bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF HIGH-RESOLUTION MICROELECTRODE EEG RECORDINGS IN AN ANIMAL MODEL OF SPONTANEOUS LIMBIC SEIZURES
Authors: KOMALAPRIYA C. , ROMANO M. C. , THIEL M. , SCHWARZ U. , KURTHS J. , SIMONOTTO J. , FURMAN M. , DITTO W. L. , CARNEY P. R.
Published: May 2009

We perform a systematic data analysis on high resolution (0.5–12 kHz) multiarray microelectrode recordings from an animal model of spontaneous limbic epilepsy, to investigate the role of high frequency oscillations and the occurrence of early precursors for seizures. Results of spectral analysis confirm the importance of very high frequency oscillations (even greater than 600 Hz) in normal (healthy) and abnormal (epileptic) hippocampus. Furthermore, we show that the measures of Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) and Recurrence Time Statistics (RTS) are successful in indicating, rather uniquely, the onset of ictal state and the occurrence of some warnings/precursors during the pre-ictal state, in contrast to the linear measures investigated.
STABILITY CALCULATIONS FOR PIECEWISE-SMOOTH DELAY EQUATIONS
Authors: BARTON DAVID A. W.
Published: May 2009

This paper describes a new method for computing the stability of nonsmooth periodic orbits of piecewise-smooth dynamical systems with delay. Stability computations for piecewise-smooth dynamical systems without delay have previously been performed using discontinuity mappings to "correct" the linearized period map. However, this approach is less convenient for systems with delays due to the infinite dimensional nature of the problem. Additional problems arise due to the discontinuity propagation properties of delay differential equations. The method proposed is based around a multi-point boundary value solver, which allows the correct linearized period map to be constructed directly. We present numerical examples showing the rapid convergence of the method and also illustrate its use as part of a numerical bifurcation study.
ANALYSIS OF THE NAVIER–STOKES–NERNST–PLANCK–POISSON SYSTEM
Authors: SCHMUCK MARKUS
Published: May 2009

We study a fluid-dynamical model based on a coupled Navier–Stokes–Nernst–Planck–Poisson system. Of special interest are the fluid velocity, concentrations of charged particles ranging from colloidal to nano size and the induced quasi-electrostatic potential, which all depend on an externally applied electrical field. For d ≤ 3, we prove existence and in some cases uniqueness of weak solutions. Moreover, we characterize solutions via energy laws, mass conservation, non-negativity and pointwise bounds. Furthermore, the system enjoys an entropy law. Existence of locally strong solutions is verified.
MUON ATOM DYNAMICS IN DEUTERIUM–HELIUM MIXTURE
Authors: MAHDAVI M. , MAHBOUBI N.
Published: May 2009

The effect of muonic molecules complex [Formula: see text] forming with different spin states (J = 0, 1) in various decay channels on the cycling rate, the effective sticking coefficient, and the neutron yield per muon stopped in mixture was studied. It was shown that the error of the relative neutron yield is decreased in the optimum physical condition of the deuterium in the mixture by considering the effect of various decay channels of the muonic molecule complex.
A DYNAMIC GAME OF OPERATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGEMENT IN A SUPPLY CHAIN
Authors: EL OUARDIGHI FOUAD , JØRGENSEN STEFFEN , PASIN FEDERICO
Published: May 2009

The aim of the paper is to study some important differences between (classical) non-cooperative and (modern) cooperative supply chain management. For this purpose, the paper develops a differential game model involving operations and marketing activities that are performed by a manufacturer and a retailer in a simple two-member supply chain. We consider a particular single brand of the manufacturer. The manufacturer decides on production volume, production process improvement and national advertising efforts, while the retailer decides her purchase volume by the manufacturer and her pricing policy toward the final consumers. A revenue sharing contract is employed in the non-cooperative setting. Among the issues addressed on the manufacturer side are the trade-off between production and process improvement activities, the path of inventory over time, and the trade-off between attracting new customers and improving the loyalty of current customers. For the retailer we study the inventory and price evolution over time.
CARTELIZING GROUPS IN DYNAMIC LINEAR OLIGOPOLY WITH ANTITRUST THRESHOLD
Authors: MATSUMOTO AKIO , MERLONE UGO , SZIDAROVSZKY FERENC
Published: May 2009

The effects of partially cooperating firms are examined in N-firm oligopolies. The Herfindahl-Hirschmann Index is assumed to detect the violation of the antitrust regulation by the firms, and based on this assumption a piece-wise differentiable dynamic system can be developed. The firms stop cooperating if this index becomes larger than a certain threshold and they restart or continue cooperating otherwise. The equilibria of the dynamic system are first determined. Local and global asymptotic stability of the equilibria are then investigated showing the complexity of the dynamic behavior of the system.
ENDOGENOUS FORMATION OF COALITIONS
Authors: OWEN GUILLERMO
Published: May 2009

