bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Mexiletine in Combination with Other Anti arrhythmic Drugs
Authors: RODEN DAN M.
Published: April 2009

The clinical experience with mexiletine in combination with other anti arrhythmic drugs, particularly those with auinidine‐like electrophysiological properties, strongly suggests that its efficacy can be significantly enhanced. Likewise, combinations of drugs with similar electrophysiological properties have also been reported to be effective; however, this treatment strategy may simply reflect the fact that side effects can be minimized with the lower drug dosages used in combination therapy. Prediction of potentially beneficial and potentially harmful combinations may be possible; however, any proposed drug combination should be subjected to appropriate clinical testing before it is widely adopted.
Adverse Side Effects Associated with Mexiletine
Authors: FLAKER GREG C. , CHAPMAN DOUGLAS
Published: April 2009

Mexiletine is a new antiar‐rhythmic drug that has minor negative inotropic effects even in patients with underlying left ventricular dysfunction. The drug can be used in patients with underlying conduction system disease although reports of worsening sinus node function or atrioventicular conduction abnormalities have been noted. Mexiletine may aggravate venticular arrhythmias. The drug can be used safely with other cardioactive agents. Side effects are frequent but can be minimized by starting with low doses and titrating the dosage as tolerated. Mexiletine should be administered with meals or a snack or with antacids or possibly cimetidine to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Mexiletine can cause abnormal liver function tests, hematologic abnormalities, and elevated titers of antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Regular monitoring of these parameters is suggested.
Computer‐Generated Diagnostic Diagrams for Pacemaker Rhythm Analysis and Pacing System Evaluation
Authors: OLSON WALTER H. , GOLDREYER BARBARA A. , GOLDREYER BRUCE N.
Published: April 2009

An automatic computer generated Pacemaker Diagnostic Diagram described previously (PACE 8:691) was plotted below the ECG to aid the diagnosis of complex pacemaker‐heart interaction. During routine followup visits, 14 patients with Symbios 7005 or 7006 DDD pacemakers were studied during various temporary programming protocols to demonstrate common and unusual pacemaker problems. The examples discussed in this paper explain how the side‐by‐side ECG and diagram synergistically aid human diagnosis of undersensing, oversensing, loss of capture in either or both chambers, upper rate limiting, safety pacing and atrial arrhythmias. The Pacemaker Diagnostic Diagram was a useful clinical too! especially for analysis of complex pacemaker arrhythmias.
Diagnostic Data: An Aid to the Follow‐up and Assessment of the Pacing System
Authors: LEVINE PAUL A. , LINDENBERG BARRY S.
Published: April 2009

Some pacemakers are capable of storing in memory and then, upon command, reporting the frequency of pacing and sensing in either or both cardiac chambers as well as other features of pacetnaker function. Rate and possibly sensor histograms can be generated automatically by the system to facilitate an assessment of its behavior over a period of time. Although available in some single‐ chamber Vitatron pacemakers and the Siemens‐Pacesetter Sensolog, this paper reviews the utility of this technology in both single‐ and dual‐chamber Intermedics units in the assessment of programmed rate and AV interval parameters and overall pacing system function. In the Intermedics' systems, this capability is called Diagnostic Data.
Efficacy of Propafenone When Used in Combination Antiarrhythmic Therapy
Authors: KLEIN RICHARD C. , MARCUS FRANK I.
Published: April 2009

Propafenone is a new antiarrhythmic agent that has been classified as a type IC agent. Combination therapy using propafenone with either procainamide or quinidine was undertaken in this study. The addition of propafenone to procainamide or quinidine in 30 patients with more than 30 VPDs per hour resulted in a mean suppression of VPD frequency of 80%; 8 of 11 patients with runs of ventricular tachycardia had greater than 90% reduction of these events during combination therapy. During combination therapy, only two patients had proarrhythmic effects. Thus, this study demonstrates that combination of propafenone with either quinidine or procainamide is effective in suppressing ventricular arrhythmias.
Ventricular Fibrillation Induced with Programmed Stimulation: Clinical Substrate and Prognosis
Authors: WILSON JOHN H. , KYREAKAKIS ANTHONY , MALONEY JAMES D.
Published: April 2009

The implications of ventricular fibrillation induced during elect rophysiologic testing are unclear. To determine the profile of patients in whom this arrhythmia occurs and to determine whether it has any prognostic value, follow‐up data were obtained on all patients in whom this arrhythmia was in duced in our laboratory during a ventricular stimulation protocol over an 18‐month period. Of 836 patients tested, 29 (27 men and 2 women) had inducible ventricular fibrillation. Most (52%) had coronary disease and 12 (41%) had suffered a prior myocardial infarction. All but 3 had some form of heart disease. Sixteen (55%) had abnormal left ventricular function. Eleven (38%) presented with spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Eight others had a history of nonsustained ventricular tachycardia.Follow‐up was obtained for a mean of 12 months.

In spite of therapy, 2 patients died an arrhythmic death, 1 was resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation, 1 had spontaneous sustained ventricular tachycardia, 4 had inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia, 2 continued to have inducible ventricular fibrillation at second study, and 1 had recurrent syncope. Five patients had ventricular fibrillation induced on multiple occasions.

