, you can purchase a seperate ticket)
Where: Bridgeport Marketplace, 24045 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia, CA, 91354
Parking: Free on-site parking
This is a 21 and over Only event, Bring your ID
LA WineFest Inc. produces the LA WineFest and the Santa Clarita WineFest. We also co-produce wine and food education classes in conjunction with WineDiscoveries.net.
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


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Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, has basically everything going for it that I love in a holiday: It marks a point in a season; it's full of folklore and wisdom, superstition, ceremony, civic charm, science, mystery, agrarian history, and weather; and it was featured in perhaps my all-time favorite movie of the same name, which itself is a study in acceptance and inner calm while being outright hilarious in nearly every frame.
Altogether now: It's Groundhog Day!
In an early morning ceremony, groundhog Punxsutawney Phil will rise as he has for 125 years from his heated burrow at Gobbler's Knob, Pa., and signal to his handlers whether or not he sees his shadow. No shadow means an early end to winter. And if the groundhog does see his shadow? Six more long weeks of the season. Over the years that the ceremony has taken place, Phil has seen his shadow 98 times and not seen it only 17. (Records don't exist for every year.) In 2008, the crowd heartily booed the prospect of "six more weeks of winter".
Some have stated that Phil's "handlers" make the prediction for him. What do we think of that?
History and science of Groundhog Day
According to this excellent Groundhog Day site, German settlers arrived in the 1700s to an area northeast of Pittsburgh, Pa. that had been settled previously by the Delaware Native Americans. The Germans celebrated Candlemas Day, originally a Medieval Catholic holiday, to mark the mid-point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. The holiday also has roots in Celtic-Gaelic and Pagan cultures, where it is celebrated as St. Brigid's Day and Imbolc, and is a time of festivals, feasting, parades, and weather prediction, as well as candles and even bonfires to mark the sun's return.
According to Wikipedia, "Imbolc" comes from an Old Irish word meaning "in the belly." Among agrarian people, Imbolc was associated with the onset of the lambing season.
The German settlers of Pennsylvania put candles in their windows and believed that if the weather was fair on Candlemas Day then the second half of winter would be stormy and cold. While this has always seemed counter-intuitive to me, this site explains the science of Groundhog Day and that cloudy weather is actually milder than clear and cold. It makes sense, then, that the shadow would portend six more weeks of winter. (A lifelong mystery is solved.)
The English and Scottish had wonderful sayings to mark this occasion:
The serpent will come from the hole
On the brown Day of Bride,
Though there should be three feet of snow
On the flat surface of the ground.
– Scottish saying
(Note the serpent instead of the groundhog.)
If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.
– English saying
Punxsutawney's first Groundhog Day celebration was in 1886, and though other towns, particularly in the eastern US, have Groundhog Day ceremonies — Staten Island Chuck, anyone? — none are as famous as Punxsutawney's. Some of this may lie with the groundhog's official name, "Punxsutawney Phil, Seer of Seers, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and Weather Prophet Extraordinary". Still more popularity, and tourists, has come as a result of the movie Groundhog Day. The first official Groundhog Day prediction in Punxsutawney? No shadow – early Spring.
Groundhog activities and crafts
It's fun to play with shadows in honor of Punxsutawney Phil and his. Try making hand shadow puppets, something people have been doing since 2,000 years ago in China, where puppet shows were performed by oil-lamp light.
Have someone project a flashlight onto a wall or other surface. Hold your hands between the light and the wall in various shapes to create shadow puppets. Here are some classic ones to try:
Rabbit—Make a fist with one hand. Place the other palm over it and make a peace sign (for ears) with two fingers.
Hawk—Link your thumbs together, with your hands facing away from you. Stretch out your fingers and hands and flutter them like wings.
Spider—With palms facing up, cross your hands at the wrist. Press your thumbs together to form the spider's head. Wiggle your fingers in a climbing motion.
Wolf or dog—Place your palms together, fingers facing outward. Put your thumbs up to form ears. Let your pinkie drop to form a mouth. Bend your index fingers to create a forehead.
Camel—Lift one arm. Hold your hand in a loosely curved position. Hold the pinkie and ring finger together. Hold the other two fingers together, thumb pressed in. Curve both sets of fingers and hold them wide apart to form a mouth. Your arm, from the elbow up, will be the camel's neck.
There are also a lot of very appealing shadow and groundhog crafts for Groundhog Day, like this one and others from Motherhood on a Dime.
Shadow or no, here's wishing you a happy remainder of the winter, a ceremony or two, a dash of lore and wonder, and a fruitful spring.


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- September 15: MINI Coopers Recalled To Install Missing Crash Pads recalls | 8 days ago
- September 10: BMW Recalls 745e xDrives To Update Software recalls | 13 days ago
- September 10: BMW Recalls X1, X2 and MINI Cooper Vehicles Over Tie Rods recalls | 13 days ago
- September 10: BMW Recalls X3, X4 and M40i Models To Replace Seats recalls | 13 days ago
- August 27: BMW 1-Series Blower Motor Regulator Recall Ordered recalls | 27 days ago
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Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, the Wedding Crashers stars set to reunite in The Internship, will receive the CinemaCon Comedy Duo Of The Year Award on Apr 18 in Las Vegas.
