bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reexamination of Thornton's Innovative Monetary Analysis: The Bullion Debate during the Restriction Once Again
Authors: Arnon Arie
Published: September 2009

The Restriction period that began in England in 1797 marked a crucial turning point for monetary theory and policy. The debates during the Restriction concerning the relationship between inflation, the exchanges and monetary aggregates came to be known as the “Bullion Debate.” The Bullionists were critical of the Bank of England and supported a return to convertibility, whereas the anti-Bullionists defended both the Bank and inconvertibility.

This paper re-evaluates Henry Thornton's seminal contribution to monetary theory and argues that Thornton's pathbreaking Paper Credit (1802) presents an innovative and consistent anti-Bullionist position. His views differ from those of the Bank of England and other anti-Bullionists; unlike them, he rejected the Real Bills Doctrine and Smith's monetary thinking in general as it applied to both convertible and inconvertible monetary arrangements. Thornton stressed the discretionary role the Bank played in managing the monetary system under both currency regimes.

After 1802 and particularly as a member of the famous Bullion Committee, Thornton played an important role on the side of the Bullionists; later scholars therefore describe him as a “moderate Bullionist.” However, his reserved support for convertibility during this period reflects his disappointment with the Bank directors whose fundamental misunderstanding of the monetary system threatened the stability of the British economy. For this reason, the shift in Thornton's position is better understood as a pragmatic political response to an untenable situation resulting from the directors' mismanagement, not as a reversal of his monetary theory.
Jacob Viner and the Chicago Monetary Tradition
Authors: Nerozzi Sebastiano
Published: September 2009

The paper aims at assessing Jacob Viner's role in that brand of monetary thought which historians associate with the Chicago School and whose origins can be retraced in the writings and teaching of Frank Knight, Lloyd Mints, Henry Simons and Viner himself. After a brief description of the prolonged debate over the origins and nature of the so called “Chicago Monetary Tradition”, we examine Viner's analyses and policy proposals drawing particular attention to: his analysis of the Great depression; his proposals for monetary expansion and banking reform; his shift of emphasis in favour of Fiscal Policy; the evolution of its monetary framework in the early 1930's. Finally, we compare his position with the ones associated with the early Chicago school and with the ones stemming from the Harvard economic department where Viner had been trained and with which he continued to entertain important ties.
Schemes of Ambition
Authors: Edling Max M.
Published: September 2009

Traditionally, the framing and adoption of the Constitution have been interpreted as an attempt by the social and economic elite to halt the democratization of American political life. In contrast, recent scholarship on the Constitution have argued that the rationale behind constitutional reform was the need to create a central government that could address political problems arising from inter-state and international relationships. An important aspect of this reform was the centralization of fiscal and financial powers that would allow the federal government to act vigorously on the international arena in defence of American interests.
The Marx of the Constitutional Era?
Authors: Kulikoff Allan M.
Published: September 2009

Using a political economy framework, Woody Holton argues that state fiscal policies during the 1780s constitute primitive accumulation, that violent process by which powerful men steal the means of subsistence of common folk, thus forcing them into waged labor and creating a class of proletarians. Clearly, the process was not completed in the nineteenth century. But this is not, I would argue, because the ruling class acquiesced in the demands of small farmers, as Holton argues, but resulted from a fierce conflict between small producers and capitalists and their allies that lasted more than a century.
Nano-silica PAMAM Dendrimer as a Novel Catalyst for Knoevenagel Reactions
Authors: Hagiwara Hisahiro , Sekifuji Masayoshi , Tsubokawa Norio , Hoshi Takashi , Suzuki Toshio
Published: September 2009

A nano-silica dendrimer, poly(amidoamine)-grafted nano-silica (nano-PAMAM), catalyzed the Knoevenagel reaction of aryl and aliphatic aldehydes with various active methylene compounds at room temperature in good yields. The reaction conditions were mild enough that base-sensitive AcO or acid-sensitive THPO groups remained intact in the products. The catalyst was recycled up to 4 times in 78% average yield.
Spectroscopic and Excited-state Properties of Triarylboranes and Their Transition-metal Complexes
Authors: Kitamura Noboru , Sakuda Eri , Ando Yuki
Published: September 2009

Triarylboranes show unique spectroscopic and photophysical properties owing to charge transfer (CT) from the π orbital of the aryl group (π(aryl)) to the vacant p orbital on the boron atom (p(B)): π(aryl)–p(B) CT. In the case of a transition-metal complex, the metal-to-ligand CT excited state is influenced largely by the presence of a π(aryl)–p(B) CT unit in the ligand. Characteristic properties of triarylboranes and transition-metal complexes having a π(aryl)–p(B) CT unit are reported.
Photo- and Electrochromic Switching of Diarylethene–Gold Nanoparticle Network on Interdigitated Electrodes
Authors: Yamaguchi Hidehiro , Matsuda Kenji
Published: September 2009

Conductance switching of a diarylethene–gold nanoparticles network was demonstrated by cyclization reaction induced with chemical oxidation and cycloreversion reaction with photoirradiation. The electrochromic reaction enables the cyclization reaction of the diarylethene whose photocyclization is strongly quenched by gold nanoparticles.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Carbon Microspheres from Glucose: Tuning Sphere Size by Adding Oxalic Acid
Authors: Liu Jie , Tian Peng , Ye Junwei , Zhou Li , Gong Weitao , Lin Yuan , Ning Guiling
Published: September 2009

Carbon spheres were successfully prepared via hydrothermal treatment of glucose, and spherical size (0.5–8 μm) could be tuned by adding different amount of oxalic acid. The surface of obtained carbon spheres contains hydrophilic functionalities including –OH, –C=O, and COOH groups, which were not destroyed by oxalic acid. This study provided a facile, simple route for producing size-tunable carbon microspheres with functional groups.
A plea for precaution with public health: the xenotransplantation example
Authors: Fovargue Sara , Ost Suzanne
Published: September 2009