Ventricular fibrillation induced during electraphysiologic study was found primarily in patients with structural heart disease and appeared reasonably reproducible. When reproducible, ventricular fibrillation appears to indicate a poor prognosis rather than an aspecific finding. The clinical profile of our poor prognosis group includes a history of prior ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and the presence of coronary artery disease.
The Duration of Induced Ventricular Tachycardia as Related to Clinically Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: WANG PAUL J. , REIFFEL JAMES A. , BIGGER J. THOMAS
Published: April 2009

Programmed electrical stimulation has been extremely useful in the management of patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia or cardiac arrest. However, the definition of sustained ventricular tachycardia is controversial, and the relationship between the duration of induced ventricular tachycardia and the risk for spontaneous ventricular tachycardia has not been adequately defined. Thus, we examined the records of 64 patients with at least three beats of induced ventricular tachycardia during EP studies using single and double premature stimuli in sinus rhythm and during ventricular paced rhythm (two sites, up to three drive cycle lengths) and using ventricular burst pacing to correlate maximum length of induced ventricular tachycardia with the nature of their spontaneous arrhythmias. Forty‐nine patients (77%) had ventricular tachycardia requiring intervention to terminate it, which we called sustained. Nine patients (14%) had ten or fewer beats of ventricular tachycardia; four patients (6%) had 11 to 20 beats of ventricular tachycardia; and two patients (3%) had more than 20 beats of ventricular tachycardia which did not require intervention for termination. Inducible sustained ventricular tachycardia had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 92% for identifying patients with clinical sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. More than 20 beats of inducible ventricular tachycardia had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 92%. More than 10 beats of inducible ventricular tachycardia achieved a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 91% for identifying patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. The criteria used for the duration of inducible ventricular tachycardia are arbitrary and the interpretation of inducible nonsustained ventricular tachycardia must depend on the purpose of the test and the prior probability of each result.
Rapidly Conducted Atrial Fibrillation Complicating Surgical Coronary Revascularization in a Patient with Intermittent Pre‐Excitation
Authors: WENDT DAVID J. , LEMMER JOHN H. , KIENZLE MICHAEL G.
Published: April 2009

This report describes a case of atrial fibrillation conducted rapidly over a bypass tract postoperatively in a 73‐year‐old man subsequently shown to have intermittent pre‐excitation. The determinants of atrioventricular bypass tract conduction and potential for dynamic functional change in bypass properties are reviewed. This article challenges the widely held clinical belief thai patients with intermittent pre‐excitation are unlikely to experience rapidly conducted atrial fibrillation.
An Experimental Study of Transvenous Defibrillation Using a Coronary Sinus Catheter
Authors: KADISH ALAN H. , CHILDS KEITH , LEVINE JOSEPH
Published: April 2009

The efficacy of a transvenous defibrillating system, utilizing bipolar right ventricular and coronary sinus catheters was evaluated in 14 normal mongrel dogs. Two groups of seven animals each were studied. During all shocks, the right ventricular apex electrode served as the anode. In both groups, defibrillation was performed using the proximal pole of the right ventricular catheter (superior vena cava), as the cathode served as a control (configuration A). In group 1, a coronary sinus cathode (configuration B) was compared to control. The mean energy at which 50% or more of the shocks were successful was similar for configuration B (20.7 ± 7.9 joules) and for configuration A (18.8 ± 9.4 joules). In group 2, the superior vena cava and coronary sinus electrodes served as a common cathode (configuration C). Mean defibrillation energy at which 50% or more of the shocks was successful was 21.4 ± 9.0 joules for configuration C and 27.1 ± 9.5 joules for configuration A (P < 0.01). Leading edge voltage was similar for all three configurations, hut shock duration was longer for configuration A (11.3 ± 2.8 msec) than configuration B (6.6 ± 1.8 msec) or C (6.1 ± 1.5; P < 0.05). Nonsustained ventricular tachycardia and transient heart block were common, but no damage to the coronary sinus was noted despite the delivery of up to 38 shocks. Conclusions: (1) With the catheter system used, coronary sinus to right ventricular apex defibrillation system offered no advantages over a superior vena cava to right ventricular apex system; (2) A three‐electrode system with the high right atrium and coronary sinus serving as the common cathode reduced defibrillation thresholds significantly without any severe short‐term adverse consequences; and (3) Improvements in catheter design may make a coronary sinus catheter part of a feasible transvenous defibrillating system.
Statistical Distribution of Ventricular Ectopic Beats Assessed by Computer Analysis of Long‐Term Electrocardiograms: Problems Related to the Definition of Arrhythmogenesis
Authors: MALIK MAREK , FARRELL THOMAS , MEHTA DAVENDRA , CAMM A. JOHN
Published: April 2009