"When it comes to comedy, it doesn't get better than Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson," said convention managing director Mitch Neuhauser. "They are two of the most gifted comedy actors of this or any generation."
The Internship will open on Jun 17 through Fox. CinemaCon is scheduled to run at Caesars Palace from Apr 15-18.


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"Hey everybody, thish cake ish from Holland. Ishn't that veird?"
Brace yourself, my friends, for what you're about to see may haunt your dreams for the rest of your natural lives, and will most certainly turn you off of acrylic nails.
Here it comes...
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the baby shower, they went and added...
Ok, what's worse: the bone-white skin pallor, popped-out belly button that looks like the tied-off end of a balloon, or the fact that Thing-ette there seems to be sucking the life-force out of Octo-Mom Wraith-style?
Now, I have pudgy little Hobbit hands, so my basis of reference is off: tell me, is that hand as disproportionally gargantuan as I think it is?
Kevin V., you musht be toight like a toyger*. Schmoke and a pancake?
*Ok, so the pop-culture references got a little out of hand** in this post. Sorry.
**Get it? Out of hand? Booyah!


text:
Abortion coverage's new battlefield
Conservative states may have lost their bid to kill Obamacare, but they're winning the battle on another front: abortion coverage.
At least 20 states have banned or restricted the coverage of abortion procedures — including coverage in private insurance plans — revealing a new battleground in the arduous task of carrying out the controversial national health care law.
Story Continued Below
States were explicitly given the authority to restrict abortion coverage — it was part of the overall deal. And now, states that aren't even setting up their exchanges — and are letting the federal government run them — are exercising that power over abortion.
Abortion coverage nearly derailed the health law in 2010 — and that "raised the consciousness" of anti-abortion lawmakers, who saw an opportunity and seized it, said Kentucky state Rep. Stan Lee, a Republican sponsoring an abortion coverage ban for his state's exchange.
"My legal argument as a lawyer is that to sell one of those policies through a health care exchange is in fact using public dollars" for abortion, he said. "That should be illegal."
Abortion rights groups say they saw this day coming.
"Abortion coverage restrictions were a nonissue for an incredibly long amount of time," said Elizabeth Nash of the Gutt- macher Institute. Then, along came Obamacare. "That law really encouraged states to go in and pass these abortion coverage restrictions in their own health exchanges," she said.
Even in states that do allow coverage for abortions beyond the limited situations in which federal funds can be used, the money has to be "segregated" and the coverage paid for separately by health plan customers.
The wave of new state laws range from making abortion coverage in an exchange health plan illegal — except in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother — to allowing coverage only through an optional "rider" that must be purchased separately, apart from any tax dollars used to subsidize health insurance for low- and middle-income people.
So far, 18 states have passed laws to restrict or ban insurance coverage of abortion in health care exchanges, according to Guttmacher. Two states – Kentucky and North Dakota – had older laws in place banning abortion coverage in all insurance plans.
Arkansas, Michigan and New Jersey have all introduced bills that would restrict abortion coverage in exchanges. Kentucky's bill would make clear that the current restrictions apply within the new exchanges.
Anna Franzonello, an attorney with the anti-abortion organization Americans United for Life, predicted more states will follow. The health care law "creates a new concern that states didn't have before about insurance plans covering abortion," she said. "The [Affordable Care Act] creates all these new mandates, so the opt-out is a response to what otherwise would be a change in the status quo."
Some states have gone beyond exchange restrictions. After the health law was signed in the spring of 2010, three states — Kansas, Nebraska and Utah — went ahead and banned insurance coverage of abortion, except in certain cases — for all private insurance plans in the state, in and out of the exchange. A total of eight states now have similarly broad restrictions.


text:
Group by: Date | Item Type | No Grouping
Number of items: 25.