We develop a model of coalition formation based on personal proximities among the players of an n-person game. Several examples are worked out in detail, showing that certain coalitions are much more stable than others, and/or much more likely to form than others. We also consider the dynamics of such coalition-formation. By a numerical example, we show that small changes in the initial conditions can lead to very different results in the coalitions formed in a given game.
DYNAMICALLY CONSISTENT SOLUTION FOR A POLLUTION MANAGEMENT GAME IN COLLABORATIVE ABATEMENT WITH UNCERTAIN FUTURE PAYOFFS
Authors: YEUNG D. W. K.
Published: May 2009

This paper presents dynamically stable solutions to a class of cooperative differential games of pollution management in collaborative abatement with uncertain future payoffs. Collaborative abatement leads to a decrease in cost due to reduction in duplicated efforts in the process of joint development and brings about an enhancement in the effectiveness of abatement activities via the sharing of knowledge from individual nation's research. It is believed by many researchers to be the key to effective pollution reduction. Uncertainties in future economic performance are prevalent in fast developing countries like China, Brazil and India. This type of uncertainties often hinders the reaching of cooperative agreements in joint pollution control initiatives. In dynamic cooperative games, a credible cooperative agreement has to be dynamically consistent. For dynamic consistency to hold, the agreed upon optimality principle must remain in effect at any instant of time throughout the game along the optimal state trajectory contingent upon the realization of specific random events. In this analysis, dynamically consistent cooperative solutions and analytically tractable payoff distribution procedures contingent upon specific random events are derived. This approach widens the application of cooperative differential game theory to environmental problems where future payoffs are not known with certainty.
Uptake and fate of ganglioside GD3 in human intestinal Caco-2 cells
Authors: Schnabl Kareena L. , Larcelet Marjorie , Thomson Alan B. R. , Clandinin Michael T.
Published: May 2009

Ganglioside GD3 is a glycosphingolipid found in colostrum, developing tissues, and tumors and is known to regulate cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Feeding a GD3-enriched diet to rats increases GD3 in intestinal lipid rafts and blood. The mechanism, efficiency, and fate of ganglioside absorption by human enterocytes have not been investigated. A model to study GD3 uptake by human intestinal cells was developed to test the hypothesis that enterocyte GD3 uptake is time and concentration dependent, with uptake efficiency and fate influenced by route of delivery. Caco-2 cells were exposed to GD3 on the apical or basolateral membrane (BLM) side for 6, 24, and 48 h. GD3 uptake, retention, transfer, and metabolism was determined. GD3 uptake across the apical and BLM was time and concentration dependent and reached a plateau. GD3 uptake across the BLM was more efficient than apical delivery. Apical GD3 was metabolized with some cell retention and transfer, whereas basolateral GD3 was mostly metabolized. This study demonstrates efficient GD3 uptake by enterocytes and suggests that the route of delivery influences ganglioside uptake and fate.
Nonmuscle myosin is regulated during smooth muscle contraction
Authors: Yuen Samantha L. , Ogut Ozgur , Brozovich Frank V.
Published: May 2009

The participation of nonmuscle myosin in force maintenance is controversial. Furthermore, its regulation is difficult to examine in a cellular context, as the light chains of smooth muscle and nonmuscle myosin comigrate under native and denaturing electrophoresis techniques. Therefore, the regulatory light chains of smooth muscle myosin (SM-RLC) and nonmuscle myosin (NM-RLC) were purified, and these proteins were resolved by isoelectric focusing. Using this method, intact mouse aortic smooth muscle homogenates demonstrated four distinct RLC isoelectric variants. These spots were identified as phosphorylated NM-RLC (most acidic), nonphosphorylated NM-RLC, phosphorylated SM-RLC, and nonphosphorylated SM-RLC (most basic). During smooth muscle activation, NM-RLC phosphorylation increased. During depolarization, the increase in NM-RLC phosphorylation was unaffected by inhibition of either Rho kinase or PKC. However, inhibition of Rho kinase blocked the angiotensin II-induced increase in NM-RLC phosphorylation. Additionally, force for angiotensin II stimulation of aortic smooth muscle from heterozygous nonmuscle myosin IIB knockout mice was significantly less than that of wild-type littermates, suggesting that, in smooth muscle, activation of nonmuscle myosin is important for force maintenance. The data also demonstrate that, in smooth muscle, the activation of nonmuscle myosin is regulated by Ca2+-calmodulin-activated myosin light chain kinase during depolarization and a Rho kinase-dependent pathway during agonist stimulation.
Taurine supplementation increases skeletal muscle force production and protects muscle function during and after high-frequency in vitro stimulation
Authors: Goodman Craig A. , Horvath Deanna , Stathis Christos , Mori Trevor , Croft Kevin , Murphy Robyn M. , Hayes Alan
Published: May 2009