The severity and clinical importance of arrhythmogenic effects of antiarrhythmic drugs have been well recognized, but only empirical and naive approaches have been used to define antiarrhythmic and proarrhythmic effects when comparing baseline and on‐therapy Holter recordings. This article suggests a new method for the assessment of these effects, based upon comparisons of statistical distributions of ectopic beats recorded on long‐term electrocardiograms. Since these distributions are very individual, the Smirov test was used for their comparison. This enables the antiarrhythmic and arrhythmogenic effects to be defined on a precise statistical basis. To demonstrate this method, an analysis is reported of Holter recordings made on six patients suffering from different types of ventricular arrhythmia. In each of these patients, one baseline Holter recording and one recording on each of three different drugs (flecainide, sotalol, and verapamil) were made. The records were digitized using a commercially available system for the analysis of long‐term electrocardiograms and random sampling was used to obtain independent samples of arrhythmic episodes that were subsequently statistically analyzed. The results show that the problem of the definition of arrhythmogenesis can be partly addressed in a precise mathematical way and that treatment with an antiarrhythmic preparation may not only have general antiarrhythmic or arrhythmogenic effects, but may also cause a significant change in the character of arrhythmia that can neither be classified as antiarrhythmic nor as arrhythmogenic influence. The clinical implications of this approach are discussed.
Adaptive Rate Pacing at Submaximal Exercise: The Importance of the Programmed Upper Rate
Authors: LAU CHU‐PAK , LEUNG WING‐HUNG , WONG CHEUK‐KIT , CHENG CHUN‐HO , TAI YAU‐TING
Published: April 2009

The contributions of rate response and different programmed upper rates to sub‐maximal exercise were studied in 12 patients with implanted adaptive rate pacemakers (9 Meta, 3 Activitrax). Their median age was 69 years (range 33–80). All were paced from the right ventricle except for one patient with sinoatrial disease who received an atrial Meta pacemaker. In the constant rate pacing (SSI) mode, the reproducibility of a Submaximal stress test (maximum distance covered within a 12‐minute walking test) was investigated by repeating the test three times. An initial training effect was obserbed between the first and the second test, but no further increase in walking distance occurred between the second and third test and the distances covered were highly reproducible (r = 0.99). The rate adaptive function was activated with the upper rate randomly programmed to 100, 125, 150, and 165 beats/min. Compared with exercise in the SSI mode, rate adaptive pacing with the upper rate programmed to 125 and 150 beats/min resulted in enhancement of exercise distance (4.7%± 1.2% and 4.4%± 1.2%, respectively, P < 0.005). Upper rates of 100 and 165 beats/min did not improve submaximal exercise performance, and at an upper rate of 165 beats/min, three patients developed complications (angina, dyspnea, and atrial fibrillation). It is concluded that the 12‐minute walking test is a reproducible method to assess exercise capacity in pacemaker patients. Adaptive rate pacing improved exercise performance during daily activities, although the extent of the benefit appeared to be small and dependent on the programmed upper rate. An exercise test such as a 12‐minute walking test should be performed before a high upper rate is programmed.
Life‐Threatening Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias Associated with Holiday Heart Syndrome: Treatment with the Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: RUSS KENNETH CARL , MOWER MORTON MAIMON , VELTRI ENRICO PAUL
Published: April 2009

Holiday heart syndrome is defined as the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmia in aicohol users without overt heart disease after the ingestion of alcohol. Additionally, alcohol has been implicated as a potential etiology of sudden cardiac death in susceptible individuals. We report on a 53‐year‐old black woman with mild nonischemic dilated congestive cardiomyopathy and alcohol‐provoked ventricular tachyarrhythmias who received an automatic implantable Cardioverter defibrillator (AICD). She subsequently had recurrent cardiac arrest during bouts of alcohol intoxication and with out‐of‐hospital AICD rescue. Electrophysiological study using alcohol infusion confirmed alcohol as the etiology of arrhythmogenicity. We propose that holiday heart be expanded to include people with overt heart disease. These individuals have a high risk of sudden cardiac death after alcohol ingestion, irrespective of underlying cardiac substrate; the AICD is an effective back‐up modality of therapy.
Skin Abscess Model for Incision and Drainage
Authors: Duong Myto , Bartlett Jennifer , Kovach Regina
Published: April 2009

Background: Skin and soft tissue infection diagnosis is increasing dramatically across the nation. All healthcare providers need to be trained in adequate incision and drainage of these lesions. The only descriptions of skin and soft tissue models in the literature involve the use of cadavers or chickens. We devised an inexpensive and easily assembled skin abscess model that will be invaluable for the training of this procedure for all healthcare providers. This relatively realistic skin abscess model can be assembled within minutes using materials that can be purchased in your local grocery or home improvement store. The steps required in the creation of this abscess model will be depicted in the exhibit. Supplies for assembly of the model will be available during the exhibition for participants to build their own abscess and practice incising and draining their abscess. Materials: ? Lotion (white) mixed with food coloring (red, blue, yellow) ? Baby oil gel ? 1” Urethane Foam sheeting ? Heavy cardboard or poster board ? Food handler gloves (Textra Cast Poly) ? Glue gun (low temp) ? Low temp glue gun sticks ?“Smooth Top® Easy Liner®” shelf liner ? Abscess incision and drainage kit. Conclusion: This exhibit will provide a detailed description of how to assemble a quick and easy skin abscess model for incision and drainage. This model can be used in the skills lab to demonstrate and practice this basic procedure.
Geriatric Emergency Medicine with Integrated Simulation Curriculum
Authors: Doty Chris , Rinnert Stephan , Gernshiemer Joel , Gillett Brian , Stetz Jessica
Published: April 2009