Huang, Ye, Chen, H.S., Zhang, X.J., Keatley, Patrick, Huang, M.J., Vorushylo, Inna, Wang, Y.D. and Hewitt, Neil (2017) Techno-economic modelling of large scale compressed air energy storage systems. Energy Procedia, 105 . pp. 4034-4039. [Journal article]
Shah, Nikhilkumar, Huang, M.J. and Hewitt, NJ (2016) Performance analysis of diesel engine heat pump incorporated with heat recovery. Applied Thermal Engineering, 108 . pp. 181-191. [Journal article]
Hasan, A, McCormack, S.J., Huang, M. J. and Norton, B (2015) Increased photovoltaic performance through temperature regulation by phase change materials: Materials comparison in different climates. Solar Energy, 115 . pp. 264-276. [Journal article]
Shah, Nikhilkumar, Huang, Ming Jun and Hewitt, Neil (2015) Experimental study of a diesel engine heat pump in heating mode for domestic retrofit application. Applied Thermal Engineering, 98 . pp. 522-531. [Journal article]
Hasan, A, McCormack, S, Huang, M.J. and Norton, B. (2014) Characterization of phase change materials for thermal control of photovoltaics using differential scanning calorimetry and temperature history method. Energy Conversion and Management, 81 . pp. 322-329. [Journal article]
Hasan, Ahmad, McCormack, Sarah, Huang, M. J. and Norton, Brian (2014) Energy and Cost Saving of a Photovoltaic-Phase Change Materials (PV-PCM) System through Temperature Regulation and Performance Enhancement of Photovoltaics. Energies, 7 (3). pp. 1318-1331. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J. and Hewitt, NJ (2013) The experimental analysis of the effect of ambient factors on the defrosting of economised vapour injection compressor air source heat pump in marine climates. International Journal of Refrigeration, 36 (3). pp. 820-827. [Journal article]
Huang, Ye, McIlveen-Wright, David, Rezvani, Sina, Huang, M.J., Wang, Y.D., Roskilly, A.P. and Hewitt, Neil (2013) Comparative techno-economic analysis of biomass fuelled combined heat and power for commercial buildings. Applied Energy, 112 . pp. 518-525. [Journal article]
Hewitt, Neil, Huang, M. J., Anderson, Mark and Quinn, Matthew (2011) Advanced Air Source Heat Pumps for UK and European Domestic Buildings. Applied Thermal Engineering, 31 . pp. 3713-3719. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J. (2011) Two Phase Change Material with Different Closed Shape Fins in Building Integrated Photovoltaic System Temperature Regulation. In: World Renewable Energy Congress 2011. Linkoping University Electronic Press. 8 pp. [Conference contribution]
Huang, M. J. (2011) The effect of using two PCMs on the thermal regulation performance of BIPV systems. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 95 . pp. 957-963. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., Eames, P., McCormack, S., Griffiths, Philip and Hewitt, Neil (2011) Microencapsulated phase change slurries for thermal energy storage in a residential solar energy system. Renewable Energy, 36 (11). pp. 2932-2939. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., Eames, P.C, Norton, B. and Hewitt, Neil (2011) Natural convection in an internally finned phase change material heat sink for the thermal management of photovoltaics. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 95 (7). pp. 1598-1603. [Journal article]
Norton, Brian, Eames, Philip C, Mallick, Tapas K, Huang, Ming J, McCormack, Sarah J, Mondol, Jayanta Deb and Yohanis, Yigzaw G (2011) Enhancing the performance of building integrated photovoltaics. Solar Energy, 85 (8). pp. 1629-1664. [Journal article]
Hasan, Ahmed, McCormack, S, Huang, M. J. and Norton, B. (2010) Evaluation of phase change materials for thermal regulation enhancement of building integrated photovoltaics. J. Solar Energy, 84 (9). pp. 1601-1612. [Journal article]
Huang, M and Hewitt, Neil (2009) EFFECT OF USING TWO PCMS ON THE THERMAL REGULATION PERFORMANCE OF BIPV SYSTEMS. In: International Solar Energy Congress (ISES 2009), Johannesburg, South Africa. Vincent. 9 pp. [Conference contribution]
Hewitt, N and Huang, M (2008) Defrost cycle performance for a circular shape evaporator air source heat pump. International Journal of Refrigeration, 31 (3). pp. 444-452. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., McCormack, S., Eames, P. C. and Norton, B. (2008) The Effect of Phase Change Material Crystalline Segregation on the Building Integrated Photovoltaic System Thermal Performance. In: World Renewable Energy Congress- WREC X, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.. Elsevier. 6 pp. [Conference contribution]
Griffiths, P, Smyth, M and Huang, M. J. (2007) Improving the heat retention of integrated collector/storage solar water heaters using Phase Change Materials Slurries. International Journal of Ambient Energy, 28 (2). pp. 89-98. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., Eames, P. C. and Norton, B. (2007) Comparison of predictions made using a new 3D phase change material thermal control model with experimental measurements and predictions made using a validated 2D model. international Journal of heat transfer engineering, 28 (1). pp. 31-37. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., Hewitt, Neil and Minh, Nguyen (2007) Field Testing of an Economised Vapour Injection Heat pump. In: 22nd IIR International Congress of Refrigeration, Beijing, China. International Institute of Refrigeration. 8 pp. [Conference contribution]
Huang, M. J. (2006) Comparison of a small scale 3-D PCM thermal storage model with a validated 2-D Thermal model. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 90 (13). pp. 1961-1972. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., Eames, P. C and Hewitt, Neil (2006) The Application of a Validated Numerical Model to Predict the Energy Conservation Potential of Using Phase Change Materials in A Building's Fabric. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 90 . pp. 1951-1960. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., Eames, P. C and Norton, B. (2006) Phase change materials for limiting temperature rise in building integrated photovoltaics. Solar Energy, 80 (9). pp. 1121-1130. [Journal article]
Huang, M. J., Eames, P.C. and Norton, B. (2004) Thermal Regulation of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics Using Phase Change Materials. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 47 (12-13). pp. 2715-2733. [Journal article]
This list was generated on Thu Sep 19 01:40:46 2019 BST.


text:
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Any contributions or purchases made on this store goes to the CraftersLand Community and will be used to pay running bills, maintain the servers running and fund further development.