Recent studies report that depletion and repletion of muscle taurine (Tau) to endogenous levels affects skeletal muscle contractility in vitro. In this study, muscle Tau content was raised above endogenous levels by supplementing male Sprague-Dawley rats with 2.5% (wt/vol) Tau in drinking water for 2 wk, after which extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were examined for in vitro contractile properties, fatigue resistance, and recovery from fatigue after two different high-frequency stimulation bouts. Tau supplementation increased muscle Tau content by ∼40% and isometric twitch force by 19%, shifted the force-frequency relationship upward and to the left, increased specific force by 4.2%, and increased muscle calsequestrin protein content by 49%. Force at the end of a 10-s (100 Hz) continuous tetanic stimulation was 6% greater than controls, while force at the end of the 3-min intermittent high-frequency stimulation bout was significantly higher than controls, with a 12% greater area under the force curve. For 1 h after the 10-s continuous stimulation, tetanic force in Tau-supplemented muscles remained relatively stable while control muscle force gradually deteriorated. After the 3-min intermittent bout, tetanic force continued to slowly recover over the next 1 h, while control muscle force again began to decline. Tau supplementation attenuated F2-isoprostane production (a sensitive indicator of reactive oxygen species-induced lipid peroxidation) during the 3-min intermittent stimulation bout. Finally, Tau transporter protein expression was not altered by the Tau supplementation. Our results demonstrate that raising Tau content above endogenous levels increases twitch and subtetanic and specific force in rat fast-twitch skeletal muscle. Also, we demonstrate that raising Tau protects muscle function during high-frequency in vitro stimulation and the ensuing recovery period and helps reduce oxidative stress during prolonged stimulation.
The interactions of some commonly consumed drugs with mitochondrial adaptations to exercise
Authors: Robinson Matthew M. , Hamilton Karyn L. , Miller Benjamin F.
Published: May 2009

The importance of mitochondrial dysfunctions in the progression of chronic disease has been well established. Patients with chronic diseases are often prescribed a variety of medications, many of which have been shown to induce mitochondrial dysfunction. Exercise is a known stimulus for mitochondrial biogenesis and also recommended to patients as a lifestyle modification to supplement drug therapy. However, the potential interference of those drugs with mitochondrial adaptations to exercise has not been thoroughly investigated. This review provides a summary and discussion of known and potential interactions of commonly consumed drugs with exercise-induced mitochondrial adaptations.
Leg exoskeleton reduces the metabolic cost of human hopping
Authors: Grabowski Alena M. , Herr Hugh M.
Published: May 2009

During bouncing gaits such as hopping and running, leg muscles generate force to enable elastic energy storage and return primarily from tendons and, thus, demand metabolic energy. In an effort to reduce metabolic demand, we designed two elastic leg exoskeletons that act in parallel with the wearer's legs; one exoskeleton consisted of a multiple leaf (MLE) and the other of a single leaf (SLE) set of fiberglass springs. We hypothesized that hoppers, hopping on both legs, would adjust their leg stiffness while wearing an exoskeleton so that the combination of the hopper and exoskeleton would behave as a linear spring-mass system with the same total stiffness as during normal hopping. We also hypothesized that decreased leg force generation while wearing an exoskeleton would reduce the metabolic power required for hopping. Nine subjects hopped in place at 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, and 2.6 Hz with and without an exoskeleton while we measured ground reaction forces, exoskeletal compression, and metabolic rates. While wearing an exoskeleton, hoppers adjusted their leg stiffness to maintain linear spring-mass mechanics and a total stiffness similar to normal hopping. Without accounting for the added weight of each exoskeleton, wearing the MLE reduced net metabolic power by an average of 6% and wearing the SLE reduced net metabolic power by an average of 24% compared with hopping normally at frequencies between 2.0 and 2.6 Hz. Thus, when hoppers used external parallel springs, they likely decreased the mechanical work performed by the legs and substantially reduced metabolic demand compared with hopping without wearing an exoskeleton.
Adult Height, Insulin, and 17β-Estradiol in Young Women
Authors: Finstad Sissi Espetvedt , Emaus Aina , Tretli Steinar , Jasienska Grazyna , Ellison Peter T. , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Wist Erik A. , Thune Inger
Published: May 2009

Background: Adult height and insulin are thought to modify the development of breast cancer. However, little is known about the association between height and 17β-estradiol, a key factor in breast carcinogenesis, and whether insulin modifies such an association.

Methods: Among 204 healthy women, ages 25 to 35 years, who participated in the Energy Balance and Breast Cancer Aspect I study, adult height (in centimeters) and fasting serum concentrations of insulin (pmol/L) were measured. 17β-Estradiol concentrations were measured in daily saliva samples throughout an entire menstrual cycle through RIA. Age and multivariate linear regression models were used to study the association between adult height and 17β-estradiol levels throughout an entire menstrual cycle and whether serum levels of fasting insulin may modify such an association.

Results: The women had a mean age of 30.7 years, adult height of 166.9 cm, and serum insulin of 85.7 pmol/L. For each increase of one SD in insulin levels in the upper tertile of adult height, the adjusted level of 17β-estradiol increased by 3.1 pmol/L (95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.2), equivalent to a 17.3% higher mean average concentration of 17β-estradiol. Women with an adult height ≥170 cm (upper tertile) and insulin levels >101 pmol/L (upper quartile) experienced, on average, 41% higher 17β-estradiol levels throughout the entire menstrual cycle compared with women with the same adult height and insulin levels <101 pmol/L.