Our initiative is a replicable model curriculum that teaches emergency geriatric care principles utilizing didactics and immersive simulation. Simulated scenarios encompass principles specific to geriatric care. Major curricular principles include: 1) respect for patients’ autonomy, 2) accommodating patients’ physical and cognitive limitations, 3) appropriate resource utilization, and 4) accurate symptom recognition and clinical decision‐making. These four basic principles are incorporated throughout the curriculum and specifically during three simulated scenarios: 1) a patient with respiratory distress in the setting of end‐stage cancer and end‐of‐life teaches topics pertaining to living wills, health care proxies and DNR orders; 2) a fallen patient requiring a trauma evaluation and safe discharge teaches resource utilization, complex evaluation of home environment, social support principles, access to medical care concepts, and utilization of institutional social services; 3) a patient with altered mental status caused by polypharmacy and sepsis teaches geriatric diagnostic and intervention challenges. Faculty teach specific clinical tactics such as minimizing distractions, frequent reorientation, minimal use of urinary catheters and “tethering” devices, prompt triage and medical screening exams, and coordinating disposition with family, nursing, and clerical staff. The curriculum also includes large classroom didactics incorporating active learning via live streamed simulation into the resident conference room. We developed an internet‐based tool to manage the curriculum and track resident participation. The tool stores and sends educational handouts via email and displays digital media (e.g., radiographs, EKGs) on screen during lectures and simulation sessions. Learning objectives are measured and reinforced with pre‐ and post‐curriculum test questions.
Granular cell atypical fibroxanthoma: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wright Natalie A. , Thomas Crystal G. , Calame Antoanella , Cockerell Clay J.
Published: April 2009

We present a case of granular cell atypical fibroxanthoma of the scalp. The neoplasm occurred as a tender nodule on the frontal scalp of an 82‐year‐old Caucasian man. Histology demonstrated a diffuse proliferation of atypical epithelioid cells with abundant granular cytoplasm. Many of the cells had large irregular nuclei and atypical mitotic figures were present. Immunohistochemical stains were positive for CD68 and procollagen 1 and negative for cytokeratin, HMB‐45 and S‐100 protein. The granular cell phenotype has been observed in other cutaneous neoplasms including granular cell tumors, dermatofibromas, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, fibrous papules, basal cell carcinomas, leiomyosarcomas, angiosarcomas and primitive polypoid granular cell tumors. We discuss the differential diagnosis and review the previously reported cases of this rare variant of atypical fibroxanthoma.

Wright NA, Thomas CG, Calame A, Cockerell CJ. Granular cell atypical fibroxanthoma: case report and review of the literature.
The Influence of Wellbore Inflow on Electromagnetic Borehole Flowmeter Measurements
Authors: Clemo Tom , Barrash Warren , Reboulet Edward C. , Johnson Timothy C. , Leven Carsten
Published: April 2009

This paper describes a combined field, laboratory, and numerical study of electromagnetic borehole flowmeter measurements acquired without the use of a packer or skirt to block bypass flow around the flowmeter. The most significant finding is that inflow through the wellbore screen changes the ratio of flow through the flowmeter to wellbore flow. Experiments reveal up to a factor of two differences in this ratio for conditions with and without inflow through the wellbore screen. Standard practice is to assume the ratio is constant. A numerical model has been developed to simulate the effect of inflow on the flowmeter. The model is formulated using momentum conservation within the borehole and around the flowmeter. The model is embedded in the MODFLOW‐2000 ground water flow code.
Sub‐Saharan African Ground Water Protection—Building on International Experience
Authors: Kreamer David K. , Usher Brent
Published: April 2009

Sub‐Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in dealing with ground water pollution. These countries can look to successes and missteps on other continents to help choose their own individual paths to ensuring reliable and clean supplies of ground water. In the large view, sub‐Saharan Africa can define specific levels of acceptable risk in water quality that drive cleanup efforts and are amenable to acceptance across national and geographic boundaries. Ground water quality databases must be expanded, and data must be available in an electronic form that is flexible, expandable, and uniform, and that can be used over wide geographic areas. Guidance from other continents is available on well construction, sampling and monitoring, interim remediation, technical impracticability, monitored natural attenuation, and many specific issues such as how to deal with small waste generators and septic contamination of water supply wells. It is important to establish a common African view on the appropriateness of other nations’ ground water quality guidance for African issues, economic conditions, and community circumstances. Establishing numerical, concentration‐based, water quality action levels for pollutants in ground water, which many neighboring African nations could hold comparable, would set the stage for risk‐based remediation of contaminated sites. Efforts to gain public, grass‐roots understanding and support for stable and balanced enforcement of standards are also key. Finally, effective capacity building in the region could be an eventual solution to ground water quality problems; with increased numbers of trained environmental professionals, ground water throughout the region can be protected and contaminated sites cleaned up.
Embracing the Limits of Psychoanalysis
Authors: Sucharov Maxwell
Published: April 2009