For more information, support or a purchase history please email firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
Google Pitches Online TV Service to Media Companies
Streaming of Traditional TV Programming Is Also Planned by Others
Google Inc. is joining several other technology companies in the race to launch an online version of pay television.
Google has recently approached media companies about licensing their content for an Internet TV service that would stream traditional TV programming, people familiar with the matter say.
If the Web giant goes ahead with the...


text:
You are here
Reviving a Georgian-Style Treasure in St. Louis
Once a noble wreck, now imbued with light and grace
New York designer Marshall Watson feared the worst. Clients Amy and Bill Koman were set on ripping out the original black and white marble entry tiles in their Georgian-style St. Louis home. Designed in 1922 by architect Edward F. Nolte, the house had fallen into disrepair, but it remained architecturally important. From the slate roof and detailed limestone friezes and arches to the stone-railed brick terraces and interior marble floor tiles, its parts were good even if the sum failed to reach its potential.
"I told them that people in London and Paris would die for that tile," Watson recalls. "I said they just needed to restore this house. The architecture would shine through."
A repeat client, Amy listened. When Watson said the magic words—"we will bring in decorative elements to make it more youthful, more with the times"—she acquiesced. "I loved keeping the integrity, but I also wanted to bring our current lifestyle to this house," she says.
As a "noble wreck," the house was intact but in need of TLC and updates. Watson reinvigorated all the rooms (plus he designed the interior of the new great-room addition). Fortunately, he was able to retain all of the original architecture in the living room. "I loved the old stone fireplace and plasterwork," the designer says. Despite the heaviness of the wood, the room feels light, with pale carpet and upholstery. Amy and Watson were in agreement: The art must sing. "We designed it so the art, the architecture, and the colors did not compete but reinforced each other," explains Watson. A blue-gray palette keeps the room warm but neutral.
"This is where we entertain," says Amy. "Candlelight parties are very pretty with the reflections on the silver accents. It's designed so people can gravitate to their own little seating areas and socialize." Bill, a real estate developer, philanthropist, and two-time lymphoma survivor, is a major fundraiser for cancer research. The Komans' living room is his favorite venue for events. "It's a great place to host meetings rather than going to a restaurant," says Amy. "It can accommodate a lot of people."
A space Amy admired in a Neiman Marcus catalog inspired the dining room's backdrop. "We had a painter copy the strié gray-green wall color," she says. The painter began with a blue base topped with beige strié that was then trimmed with silver leaf atop gold—a month of painting. The resulting paneled walls have a quintessential Louis XVI look but also offer a freshness ushered in by views through three arch-topped French doors that lead to the terrace and garden.
Watson found "the perfect antique table" from a Long Island estate, then adapted Louis J. Solomon chairs by adding stretchers to their oval backs. "The stretchers give the Louis XVI-style chairs the look of an original," he says.
To match their lifestyle, the Komans, an athletic couple with three daughters, turned a formal sitting room into a good-times family room. "This is where we put the Christmas tree each year," says Amy. "It's where we light a fire and watch movies." Watson's task was to lighten the room. "It's in the center of the house and was very dark, with ebony moldings. I wanted to keep it rich but comfortable," he explains.
A Scottish sideboard and diamond-back chairs create the desired architectural presence. "I love my diamond-back chairs because they are comfortable while also looking good from the front and the back, so they can float in the room," notes the designer. With Amy's art collection and the Japanese-style coffee table, the family room "has a wonderful English coziness to it with an eclectic feel," muses Watson.
To further meet the family's needs, the team built an addition onto the kitchen to serve as a great room where the Komans' three daughters can do homework and be close to Amy as she prepares meals. "The Scandinavian design works with the Georgian-style architecture because both reference the 18th century," notes Watson.
In the private spaces, the spirit shifts a bit from entertaining to intimate, but the mood remains welcoming. The master bedroom is all about chilling. "I like its quiet colors—no bright artwork," says Amy. "When you look out the windows, you see the fountains, the big oaks, and the 'Annabelle' hydrangeas. I read at night to calm down, so I wanted a bedroom that was calming." Watson's take on the space: "Not Zen modern but Zen with patina."
Watson credits the original architecture as the root of the restoration's success. "Gracious scale, the flow of the rooms, the heights of the ceilings, and the quality of details all begged for a classic approach with clean lines. There is a beautiful sense of proportion created in the 1920s that these architects from the Beaux Arts period truly understood. Seldom do you have the honor to work on a house like this with such beautiful bones." Watson and the Komans brought those bones back to life.
Photography: Werner Straube
Produced by Mary Anne Thomson
Architect: Lauren Strutman, Lauren Strutman Architects, 16676 Old Chesterfield Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017; 636/537-1027, laurenstrutmanarchitects.com.
Interior design: Marshall Watson, Marshall Watson Interiors, 105 W. 72nd St., Suite 9B, New York, NY 10023; 212/595-5995, marshallwatsoninteriors.com.
Landscape architect: Gay Goessling, Goessling Design, 1005 McKnight Road, St. Louis, MO 63117; 314/569-0900, goesslingdesign.com.
Contractor: Kevin Sanders, K.V. Sanders Co., P.O. Box 833, Chesterfield, MO 63006; 636/227-3335, kvsanders.com.