Conclusion: Our findings support that premenopausal levels of 17β-estradiol vary in response to adult height and insulin levels, of possible importance for breast cancer risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1477–83)
COX-2 Limits Prostanoid Production in Activated HUVECs and Is a Source of PGH2for Transcellular Metabolism to PGE2by Tumor Cells
Authors: Salvado M. Dolores , Alfranca Arántzazu , Escolano Amelia , Haeggström Jesper Z. , Redondo Juan Miguel
Published: May 2009

Objective—Inducible expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and terminal prostaglandin synthases (tPGS) has been mainly analyzed in tumor, stromal, and inflammatory cells, and little is known about the regulation of prostanoid biosynthesis by endothelial cells. Here we characterize the profile of prostanoids produced by activated HUVECs and analyze the expression and activities of tPGS.

Methods and Results—Enzyme immunoassays indicated increased endothelial prostanoid production after proangiogenic stimulation, but without parallel upregulation of tPGS. Endothelial prostanoid production instead depended on the induction of COX-2 and was abolished by COX-2 silencing or pharmacological inhibition. COX-2 is functionally coupled to prostacyclin and thromboxane synthases in HUVECs, but these cells show no detectable PGE2synthase (PGES) activity. Endothelial PGE2production is partly mediated by nonenzymatic decomposition of COX-2-derived PGH2, but endothelial-produced PGH2can also be metabolized enzymatically by microsomal PGES-1 in cocultured tumor cells.

Conclusions—Our findings identify a novel transcellular metabolism of PGE2between the endothelial and tumor compartments. Given the role of PGE2as a mediator of COX-2 proangiogenic effects, transcellular metabolism of endothelial-derived PGH2is a potential target for treatment of pathological angiogenesis.
Role of SREBP-1 in the Development of Parasympathetic Dysfunction in the Hearts of Type 1 Diabetic Akita Mice
Authors: Park Ho-Jin , Zhang Yali , Du Chuang , Welzig C. Michael , Madias Christopher , Aronovitz Mark J. , Georgescu Serban P. , Naggar Isaac , Wang Bo , Kim Young-Bum , Blaustein Robert O. , Karas Richard H. , Liao Ronglih , Mathews Clayton E. , Galper Jonas B.
Published: May 2009

Rationale:

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), a major complication of diabetes mellitus, is characterized, in part, by impaired cardiac parasympathetic responsiveness. Parasympathetic stimulation of the heart involves activation of an acetylcholine-gated K
+
current, I
KAch
, via a (GIRK1)
2
/(GIRK4)
2
K
+
channel. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) is a lipid-sensitive transcription factor.

Objective:

We describe a unique SREBP-1–dependent mechanism for insulin regulation of cardiac parasympathetic response in a mouse model for DAN.

Methods and Results:

Using implantable EKG transmitters, we demonstrated that compared with wild-type, Ins2
Akita
type I diabetic mice demonstrated a decrease in the negative chronotropic response to carbamylcholine characterized by a 2.4-fold decrease in the duration of bradycardia, a 52±8% decrease in atrial expression of GIRK1 (
P
<0.01), and a 31.3±2.1% decrease in SREBP-1 (
P
<0.05). Whole-cell patch-clamp studies of atrial myocytes from Akita mice exhibited a markedly decreased carbamylcholine stimulation of I
KAch
with a peak value of −181±31 pA/pF compared with −451±62 pA/pF (
P
<0.01) in cells from wild-type mice. Western blot analysis of extracts of Akita mice demonstrated that insulin treatment increased the expression of GIRK1, SREBP-1, and I
KAch
activity in atrial myocytes from these mice to levels in wild-type mice. Insulin treatment of cultured atrial myocytes stimulated GIRK1 expression 2.68±0.12-fold (
P
<0.01), which was reversed by overexpression of dominant negative SREBP-1. Finally, adenoviral expression of SREBP-1 in Akita atrial myocytes reversed the impaired I
KAch
to levels in cells from wild-type mice.

Conclusions:

These results support a unique molecular mechanism for insulin regulation of GIRK1 expression and parasympathetic response via SREBP-1, which might play a role in the pathogenesis of DAN in response to insulin deficiency in the diabetic heart.
Inhibition of the SDF-1/CXCR4 Axis Attenuates Neonatal Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Young Karen C. , Torres Eneida , Hatzistergos Konstantinos E. , Hehre Dorothy , Suguihara Cleide , Hare Joshua M.
Published: May 2009