This article outlines my essential paradigm as it relates to self psychology, how I arrived at it, and how I would position my perspective in the context of the larger psychoanalytic and scientific community. My dialogic complexity systems model is most closely aligned with the intersubjective systems theory of Atwood and Stolorow and was shown to have acquired its defining shape in the context of an in‐depth exploration of the connection between the latter theory and Kohut's self psychology. My paradigm is part of the wider relational turn in contemporary psychoanalysis. I have characterized the evolution of my perspective as my continuous preoccupation with the deepening and refinement of my understanding of the limits of psychoanalytic theory and practice and the cultivation of a clinical attitude that allows me to fully embrace those limits, an attitude that combines the caring ambience of genuine dialogue with the spiritual calmness of nondual awareness. My perspective can, therefore, be understood as my ongoing attempt at unifying my intellect, my heart, and my spirit into one experiential whole. A dialogic complexity systems model grounded in a post‐Cartesian nondual philosophy constitutes the explanatory reduction of my theory and philosophy as lived in real time.
Self Psychology and the Modern Dance Choreographer
Authors: Press Carol M.
Published: April 2009

Theory and research methodology of self psychology are integrated with the experiences of modern dance choreographers to investigate the importance of creativity, art making, and aesthetics in mental health and our everyday lives. Empathy, as aesthetically based, is explored to understand the capacity of the arts to unite us in our humanity. Connections between aesthetic development, creativity, and infant patterns of learning are drawn. The influence of sensual and exploration/assertion motivational systems upon the contemporary choreographer are highlighted, leading to an understanding of the selfobject function of sensation and movement for the dance artist. Through an examination of the moment to moment ritualized experiences of studio work, the creative process in making dances is discussed. Ultimately understanding creativity and aesthetically based empathy inform our delineation of mental health and the need for aesthetic experience in everyday life.
Selfobject as Dramatis Personae
Authors: Ringstrom Philip A.
Published: April 2009

This chapter discusses the influence of drama in the author's background in conceptualizing psychoanalytic theory and practice. The history of ideas relevant to a dramaturgical analysis from Freud to Kohut's revolution, with additional modifications by relational psychoanalysis, is explored. The author poses a trimodal model of a dramatrugically informed improvisational play in psychoanalytic treatment, with an accompanying case illustration.
The Road to My (Self) Psychology
Authors: Bodansky Ronald
Published: April 2009

This chapter describes how I developed my self‐psychological perspective. It provides the reader with a short summary of my personal history—how I grew up in New York City and now live and work as a psychoanalyst in Munich, Germany. Included is a description of important mentors in my life who have provided me with invaluable support. At the end of the chapter there are two cases presented. The first describes the case of Mrs. A. She entered analysis with a great difficulty in her ability to speak (i.e., a deficit in her narrative self). The second case of Mr. B provides the reader with two complete analytic sessions. I do not comment on the content and intent of my interventions or interpretations but leave it open to the readers to develop their own thoughts, and, if they like, they can send me personal feedback to my e‐mail address.
The Beholder's Eye: Vision and Perception in Afterimage Studies of Attitude Change
Authors: Clevering Jessica B.
Published: April 2009

Prominent studies using the afterimage in attitude change were reviewed and critiqued using a closer understanding of the physiology of the eye. Given the way that the eye creates afterimages, it is suggested that Moscovici and Personaz’ (1980) original findings could be re‐interpreted. Using evidence from subsequent work on the afterimage effect, the author suggests a re‐interpretation using Nemeth's (1986) divergent thinking hypothesis. Possible explanations of blue‐green afterimage experiments and opportunities for future research are explored.
PERVERSION: ‘YOUR BALLS OR YOUR LIFE’– LESSONS BY ESTELA WELLDON
Authors: Verhaeghe Paul
Published: April 2009

abstract

This paper highlights three important combined subjects in Estela Welldon's theory: perversion and depression, perversion and anxiety and perversion and motherhood. The underlying argument is that annihilation anxiety is central for the pervert and not castration anxiety. This annihilation anxiety goes back to a particular relationship between mother and child, which explains at the same time the ever‐present threat of depression.
MYTHOLOGIES AND STEREOTYPES – A WOMAN'S LOT?
Authors: Kennedy Helena
Published: April 2009

abstract

In this article the author, a human rights lawyer, pays tribute to the influence that Estela Welldon's work has had beyond the consulting room. Contrary to the prevailing view held in society as a whole, and particularly propounded by feminists who viewed women's abusive behaviour only within the context of a patriarchal society, Welldon's views helped her to understand women's violent and perverse behaviour. The article outlines some ways in which legislation concerning crimes committed both against and by women has changed in the last 20 years. However, mythologies around ‘good womanhood’ which permeate decision‐making still abound. The article notes areas in which society's attitude to women is still prejudicial.
THINKING THE UNTHINKABLE: FACING MATERNAL ABUSE
Authors: Motz Anna
Published: April 2009