Original architect: Edward F. Nolte (1870-1944).
Chandelier ("Russian Chandelier" #10-00494-3506 ): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, niermannweeks.com.
Decorative finish on original paneling: Judy Mulligan Inc., 908/879-6728.
Dining table (antique, French C. 1910): owner's collection.
Chairs (Louis XVI): Louis J. Solomon, 631/232-5300, louisjsolomon.com.
Chair fabric (discontinued): Robert Allen, 800/333-3777, robertallendesign.com.
Area rug (Aubusson): Stark Carpet, 212/752-9000, starkcarpet.com.
Dining Room Details
The Aubusson carpet and elaborate chandelier, both from Niermann Weeks, and the Louis XVI-style chairs give the dining room an 18th-century look.
Chest (antique, c. 1910); mirror (antique): owner's collection.
Sconces ("Russian Sconce" #11-00292-0902): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, niermannweeks.com.
Chair (antique): owner's collection.
Chair cushion (#5274-6, by Rose Cumming): Dessin Fournir, 785/434-2777, dessinfournir.com.
Turine (antique Wedgwood, style: 1890 Transferware): owner's collection.
Lavender chargers (discontinued): Pottery barn, 800/922-5507, potterybarn.com.
Silver-rimmed plates (discontinued): Barneys New York, barneys.com.
Pedestal vase (discontinued): Arhaus, 866/427-4287, arhaus.com.
Glassware (antique); silverware (antique): owner's collection.
Living Room
The fireplace and plaster crown moldings are original to the house. Matching sofas and lounge chairs are by O. Henry House
Wall covering (discontinued): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com
Sofas (#5000-90): O. Henry House, 336/431-5350, ohenryhouseltd.com.
Sofa fabric (#NC8410-97): Nancy Corzine, 212/223-8340, nancycorzine.com.
Fabrication: Joe Upholstery, 212/290-2188.
Pillows: Arabelle Taggart, 212/980-6663, arabelletaggart.com.
Armless chairs (antique): owner's collection.
Chair fabric: Innovations, 800/227-8053, innovationsusa.com.
Round table behind armless chair (vintage Louis XVI walnut/marble bouillotte table): Clark Graves Antiques, 314/725-2695, clarkgravesantiques.com.
Rug (kilim): antique.
Coffee table (decorative painting by Jeff Severson): designed and fabricated by Marshall Watson Interiors, 212/595-5995, marshallwatsoninteriors.com.
Vases on coffee table (discontinued): Crate & Barrel, 800/996-9960, crateandbarrel.com.
Vase with flowers (antique, Chinese): owner's collection.
Lounge chairs by fireplace (#223-T): O. Henry House, 336/431-5350, ohenryhouseltd.com.
Chair fabric (discontinued): Robert Allen, 800/333-3777, robertallendesign.com.
Pillow in lounge chair: owner's collection.
Painting over fireplace (Chenal, by Phillippe Vasseur): One Art World, oneartworld.com.
Sconces (French Rococco-style): vintage.
Fireplace: Indiana limestone.
Mantel; fireplace fender: original to house.
Paneling: original oak, stained.
Tall cabinet in corner (antique); silver (antique): owner's collection.
After expressing their fears that the house would seem stuffy and dated, Watson convinced the Komans not to tear out the original black and white marble flooring in the entry hall.
Details on the following slide.
Sconces; chest; chairs: antique.
Chair-seat fabric (discontinued): Hinson & Co., through Donghia, 800/366-4442, donghia.com.
Flooring (black and white marble): original to house.
Mirror (antique, French, c. 1830): Clark Graves Antiques, 314/725-2695, clarkgravesantiques.com.
Hanging light: Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, hollyhunt.com.
Oriental rug (silk, Tabric, c. 1950): owner's collection.
Entry Details
Beautiful antique Italian chairs stand in the entry hall.
Family Room
Dark paneling was painted to lighten the space, anchored by an antique Scottish sideboard.
See more from this room on the following slide.
Sideboard under painting (Scottish mahogany, c. 1850): antique.
Lamps on sideboard (Lotus glass column lamps): Vaughan, 212/319-7070, vaughandesigns.com.
Stools under sideboard ("Petit Plateau" by Marshall Watson): Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, 336/841-3028, ef-lm.com.
Stool fabric (#10828-05): Cowtan & Tout, 212/647-6900, cowtan.com.
Art over sideboard (Untitled Horse, by Joe Andoe, silkscreen): Joe Andoe, joeandoe.com.
Box under art (antique): Clark Graves Antiques, 314/725-2695, clarkgravesantiques.com.
Pair of chairs ("Dolcetto Bergere" #CH5017); club chairs ("Marshall Club Chair," Marshall Watson Collection): Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, 336/841-3028, ef-lm.com.
Fabric on front of Dolcetto bergère (#HW0838GP): Hinson & Co., through Donghia, 800/366-4442, donghia.com.
Fabric on back of Dolcetto bergère (#402634, by Travers); club chair fabric (#403082, by Travers ): Zimmer + Rohde, 212/758-7925, zimmer-rohde.com. Through Thomas Lavin, 310/278-2456, thomaslavin.com.