Exposure of the neonatal lung to chronic hypoxia produces significant pulmonary vascular remodeling, right ventricular hypertrophy, and decreased lung alveolarization. Given recent data suggesting that stem cells could contribute to pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy, we tested the hypothesis that blockade of SDF-1 (stromal cell–derived factor 1), a key stem cell mobilizer or its receptor, CXCR4 (CXC chemokine receptor 4), would attenuate and reverse hypoxia-induced cardiopulmonary remodeling in newborn mice. Neonatal mice exposed to normoxia or hypoxia were randomly assigned to receive daily intraperitoneal injections of normal saline, AMD3100, or anti–SDF-1 antibody from postnatal day 1 to 7 (preventive strategy) or postnatal day 7 to 14 (therapeutic strategy). As compared to normal saline, inhibition of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis significantly improved lung alveolarization and decreased pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, vascular remodeling, vascular cell proliferation, and lung or right ventricular stem cell expressions to near baseline values. We therefore conclude that the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis both prevents and reverses hypoxia-induced cardiopulmonary remodeling in neonatal mice, by decreasing progenitor cell recruitment to the pulmonary vasculature, as well as by decreasing pulmonary vascular cell proliferation. These data offer novel insights into the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in the pathogenesis of neonatal hypoxia-induced cardiopulmonary remodeling and have important therapeutic implications.
Definition and Evaluation of Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Easton J. Donald , Saver Jeffrey L. , Albers Gregory W. , Alberts Mark J. , Chaturvedi Seemant , Feldmann Edward , Hatsukami Thomas S. , Higashida Randall T. , Johnston S. Claiborne , Kidwell Chelsea S. , Lutsep Helmi L. , Miller Elaine , Sacco Ralph L.
Published: May 2009

This scientific statement is intended for use by physicians and allied health personnel caring for patients with transient ischemic attacks. Formal evidence review included a structured literature search of Medline from 1990 to June 2007 and data synthesis employing evidence tables, meta-analyses, and pooled analysis of individual patient-level data. The review supported endorsement of the following, tissue-based definition of transient ischemic attack (TIA): a transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, without acute infarction. Patients with TIAs are at high risk of early stroke, and their risk may be stratified by clinical scale, vessel imaging, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. Diagnostic recommendations include: TIA patients should undergo neuroimaging evaluation within 24 hours of symptom onset, preferably with magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion sequences; noninvasive imaging of the cervical vessels should be performed and noninvasive imaging of intracranial vessels is reasonable; electrocardiography should occur as soon as possible after TIA and prolonged cardiac monitoring and echocardiography are reasonable in patients in whom the vascular etiology is not yet identified; routine blood tests are reasonable; and it is reasonable to hospitalize patients with TIA if they present within 72 hours and have an ABCD
2
score ≥3, indicating high risk of early recurrence, or the evaluation cannot be rapidly completed on an outpatient basis.
Is it Time to Reassess the SITS-MOST Criteria for Thrombolysis?
Authors: Rubiera Marta , Ribo Marc , Santamarina Estevo , Maisterra Olga , Delgado-Mederos Raquel , Delgado Pilar , Ortega Gemma , Alvarez-Sabin Jose , Molina Carlos A.
Published: May 2009

Background and Purpose—

The Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST) established guidelines to increase safety in acute stroke thrombolysis, but precluding treatment in an important proportion of patients. We aimed to assess safety/efficacy of thrombolysis in patients with SITS-MOST exclusion criteria.

Methods—

369 nonlacunar tPA-treated patients were studied. Patients were classified as SITS-MOST (SM) or non–SITS-MOST (NSM) according to SITS-MOST–criteria fulfilling. Clinical evaluation was assessed by NIHSS and functional outcome by mRS at 3 months (functional independency=mRS ≤2).

Results—

Baseline NIHSS was 17. 169 (45.8%) patients were SM and 200 (54.1%) NSM. Recanalization (47.6%/50.3%,
P
=0.36), 24-hour-improvement (55.6%/49.5%,
P
=0.114), and SICH were similar (4.8%/5.1%,
P
=0.554). At discharge, clinical improvement in SM-group was higher (66.7%/55.7%,
P
=0.024). NSM tended to higher mortality (10.5%/16.1%,
P
=0.084) and lower functional independence (48.7%/39.6%,
P
=0.082).

Conclusion—

Thrombolysis may be safe in patients not fulfilling SITS-MOST criteria. Testing thrombolysis in patients outside SITS-MOST could be considered in the future.
Public Administration and “The Lives of Others”
Authors: Catlaw Thomas J. , Jordan Gregory M.
Published: May 2009

Public administration is about how we work and live together; thus, it implies an ethic of collaboration. Despite this imperative, the ethical terrain in public administration appears divided into principle- and market-based ethics of judgment. Drawing from the psychoanalytic theory of Jacques Lacan, this article argues that both of these ethical systems unproductively rely on logically similar efforts to reconcile individual demand with the presumption of a super-ordinate value, or conception of the Good. The thesis advanced here is, by contrast, that a collaborative ethics is directly concerned with the bearing of desire, that which is deeper than simple demand(s) and excessive to the Good as such. The film The Lives of Others provides a compelling example of the nature of this sacrifice as well as the collaboration that flows from it, and may serve as exemplar for those engaged in the practice of public administration.
What Lies Beneath
Authors: Rawson Michael
Published: May 2009

The importance of good harbors to nineteenth-century cities cannot be overestimated. Many cities would not exist in their current forms—and might not exist at all—without access to the calm anchorage and deep ship channels embedded in their harbors. Yet urban and environmental historians have yet to study how the efforts to manage these complex natural systems shaped urban development. This article explores how a particular scientific theory used by nineteenth-century Bostonians to explain Boston Harbor's hydraulics influenced decisions about where to make new land along the city's coast. Subsequent shifts in scientific thought would show that the theory was wrong. But its legacy remains visible in Boston's very shape today, demonstrating that natural systems and our scientific understandings of them have played a central role in the construction of the urban environment.
Women Reformers Respond during the Depression
Authors: Wagman Jamie Schmidt
Published: May 2009