abstract

This paper describes how the radical concept of maternal perversion first presented by Estela Welldon (1988) informs the psychotherapeutic assessment and treatment of female inpatients within forensic services and of women in the community who commit acts of violence. It presents a model of the psychology of female violence that the author describes as ‘crimes against the body’. The paper offers clinical evidence for Welldon's model of female perversion in forensic settings and provides an extended clinical illustration of psychotherapeutic work, when the therapist was pregnant, with a woman who killed her child.
SEX, GENDER AND VIOLENCE: ESTELA WELLDON'S CONTRIBUTION TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PSYCHOPATHOLOGY OF VIOLENCE
Authors: Gilligan James
Published: April 2009

abstract

Estela Welldon's analyses of female violence show that we cannot understand any violence, including that of men, without understanding that of women. Past research has identified shame and humiliation as a necessary, but not sufficient, cause of violence. Why, then, are women not more violent than men since they are often treated as inferior to men? Because both sexes are honoured for conforming to the gender role into which they are socialized, and are shamed for behaving in ways assigned to the other sex. Men are honoured for being perpetrators and victims of violence, and hence ‘violence‐objects’, and shamed for non‐violence. Women, by contrast, are honoured for sexual chastity and non‐violence, and shamed for having sex outside marriage, behaving violently, or in any other way behaving like a man. They thus become ‘sex‐objects’ (having renounced their sexual subjectivity), and will become violent only if (like Medea), they have already been shamed so severely and irretrievably that they have nothing more to lose by resorting to violence.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF PEDAGOGIC INTERVENTIONS IN FIRST‐YEAR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MAINSTREAM COURSES IN MICROECONOMICS
Authors: Smith Leonard C.
Published: March 2009

This paper analyses the impact of pedagogic interventions in first‐year academic development and mainstream courses in microeconomics on students' performance in the final examination. The data for six cohorts, covering the years 1999 and 2001‐2005, are pooled, and the Heckman two‐part procedure is used to account for those students who started the course but did not write the final examination. The results suggest that the pedagogic interventions have a positive impact on the performance of academic development students relative to the mainstream cohort and on the performance of mainstream students.
Influence of Parr Maturity on Emigration of Smolting Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Hansen L P. , Jonsson B. , Morgan R. I. G. , Thorpe J. E.
Published: April 2009

Sexual maturity of parr reduces the probability of a future seaward migration. In release experiments in two separate years with Atlantic salmon in the Imsa River, Norway, immatures migrated sooner and in significantly higher proportions (P < 0.001) than did previously mature males. Furthermore, higher proportions of 2-yr olds than of 1-yr olds migrated, and 86–92% of the descent occurred at night. Large 2-yr olds migrated before smaller ones. Among those which did not migrate, some (3.2% of those released in 1986) were recaptured in the autumn, of which 91.9% were mature males. At Lussa, Scotland, 5.6 and 5.9% of smolting fish released in two separate years remained resident at the release site throughout the summer, and 91.8 and 93.4% of these matured in the autumn of the release year.
Relationship of Mercury Concentrations in Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieui) to the Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Ontario Lakes
Authors: McMurtry Michael J. , Wales Donna L. , Scheider Wolfgang A. , Beggs Gail L. , Dimond Patricia E.
Published: April 2009

Concentrations of mercury in dorsal muscle tissue of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) from Ontario lakes were positively correlated with variables indicating lake dystrophy (dissolved organic carbon, colour, iron, transparency) and were also correlated with watershed area and lake area. Stepwise multiple regression selected dissolved organic carbon as the only variable which explained a significant amount of variation (37%) in mercury concentrations in lake trout. The relationship between dissolved organic carbon and mercury appeared to be strongest in the group of lakes with values of dissolved organic carbon less than 4.0 mg∙L−1. In contrast, mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) were correlated with variables reflecting both water hardness (magnesium, calcium, conductivity) and acidity (pH, alkalinity). The relationship was inverse for the water hardness variables and positive for acidity. Stepwise regression identified three variables significant in explaining variation in mercury in smallmouth bass: calcium, dissolved organic carbon, and latitude. Mechanisms that may explain the effects of organic matter, water hardness, and acidity on mercury accumulation by fish are discussed.
Among-Population Variability of Fish Growth: I. Influence of the Quantity of Food Consumed
Authors: Boisclair D. , Leggett W. C.
Published: April 2009

We assessed the relationship between in situ fish growth and food consumption for a series of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) populations that exhibited a 1.8 to 10-fold range in growth rates on a weight basis. Perch from 12 populations (lakes) and three year–classes (I +, II +, and III +) were sampled at 3–4 wk intervals from late May to late September 1985. On each occasion, water temperature profile and daily ration were determined. Among-lake water temperature differences were minimal (of the 12 lakes studied 10 had mean water temperatures of 19.0 ± 1 °C) and could not explain growth differences. Food consumption covered a four-fold range within each age–class and varied significantly among populations but not among age–classes. Food consumption explained a significant proportion of among-population variability in perch growth rates only for age I + fish (r2 = 0.52). We argue that other factors such as prey type, prey availability, and fish community descriptors are important determinants of among-population growth variability in the lakes we studied, and by implication, in other systems.
Concise strategy for the synthesis of eleven-membered and ansa-bridged thirteen-membered lactone macrolides by ring-closing metathesis reaction
Authors: Majumdar Krishna C. , Chattopadhyay Buddhadeb , Ansary Inul
Published: April 2009