Sofa ("Gainsborough Sofa"): Dennis & Leen, 310/652-0855. Available through Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, hollyhunt.com.
Sofa fabric (#HW0801-KB): Hinson & Co., through Donghia, 800/366-4442, donghia.com.
Coffee table: Baker, 800/592-2537, bakerfurniture.com.
Art on wall to left of sofa (Untitled, by Michael Burkhemer, acrylic on paper): owner's collection.
Hanging light ("Montecito Lantern"): Formations, 310/659-3062, formationsusa.com, through Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, hollyhunt.com.
Large area rug ("Pueblo," sisal): Beauvais Carpets, 212/688-2265, beauvaiscarpets.com.
Oriental rug (antique): owner's collection.
Lamp by sofa (#RL17166GL): Ralph Lauren Home, 888/475-7674, ralphlaurenhome.com.
Drapery ("Belgique Velvet"): Innovations, 800/227-8053, innovationsusa.com.
Drapery border (#HW0784-J): Hinson & Co., through Donghia, 800/366-4442, donghia.com.
Sheers (#81275-0): Brunschwig & Fils, 800/538-1880, brunschwig.com.
Family Room
Chairs from designer Marshall Watson's collection for Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman feature diamond-shaped detailing on their backs and nestle around a coffee table by Baker.
Pool House Exterior
The pool house was built as a self-contained entertaining space separate from the main house. "Amy and Bill asked me to come up with a design for the pool house that integrated the gracious qualities of the beautiful Georgian house, the landscape, and its location on the property," says designer Marshall Watson. The façade at the back of the main house was adapted for the front of the pool house.
Pool: Pooltron, 314/428-0567, pooltron.com.
Chairs (#CH234): Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, 336/841-3028, ef-lm.com.
Chair fabric (#800-27): Perennials, 888/322-4773, perennialsfabrics.com.
Pillows on chairs: Restoration Hardware, 800/910-9836, restorationhardware.com.
Table: Lexington Gardens, 212/861-4390, lexingtongardensnyc.com.
Ottoman (custom): Joe Upholstery, 212/290-2188.
Ottoman fabric (#500-15): Perennials, 888/322-4773, perennialsfabrics.com.
Exterior light ("Devonshire Lantern" #414681): Fine Art Lamps, 305/821-3850, fineartlamps.com.
Pool House Interior
Light and airy, the interior incorporates elements from the main house—like the vaulted wood ceiling of the great room—while allowing for maximum sunlight and open space. The resulting effect is similar to a Scandinavian pavilion.
Pedestal table ("Louis XVI Fluted Base" #DL-DT08); hanging light ("Regent Lantern" #DL-LN14C): Dennis & Leen, 310/652-0855. Through Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, hollyhunt.com.
Iron dolphin planters flanking door (vintage): Center 44, 212/450-7988, center44.com.
Flooring (limestone): Alan Court & Assoc., 631/324-7497.
Sconces (custom): Architrove, 631/329-2229, architrove.com.
Walls and ceiling: lightly glazed poplar.
Pool House Kitchen
The cabinets are raised to the ceiling for elegance and drama. A wide entry seamlessly opens the room to the main space.
Cabinetry design (custom): Marshall Watson Interiors, 212/595-5995, marshallwatsoninteriors.com.
Cabinetry (Omega custom maple, with opaque finish, beaded inset doors and drawer fronts): Callier & Thompson, 636/391-9099, callierandthompson.com.
Countertop (2cm Calcutta Oro with 4-inch backsplash); flooring (12x12-inch Texas Mist with Calcutta Oro cabochons on diagonal): Midwest Tile, 888/936-1249, midwesttile.com.
Drawer pulls (#9451): Omnia Industries, omniaindustries.com.
Sink (#K-3325): Kohler, 800/456-4537, kohler.com.
Faucet (#R77V3): Rohl, 800/777-9762, rohlhome.com.
Roman shade ("Gordian Weave"/Natural on Greige #2643921): Schumacher, 800/523-1200, fschumacher.com.
Fabricaton: Designer First, 314/432-7095.
Cooktop (#KM404): Miele, 800/843-7231, mieleusa.com.
Oven ("Epicure Single Wall Oven"): Dacor, 800/793-0093, dacor.com.
Pool House Living Area
The space has dual utility—ideal for elegant entertaining, yet just as appropriate for kids in wet swimming suits to towel off after a dip in the pool. The furniture is upholstered in outdoor fabric for minimal maintenance. Artwork hanging above is a relief on paper by Mary Judge.
Flooring (tumbled Texas limestone): Alan Court & Assoc., 631/324-7497.
Walls and ceiling: lightly glazed poplar.
Table (designed by Marshall Watson); banquette (designed by Marshall Watson): Marshall Watson Interiors, 212/595-5995, marshallwatsoninteriors.com.
Banquette fabrication: Joe Upholstery, 212/290-2188.
Banquette fabric (#504/01): Pollack, 212/627-7766, pollackassociates.com.
Pillows on banquette (#1088-01): Zoffany, 800/894-6185, zoffany.com.