St. Louis women reformers worked to combat prostitution and educate citizens about sexually transmitted diseases during the Depression. Reformers took on problems not commonly discussed: sexuality, morality, and social disease. Women who staffed clinics, formed social hygiene committees, and promoted educational talks were also concerned with protecting monogamy and institutions of marriage and family. They elevated the professions of public health and social work, but positioned themselves as saviors of prostitutes and the working class. As long as reformers saved young women, families received blame for prostitution instead of the economy. This rationalization kept lower socioeconomic classes in place. This essay shows how city health officials and police relied on class and gender markers and visual clues of promiscuity when they could not arrest everyone with a sexually transmitted disease. It explores the way reformers elevated their professions while protecting self-interests, and failed to challenge the city's repressive policies.
Military Service, Race, and the Transition to Marriage and Cohabitation
Authors: Teachman Jay
Published: May 2009

Using data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Study of Youth, the author investigates the relationship between military service and the transition to the first intimate union. The author argues that active-duty military service promotes marriage over cohabitation. The results are consistent with this argument, showing that active-duty members of the military are much more likely to choose marriage over cohabitation compared to reserve-duty service members, veterans, and comparable civilians. These results are particularly strong for Black men, indicating a possible relationship between working in a largely race-neutral environment and the choice of first intimate union.
Risk of severe serotonin toxicity following co-administration of methylene blue and serotonin reuptake inhibitors: an update on a case report of post-operative delirium
Authors: Stanford SC , Stanford BJ , Gillman PK
Published: May 2009

In a previous case report, published in this journal, we described a postoperative delirium in a patient during recovery from parathyroidectomy. We noted that the delirium resembled serotonin toxicity and that the patient had been taking paroxetine until 2 days before surgery. We offered several tentative explanations for this event, including an adverse interaction between paroxetine and other agent(s) used in the course of the anaesthesia. Recent developments in characterisation of serotonin toxicity have prompted us to re-examine the clinical details surrounding this life-threatening event. It is now known to be important that the patient was given methylene blue, pre-operatively, to enable visualisation of the parathyroid glands. Methylene blue has been found to be a potent inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), and several cases of serotonin toxicity have been reported recently following its administration. All these cases are consistent with the well-known risk of serotonin toxicity when drugs that augment serotonergic transmission are given in combination with an MAO inhibitor. Methylene blue is used in a variety of surgical settings as well as for treatment of various types of hypotensive shock and methemoglobinaemia. It is also being studied for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and malaria. In this paper, we outline the pharmacology of methylene blue and the aetiology of serotonin toxicity to help prevent further unintentional co-administration of drugs that risk precipitating this life-threatening drug interaction.
Measuring Hope
Authors: Martin Krystle , Stermac Lana
Published: May 2009

In contrast to growing regard for the psychological construct of hope in medical and psychological arenas, hope has not yet found a permanent place in the field of criminology. Traditionally, treatment programs and risk assessment tools have focused on the deficits that criminal offenders possess. However, the orientation of our approach to corrections has recently shifted to embrace more strengths-based, offender-focused programming designed to rehabilitate offenders. The assessment for risk for recidivism has been slower to make this transition and use research supporting the use of more dynamic risk factors for reducing reoffending. This study investigates the nature of hope in offenders in relation to their risk for future criminal behaviour. The results indicate that hope is indeed related to the risk for reoffending. The information obtained through this research will inform researchers and clinicians about the nature of hope in a correctional population and its relation with risk for future criminal behaviour.
Book Review Essays: Familiar Refrains, Intractable Issues: The Radicalization of Class-Gender-Race
Authors: Lafferty George
Published: May 2009

This review essay addresses an apparent paradox of recent decades: the concurrence of diminishing academic and political interest in class issues alongside the polarization of class inequalities under the neo-liberal ascendancy. Both the departure from class and the occasional attempts to re-assert its theoretical and political significance have assumed diverse forms. This diversity is represented in the three books discussed here. The first comprises a collection of Marxist, non-Marxist and explicitly anti-Marxist chapters on class analysis, edited by Erik Olin Wright. The second is Michael Zweig's edited volume of Left-oriented interpretations of class in its various political, economic and social dimensions, with consistent reference to gender and race. Finally, there is Charles W. Mills's rejection of class and Marxism in favor of a black radicalism underpinned by the concept of white supremacy. The essay goes on to explore the possibilities for a reinvigoration of the radical potential of class, through its theoretical and political integration with other bases of difference and division, most notably gender and race.
The impacts of a recycling surcharge to increase landfill tipping fees in Wisconsin
Authors: Katers John F. , Walczak Dawn , Burch Tucker
Published: May 2009