The eleven-membered macrolides and thirteen-membered ansa-bridged macrolides have been synthesized successfully by ring-closing metathesis reaction in the absence of the additive Ti(OiPr)4, which is essential for the metathesis reaction of the ester precursors.
Syntheses, X-ray structures, and redox behaviour of the group 14 bis-boraamidinates M[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2 (M = Ge, Sn) and Li2M[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2 (M = Sn, Pb)
Authors: Konu Jari , Tuononen Heikki M. , Chivers Tristram
Published: April 2009

The solid-state structures of the complexes M[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2 (1a, M= Ge; 1b, M = Sn) were determined to be spirocyclic with two orthogonal boraamidinate (bam) ligands N,N′-chelated to the group 14 centre. Oxidation of 1b with SO2Cl2 afforded the thermally unstable, blue radical cation {Sn[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2}•+, identified by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations, whereas the germanium analogue 1a was inert towards SO2Cl2. The reaction between Li2[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2 and SnCl2 or PbI2 in 2:1 molar ratio in diethyl ether produced the novel heterotrimetallic complexes Li2Sn[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2 (2b) and (Et2O·Li)LiPb[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2 (2c·OEt2), respectively. By contrast, treatment of Li2[PhB(μ-N-t-Bu)2]2 with C4H8O2·GeCl2 yielded the germanium(IV) complex 1a via a redox process. The X-ray structures of 2b and 2c·THF revealed polycyclic arrangements in which one bam ligand is N,N′-chelated to the Sn(II) or Pb(II) atom and one of the Li+ cations, while the second bam ligand exhibits a unique bonding mode, bridging all three metal centres. The fluctional behaviour of 2b was investigated by variable temperature, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy.
Deoxy-cytochalasins from a marine-derived fungus Spicaria elegans
Authors: Lin Zhen-Jian , Zhu Tian-Jiao , Zhang Guo-Jian , Wei Hong-Juan , Gu Qian-Qun
Published: April 2009

Treatment of Spicaria elegans with cytochrome P-450 inhibitor resulted in two new deoxy-cytochalasins, 7-deoxy-cytochalasin Z7 (1) and 7-deoxy-cytochalasin Z9 (2), which were recognized as plausible precursors of cytochalasins Z7 and Z9, respectively. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by the conventional Mosher ester method. Their cytotoxicities against two cancer cell lines were evaluated.
HAWKING RADIATION OF FERMIONS VIA TUNNELING FROM A (4+n)-DIMENSIONAL ROTATING BLACK HOLE
Authors: ZENG XIAOXIONG
Published: April 2009

We study Hawking radiation of fermions from a (4+n)-dimensional rotating black hole on the brane in terms of the fermions tunneling formalism, proposed by Kerner and Mann recently. To choose the Gamma matrices properly and avoid the ergosphere dragging effect, we perform it in the dragging coordinate frame. We obtain the tunneling rate and emission temperature of fermions which are consistent with the case of scalar particles as expected.
THE STABILITY OF MICROSCOPIC PARTICLES DESCRIBED BY THE NONLINEAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: PANG XIAO-FENG
Published: April 2009

A nonlinear Schrodinger equation is used to replace the linear Schrodinger equation in quantum mechanics and to study further the stability of microscopic particles by using the minimum theorem of energy and variational theorem. The investigation shows that the microscopic particles described by the nonlinear Shrodinger equation are localized and have a wave–corpuscle duality, which are completely different from that depicted by the linear Schrodinger equation in quantum mechanics. The results obtained by the minimum theorem of energy and variational theorem indicate that the solutions of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation or the microscopic particles are stable. Therefore, the microscopic particles have the feature of classical particles in such a case.
OPTIMIZATION OF MULTIPLE CLASSIFIERS IN DATA MINING BASED ON STRING REWRITING SYSTEMS
Authors: Dazeley Richard , Kelarev Andrei , Yearwood John , Mammadov Musa
Published: April 2009

Optimization of multiple classifiers is an important problem in data mining. We introduce additional structure on the class sets of the classifiers using string rewriting systems with a convenient matrix representation. The aim of the present paper is to develop an efficient algorithm for the optimization of the number of errors of individual classifiers, which can be corrected by these multiple classifiers.
AUTOMATA AND TREE AUTOMATA AS (F1, F2)-COALGEBRAS
Authors: Denecke Klaus
Published: April 2009

This paper extends existing relationships between automata and F-coalgebras to relationships between tree automata and (F1, F2)-coalgebras. The concept of an (F1, F2)-coalgebra generalizes that of an F-coalgebra as well as that of an F-algebra. The paper sketches some of the most important properties of the category Set(F1, F2)of (F1, F2)-coalgebras.
Early gene expression changes induced by the bacterial superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B and its modulation by a proteasome inhibitor
Authors: Rajagopalan Govindarajan , Tilahun Ashenafi Y. , Asmann Yan W. , David Chella S.
Published: April 2009