Pillow fabrication: Arabelle Taggart, 212/980-6663, arabelletaggart.com.
Chairs: customized vintage chairs.
Chair fabric (bath towels, custom monogram): Restoration Hardware, 800/910-9836, restorationhardware.com.
Sconces (custom): Architrove, 631/329-2229, architrove.com.
Art (Untitled, by Mary Judge): Mary Judge, maryjudge.com.
Napkins: Crate & Barrel, 800/996-9960, crateandbarrel.com.
Basket tray on table: owner's collection.
Pool House Bath
The bath contains generous shower space and monogrammed towels for spa-like serenity.
Cabinetry (designed by Marshall Watson): Marshall Watson Interiors, 212/595-5995, marshallwatsoninteriors.com.
Sconce ("French Deco Horn Sconce" #S2020PN-L, by Visual Comfort): Circa Lighting, 877/762-2323, circalighting.com.
Towels (custom monogrammed); rug: Restoration Hardware, 800/910-9836, restorationhardware.com.
Wood blinds: Hunter Douglas, 800/274-2985, hunterdouglas.com.
Flooring (tumbled Texas limestone): Alan Court & Assoc., 631/324-7497.
Wall covering ("Haiku" #MHK-2305): Designtex, 800/221-1540, designtex.com.
Homeowners Amy and Bill Koman.
Home Exterior
When the Komans purchased the 1922 home, it still retained its architectural appeal but needed a revitalization of the interiors.
Great Room
A whitewashed vaulted wood ceiling and simple drapery panels encase this cozy window-wrapped family space. The fireplace surround in the addition mimics the architecture found elsewhere in the house.
Sofa ("Marshall Loveseat," Marshall Watson Collection): Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, 336/841-3028, ef-lm.com.
Sofa fabric (#HW-0868-GB, by Hinson): through Donghia, 800/366-4442, donghia.com.
Pillows on sofa ("Zahra"/Blue): TylerGraphic, 212/924-6693, tylergraphic.com.
Fabrication: Arabelle Taggart, 212/980-6663, arabelletaggart.com.
Lamps behind sofa: vintage.
Lampshades: custom.
Club chairs (custom): Joe Upholstery, 212/290-2188.
Chair fabric (#2092-03): Rose Tarlow, 323/651-2202, rosetarlow.com.
Coffee table ("Tavolino Table"); mantel ("Luberon") Formations, 310/659-3062, formationsusa.com. Through Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, hollyhunt.com.
Chandelier (antique): Objets Plus Inc., 212/832-3386, objetsplus.com.
Drapery (#1027-04): Jim Thompson, 800/262-0336, jimthompsonfabrics.com.
Sheers ("Delicacy"/Cream): Robert Allen, 800/333-3777, robertallendesign.com.
Fabrication: Designer First, 314/432-7095.
Art over fireplace (I Got Off The Train, by Lawrence Carroll, oil on canvas): Lawrence Carroll, acegallery.net.
Wall treatment (rough plaster wall with straw cut into plaster for texture): Judy Mulligan Inc., 908/879-6728.
Rug (custon, ribbed banana silk): Marc Phillips Rugs, 212/752-4275, marcphillipsrugs.com.
Flooring (oak, herringbone pattern): Patina Old World Flooring, 805/648-7521, patinawoodfloors.com.
Decorative treatment on walls (custom plaster/cut straw): Judy Mulligan Inc., 908/879-6728.
Powder Room
Decorative artist Judy Mulligan painted the floor design, which salutes both the architectural medallions in the living room and the checkerboard floor design in the entry. "When you work with a house this beautiful, I try to stand back and let the house tell us what to do, to let it shine," says Watson.
Cabinet (antique, Biedermeier, c. 1850); mirror (antique, Biedermeier, c. 1850): Clark Graves Antiques, 314/725-2695, clarkgravesantiques.com.
Countertop: antique marble.
Sink ("Marzi" china undermount sink): Waterworks, 800/899-6757, waterworks.com.
Faucet ("Town Basin Set," by Michael S Smith): Kallista, 888/452-5547, kallista.com.
Sconces (custom): Remains Lighting, 212/675-8051, remains.com.
Sconce shades: custom.
Decorative treatment on wall (custom glaze); decorative treatment on floor (custom painting): Judy Mulligan, 908/879-6728.
Master Bedroom
Neutral colors and classic pieces create a calming atmosphere in the master bedroom. An elegant four-poster and a cane-back gilded French settee dominate the space.
Bed ("Louis XVI Canopy Bed" #00596 -ON-92): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, niermannweeks.com.
Headboard fabric (#1827-8): Bergamo Fabrics, 212/888-3333, bergamofabrics.com.
Euro shams ("Roma"/Slate Blue): Beacon Hill, 800/333-3777, beaconhilldesign.com.
Pillow fabrication: Arabelle Taggart, 212/980-6663, arabelletaggart.com.
Coverlet fabric (#7700B-0512): Stroheim, 800/763-0524, stroheim.com.
Settee (c.1920): vintage.
Pillow on settee: antique heirloom.
Rug (kilim, wool and silk): custom.