This paper presents an analysis of using a state-imposed recycling surcharge to increase landfill tipping fees in Wisconsin, thereby impacting the disposal of out-of-state waste. Illinois and Minnesota are by far the two largest contributors of out-of-state waste to Wisconsin landfills. Accordingly, a mathematical model was developed to holistically assess the transport and disposal costs for municipal solid waste between Illinois and Minnesota and Wisconsin. The results of this model were then used to predict the effects of various increases to the existing recycling surcharge on both the volume of waste flowing into Wisconsin and the amount of revenue that could be generated for the state recycling fund. It was concluded that, aside from constitutional issues, an increased recycling surcharge would work reasonably well to divert low percentages of out-of-state waste away from Wisconsin. However, the recycling surcharge is more effective as a revenue-generating tool when the goals of revenue generation and waste diversion are balanced appropriately. Generating revenue for state waste management and recycling programmes may be more valuable than actually diverting large amounts of waste away from Wisconsin.
Hydraulic performance of a full-scale peat and ash biofilter in treatment of industrial landfill leachate
Authors: Kängsepp Pille , Mathiasson Lennart , Dahlblom Peter , Hogland William
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hydraulic performance of a full-scale on-site vertical-flow biofilter, consisting of a mixture of peat and carbon-containing ash, and a 500 m3 equalization pond prior to the filter-system. The treatment plant was constructed to clean up leachate from an industrial mono-landfill that contained shredder residues of end-of-life vehicles and white goods. With the limited storage capacity of the equalization pond, peak loading rates exceeded up to five to six times the designed daily hydraulic load limit of the biofilter system. Such relatively short overloading events did not negatively affect the purification efficiency. To provide the designed annual irrigation rate on the biofilter of 97 m3 day— 1 (or 133 mm day—1), with large seasonal variations in precipitation, a relatively large pond would be needed. Calculations showed that a storage volume of about 23 000 m3 would be sufficient for annual leachate volumes up to about 35 000 m3. A combination of sprinkler and drip irrigation with straw insulation of the latter made it possible to run the plant continuously even when the ambient air temperature was below zero for more than a month at a time. The grain size distribution of the biofilter medium was noticeably changed after 4 years of usage due to the loading of suspended solids from the leachate and decomposition of the peat, causing reduced hydraulic conductivity.
C balance, carbon dioxide emissions and global warming potentials in LCA-modelling of waste management systems
Authors: Christensen Thomas H. , Gentil Emmanuel , Boldrin Alessio , Larsen Anna W. , Weidema Bo P. , Hauschild Michael
Published: May 2009

Global warming potential (GWP) is an important impact category in life-cycle-assessment modelling of waste management systems. However, accounting of biogenic CO2emissions and sequestered biogenic carbon in landfills and in soils, amended with compost, is carried out in different ways in reported studies. A simplified model of carbon flows is presented for the waste management system and the surrounding industries, represented by the pulp and paper manufacturing industry, the forestry industry and the energy industry. The model calculated the load of C to the atmosphere, under ideal conditions, for 14 different waste management scenarios under a range of system boundary conditions and a constant consumption of C-product (here assumed to be paper) and energy production within the combined system. Five sets of criteria for assigning GWP indices to waste management systems were applied to the same 14 scenarios and tested for their ability to rank the waste management alternatives reflecting the resulting CO2load to the atmosphere. Two complete criteria sets were identified yielding fully consistent results; one set considers biogenic CO2as neutral, the other one did not. The results showed that criteria for assigning global warming contributions are partly linked to the system boundary conditions. While the boundary to the paper industry and the energy industry usually is specified in LCA studies, the boundary to the forestry industry and the interaction between forestry and the energy industry should also be specified and accounted for.
Report: Maximizing recycling participation to reduce waste to landfill: a study of small to medium-sized enterprises in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Parsons Sam , Kriwoken Lorne K
Published: May 2009

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia face many barriers to recycling participation. This study first investigated the volumes and types of waste produced by SMEs. Significant barriers were then identified and key motivators to recycle examined. Using the Australia New Zealand Standard of Industrial Classification, stratified sampling of SMEs ( n = 436) was undertaken. Inadequate storage space, paucity of readily available information on recycling services and the lack of staff allocated to sort and recycle were identified as major barriers. Cardboard, paper and plastic waste were produced in large volumes with only a small percentage being recycled and these were identified as target areas for local government. Recommendations include the appointment of a dedicated recycling officer to maximize recycling participation for the reduction of waste to landfill and to undertake further research on minimizing recycling costs.
Report: Factors affecting the content of potentially toxic elements in the biodegradable fraction of autoclaved household waste
Authors: Papadimitriou Efstathios K. , Barton John R.
Published: May 2009