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an acute, serious systemic illness caused by bacterial superantigens. Nonavailability of a suitable animal model until recently has hampered an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of TSS. In the current study, we characterized the early molecular events underlying TSS using our HLA-DR3 transgenic mouse model. Gene expression profiling using DNA microarrays identified a rapid and significant upregulation of several pro- as well as anti-inflammatory mediators, many of which have never been previously described in TSS. In vivo administration of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) led to an increase in the expression of Th0- (IL-2, 240-fold); Th1- (IFN-γ, 360-fold; IL-12, 8-fold); Th2- (IL-4, 53-fold; IL-5, 4-fold) as well as Th17-type cytokines (IL-21, 19-fold; IL-17, 5-fold). The immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-6, 700-fold; IL-10, 18-fold); CC chemokines (such as CCL 2, 11, 3, 24, 17, 12, 7), CXC chemokines (such as CXCL 1, 2, 5, 11, 10, 19); and several proteases (matrix metalloproteinases 13, 8, 3, and 9) were also upregulated. Serum levels of several of these cytokines/chemokines were also significantly elevated. Pathway analyses revealed significant modulation in a variety of biochemical and cellular functions, providing molecular insights into the pathogenesis of TSS. Administration of bortezomib, a clinically approved proteasome inhibitor capable of blocking NF-κB pathway, was able to significantly modulate the expression of a variety of genes induced by SEB. Thus, our study showed that TSS is a complex process and emphasized the potential of use of bortezomib in the therapy of superantigen-induced TSS.
Genomic Profiling of Chondrosarcoma: Chromosomal Patterns in Central and Peripheral Tumors
Authors: Hallor Karolin H. , Staaf Johan , Bovée Judith V.M.G. , Hogendoorn Pancras C.W. , Cleton-Jansen Anne-Marie , Knuutila Sakari , Savola Suvi , Niini Tarja , Brosjö Otte , Bauer Henrik C.F. , Vult von Steyern Fredrik , Jonsson Kjell , Skorpil Mikael , Mandahl Nils , Mertens Fredrik
Published: April 2009

Purpose: Histologic grade is currently the best predictor of clinical course in chondrosarcoma patients. Grading suffers, however, from extensive interobserver variability and new objective markers are needed. Hence, we have investigated DNA copy numbers in chondrosarcomas with the purpose of identifying markers useful for prognosis and subclassification.

Experimental Design: The overall pattern of genomic imbalances was assessed in a series of 67 chondrosarcomas using array comparative genomic hybridization. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the significance of alterations detected in subgroups based on clinical data, morphology, grade, tumor size, and karyotypic features. Also, the global gene expression profiles were obtained in a subset of the tumors.

Results: Genomic imbalances, in most tumors affecting large regions of the genome, were found in 90% of the cases. Several apparently distinctive aberrations affecting conventional central and peripheral tumors, respectively, were identified. Although rare, recurrent amplifications were found at 8q24.21-q24.22 and 11q22.1-q22.3, and homozygous deletions of loci previously implicated in chondrosarcoma development affected the CDKN2A, EXT1, and EXT2 genes. The chromosomal imbalances in two distinct groups of predominantly near-haploid and near-triploid tumors, respectively, support the notion that polyploidization of an initially hyperhaploid/hypodiploid cell population is a common mechanism of chondrosarcoma progression. Increasing patient age as well as tumor grade were associated with adverse outcome, but no copy number imbalance affected metastasis development or tumor-associated death.

Conclusion: Despite similarities in the overall genomic patterns, the present findings suggest that some regions are specifically altered in conventional central and peripheral tumors, respectively.
Effects of Physical Activity and Restricted Energy Intake on Chemically Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis
Authors: Jiang Weiqin , Zhu Zongjian , Thompson Henry J.
Published: April 2009

In the field of energetics and cancer, little attention has been given to whether energy balance directed interventions designed to regulate body weight by increasing energy expenditure versus reducing energy intake have an equivalent effect on the development of breast cancer. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects on mammary carcinogenesis of physical activity (PA), achieved via running on an activity wheel, or restricted energy intake (RE). Food intake of PA and RE rats was controlled so that both groups had the same net energy balance determined by growth rate, which was 92% of the sedentary control group (SC). A total of 135 female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 1-methyl-1-nitrosourea (50 mg/kg) and 7 days thereafter were randomized to either SC, PA, or RE. Mammary cancer incidence was 97.8%, 88.9%, and 84.4% and cancer multiplicity was 3.66, 3.11, and 2.64 cancers/rat in SC, RE, and PA, respectively (SC versus PA, P = 0.02 for incidence and P = 0.03 for multiplicity). Analyses of mammary carcinomas revealed that cell proliferation–associated proteins were reduced and caspase-3 activity and proapoptotic proteins were elevated by PA or RE relative to SC (P < 0.05). It was observed that these effects may be mediated, in part, by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase and down-regulation of protein kinase B and the mammalian target of rapamycin.