Pedestal table (antique, c. 1870, rosewood): Clark Graves Antiques, 314/725-2695, clarkgravesantiques.com.
Hanging lantern (#AC-181): Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, 336/841-3028, ef-lm.com.
Chest beside bed ("Danish Commode"): Niermann Weeks, 212/319-7979, niermannweeks.com.
Lamp on chest: vintage.
Art behind chest (Untitled, by Kenneth Wood, ink and paint on paper): owner's collection.
Drapery (#1533/02, by Great Plains): Holly Hunt, 312/661-1900, hollyhunt.com.
Trim (#977-33412/1): Samuel & Sons, 212/704-8000, samuelandsons.com.
Roman shades (#93105-08): Rogers & Goffigon, 203/532-8068. Through Delany & Long, 203/532-0010, delanyandlong.com.
Fabrication: Designer First, 314/432-7095.
Chair in window (Italian-style, c. 1920): vintage.
Sconce: antique heirloom.
Sophisticated Redesign
To explore another classic yet clean-lined home, check out this Sophisticated Redesign by designer Roger Higgins.


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By Susan Jongeneel, University of Illinois
The corn crop rating in Illinois stays in the low single digits. As the season winds down on one of the most drought-reduced corn crops in Illinois history, a number of factors are at play that will affect crop management for the coming year.
While some parts of Illinois have had rain in recent weeks, others have received little or none, and some areas have had seasonal rainfall totals that are 8" to 10" below normal. In areas where the crop is poor, it has used less than the normal 20" to 22" of water, but with the low rainfall, soil in many areas will need to take in at least 6" to 8" of water to recharge to field capacity.
Average precipitation between Sept. 1 and March 31 ranges from about 15" in northwestern Illinois to about 30" in the southernmost part of the state. While it is not clear if the drought pattern is persisting, only half of this amount — preferably in smaller events so that more of it gets into the soil instead of running off — is needed to recharge soil water. There is a high probability that this much precipitation will fall.
A snowy winter might also help with restoring moisture levels. Snow melts slowly, and most of the melt water moves into the soil. However, snow is not always distributed evenly across the landscape, and a relatively small part of total precipitation comes in the form of snow.
Some tillage is already being done in areas where the harvest is under way, and some fields with no grain are being tilled. Tillage following extended periods of dry weather often brings up large, hard clods, but initial reports indicate that the soil is friable, breaking apart better than expected.
Tillage last fall and field operations this year took place when soils were relatively dry, so there has been less than normal compaction due to heavy equipment on moist soils. While rainfall does not cause much compaction — it does not produce high weight loads — it does cause surface soils to run together to form a hard surface that can increase water runoff on slopes.
"Expect soils to be mellower than normal during fall tillage and match the tillage operation, if any is needed, to this condition," Nafziger advised. That includes paying attention to how much residue is being left on the surface.
The 2012 Illinois winter wheat crop was good, and with the loss of income from poor corn crops, along with early harvest or destruction of corn, some producers are considering wheat as a follow crop for corn in dry areas. In some cases, wheat (or rye) might also be used as a cover crop to take up some of the nitrogen left in the soil.
Although having some of the leftover soil nitrogen stay in a (grass) cover crop for a subsequent corn crop may seem to be a good way to recycle nitrogen, allowing rye or wheat cover crops to grow into the spring can interfere with establishing the corn crop, especially if it is to be planted in early April. Managing a grass cover crop to establish soybeans might be easier, although wet soils and a heavy cover-crop residue can present challenges for any crop that follows a cover crop.
Soybeans will be able to take up some of the nitrogen released by the breakdown of a cover crop, but then might fix less from the atmosphere, depending on when the nitrogen is released. Thus, there not likely to be a significant economic gain from having a cover crop tie up nitrogen and release it during soybean growth. However, it will keep some nitrogen in the field, thereby reducing the amount that reaches surface water.
"While we know there is some nitrogen left in dry soils now, the amount available to next year's crop will depend on the weather between now and next spring," Nafziger said.
Other factors associated with a drought-damaged corn crop may actually improve field conditions for the next corn crop. Corn that stops growing in mid-season does not produce much lignin, so its residue is softer, it breaks down faster, and planting into it is easier. There is also less residue to contend with.
"This is not a suggestion to plant more corn and fewer soybean acres next year following this year's corn crop," said Nafziger. "Corn following corn is showing more stress effects again this year, in some areas for a third year in a row. Even though a field with a short corn crop this year may be more 'corn-friendly' than normal next year, it is unlikely that corn following a corn crop — even a low-yielding one — will yield more than corn following soybean."
For More Information
Read more drought coverage.
Read the latest harvest news and check out AgWeb's Corn Harvest Map and Soybean Harvest Map.


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Here's the trailer for the upcoming The Muslims Are Coming! — a documentary that follows a group of Muslim-American comics as they tour the country attempting to confront and heal Islamaphobia through jokes and outreach. They hit several roadblocks, some set up by the very community they're representing, but, overall, the film seems like an interesting look at how minorities (especially Muslims) are often forced to curry favor and prove their harmlessness to find acceptance in American culture.
Anyway, prepare yourselves because the Muslims seem to be coming whether you like it or not.