A total of 3.4 tonnes of household waste (HW) that had a controlled composition were autoclaved in the presence of saturated steam for 1 h at the nominal temperature levels of 130, 160 and 200°C. The levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, and Zn were examined in samples of the fibrous, predominantly-biodegradable fraction (floc) derived from the autoclaved HW, aqueous extracts from floc, and the condensate from steam that was released from the reactor. This data was used to study the impact of the overall levels of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in HW feed and autoclaving process parameters on the levels of PTEs in floc. No consistent correlation was found to exist between the levels of PTEs in HW feed and those in the produced floc. This was primarily attributed in the inherent variability of PTEs in waste materials. Autoclaving temperature, pressure and mixing were all found to affect the mobilization and removal of PTEs from HW and their presence in floc. Temperature/pressure appeared to increase PTE removal through the condensate path, although that removal had only a negligible impact on the contents of PTEs in floc. Autoclaving temperature correlated positively, although not significantly at a 95% confidence level, with the levels of Pb and Zn in floc. On the other hand, it correlated negatively with the Hg content in floc. Increasing temperature/pressure also increased the water extraction of PTEs from floc, with the exception of Cr. However, in the context of producing high quality compost, the extraction rates were too low to bring about a substantial decrease of PTEs in floc.
Use of disposed waste ash from landfills to replace Portland cement
Authors: Rukzon Sumrerng , Chindaprasirt Prinya
Published: May 2009

In this study, waste ash was utilized as a pozzolanic material in blended Portland cement in order to reduce negative environmental effects and landfill volume required to dispose of waste ash. The influence of waste ash, namely palm oil fuel ash, rice husk ash and fly ash on compressive strength and sulfate resistance in mortar were studied and evaluated by some accelerated short−term techniques in sodium sulfate solutions. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was partially replaced with ground palm oil fuel ash (POA), ground rice husk ash (RHA) and classified fly ash (FA). Single pozzolan and a blend of equal weight portions of POA, RHA and FA were also used. The resistance to sulfate attack of mortar improves substantially with partial replacement of OPC with POA, RHA and FA. The use of a blend of equal weight portions of FA and POA or RHA produced mixes with good strength and resistance to sulfate attack. POA, RHA and FA have a high potential to be used as a pozzolanic material.
Soil aluminium uptake and accumulation by Paspalum notatum
Authors: Huang Juan , Xia Hanping , Li Zhi'an , Xiong Yanmei , Kong Guohui , Huang Juan
Published: May 2009

Paspalum notatum Flugge has been widely utilized for the purpose of ecological restoration of degraded land in the tropics and subtropics, where soil active aluminium (Al) is usually high as a result of acidification. Pot experiments were conducted to determine Al toxicity on P. notatum and to compare its potential to remove Al with another three plant species, Vetiveria zizanioides, Tristania conferta and Schima wallichii. In the Al addition experiment, the biomass of P. notatum and Al accumulation significantly decreased as the added Al concentration increased, but Al concentration in the plant markedly increased. A parallel experiment was conducted with the above four species, grown in lateritic soil and in oil shale waste containing high concentration of active Al. The biomasses of all four species were reduced obviously in the waste compared to in the soil. The effects of substrate on Al concentration, accumulation and translocation efficiency differed among species, and plants had significantly higher Al accumulation factors when grown in the soil than in the waste. Most of the Al taken up by P. notatum was transferred to above-ground parts; as a result, Al concentration in stems and leaves became quite high, over 1000 or even 3000 mg kg—1; whereas for the other three species, Al concentration in shoots was much lower than in roots. Paspalum notatum was therefore much higher than the other three species with regard to Al translocation efficiency and therefore P. notatum may be regarded as both an effective Al hyper-accumulator and a potential Al hyper-remover.
Treatment of Sydenham's Chorea with Intravenous Immunoglobulin, Plasma Exchange, or Prednisone
Authors: Garvey Marjorie A. , Snider Lisa A. , Leitman Susan F. , Werden Rose , Swedo Susan E.
Published: May 2009

Sydenham's chorea has been established as a postinfectious autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder. Corticosteroids have been used to treat patients with severe disease but are not always effective, and relapses are frequent after cessation. Eighteen subjects were entered into this randomized-entry controlled trial designed to determine if intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange would be superior to prednisone in decreasing the severity of chorea. Mean chorea severity for the entire group was significantly lower at the 1-month follow-up evaluation (overall 48% improvement). Although the between-group differences were not statistically significant, clinical improvements appeared to be more rapid and robust in the intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange groups than in the prednisone group (mean chorea severity scores decreased by 72% in the intravenous immunoglobulin group, 50% in the plasma exchange group, and 29% in the prednisone group). Larger studies are required to confirm these clinical observations and to determine if these treatments are cost-effective for this disorder. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:424—429).
Facial Nerve Palsy with Acute Otitis Media During the First 2 Weeks of Life
Authors: Rizk Elias B. , El-Bitar Mohamed A. , Matar Ghassan M. , Saad Kamal G. , Mikati Mohamad A.
Published: May 2009

A full-term male newborn presented to us at the age of 2 weeks with left facial weakness that had started at the age of 4 days and steadily progressed over a 10-day period. Physical examination revealed a complete unilateral left peripheral facial nerve paralysis, with an erythematous dull and bulging left tympanic membrane. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were normal. The patient underwent left myringotomy and placement of a pneumatic equalization tube within 24 hours of presentation. He also received a 5-day course of prednisone and a 2-week course of antibiotics and acyclovir. Improvement of the facial paralysis was rapid, with near-complete resolution at the time of discharge home and complete resolution 6 weeks later. To our knowledge, this is the only reported case of acute otitis media with associated facial nerve palsy in a newborn during the first 2 weeks of life. ( J Child Neurol 2005;20:452—454).