In this paper we argue that while individual private interests such as autonomy and the need for a medical procedure or treatment are important in the provision and delivery of health care and the utilization of biotechnologies, these concepts need to be balanced with other interests such that in certain situations they do not take priority. We use as an example a particular developing biotechnology, xenotransplantation, to suggest that interest in the health of the public is such that this biotechnology should not be permitted to move to the clinical trial stage because of the particular risk of harm it poses to the potential xeno-recipient, their close contacts and the wider population. This is despite the interest of those in need of a transplant in allowing such clinical trials to proceed. We derive support for our position from John Stuart Mill's harm principle.
Involving patients and relatives in a Norwegian clinical ethics committee: what have we learned?
Authors: Førde Reidun , Hansen Thor Willy Ruud
Published: September 2009

To date, few Norwegian clinical ethics committees (CECs) have included patients or next of kin in case discussions. In 2008, Rikshospitalet's (The National Hospital‘s) CEC began to routinely invite patients and relatives into case discussions. In this paper, we describe seven cases discussed by this committee in 2008. Six involved life and death decision-making in collaboration with the next of kin, while one related case did not include relatives. In our opinion, representing the patient's perspective was advantageous to the discussion itself, to the conclusion made and to the next of kin's acceptance of the resolution. We believe that if the patient had been represented in the last case, the outcome might have been different. We conclude that successful patient involvement will rely on well-structured case discussions, an open atmosphere and good preparation and follow-up.
The role of patients in clinical ethics support: a snapshot of practices and attitudes in the United Kingdom
Authors: Newson Ainsley J
Published: September 2009

Clinical ethics committees (CECs) in the United Kingdom (UK) have developed significantly over the past 15 years. The issue of access to and participation in clinical ethics consultation by patients and family members has, however, gone largely unrecognized. There are various dimensions to this kind of contact, including patient notification, consent and participation. This study reports the first specific investigation of patient contact with UK CECs. A questionnaire study was carried out with representatives from UK CECs. Results suggest that patient participation in clinical ethics consultation is low and unlikely to change significantly in the near future. Attitudes towards patients having a role in clinical ethics consultation are mixed, with a variety of reasons put forward both for and against patient participation. These results are discussed in the light of common themes in the literature and the practical and political context of clinical ethics support in the UK.
Clinical ethics consultation in Europe: a comparative and ethical review of the role of patients
Authors: Fournier Véronique , Rari Eirini , Førde Reidun , Neitzke Gerald , Pegoraro Renzo , Newson Ainsley J
Published: September 2009

Clinical ethics has developed significantly in Europe over the past 15 years and remains an evolving process. While sharing our experiences in different European settings, we were surprised to discover marked differences in our practice, especially regarding the position and role of patients. In this paper, we describe these differences, such as patient access to and participation or representation in ethics consults. We propose reasons to explain these differences, hypothesizing that they relate to the historic and sociocultural context of implementation of clinical ethics consultation services (Cecs), as well as the initial aims for which each structure was established. Then, we analyse those differences with common ethical arguments arising in patient involvement. We conclude that there is no unique model of best practice for patient involvement in clinical ethics, as far as Cecs reflect on how to deal with the challenging ethical issues raised by patient role and position.
The chemistry of light: The life and work of Theobald Adrian Palm (1848–1928)
Authors: Ekpe Jadesola
Published: September 2009

The chemistry of light examines the work of Dr Theobald Palm. After his graduation from Edinburgh University, Palm joined the Edinburgh medical mission and was sent to Niigata in Japan where he remained for 10 years. During this time he noted the absence of rickets (a disease rife in Britain) in Japanese children and instituted a survey from which he deduced that sunlight deficiency was implicated in the aetiology of rickets. Unfortunately, he was largely ignored by the medical world. This paper seeks to contextualize his work. By placing Palm's study within a historical and social framework, its reception can be explained more easily.
Alexander's (356–323 BC) expeditionary Medical Corps 334–323 BC
Authors: Retsas Spyros
Published: September 2009

Alexander had a profound interest in medicine and healing. Original Greek texts survive mainly from the works of Plutarch and Arrian. This paper examines original sources naming the physicians who participated in Alexander's expedition in Asia, the battle injuries he sustained and his final illness in Babylon.
Thomas Henry Osler (1875–1936): A descendant of Sir William Osler's great-uncle and the founder of a South African medical dynasty
Authors: Myers Edward D
Published: September 2009

Sir William Osler's great-uncle Benjamin emigrated from England to South Africa with his wife and children in 1820. From Benjamin's son, Stephen, descended a large family of Oslers including at least seven doctors and dentists. This paper describes the lives and careers of Thomas Henry, and his medical and dental descendants.
Tuberculosis in the Ottoman harem in the 19th century
Authors: Baris Y Izzetin , Hillerdal Gunnar
Published: September 2009

At least four of the sultans who ruled during the 19th century suffered from tuberculosis (TB), and probably many of the women and children in the harem too. Life there was crowded with low standards of hygiene, resulting in high mortality, especially among children. Infectious diseases were the main killers and TB was one of the many factors behind the decline and fall of the empire.
Edgar Haydon (1859–1942): General practitioner and radium pioneer
Authors: Guy Jean M
Published: September 2009

Edgar Haydon was a general practitioner in Newton Abbot, Devon, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He introduced radium therapy to the cottage hospital in this small market town in 1914 at a time when many cities lacked this facility. He raised funds for the building of a cancer wing and an extension to the hospital that were completed in 1927. This paper describes his fund-raising efforts, some of his cases and the way in which radium treatment influenced the number of cancers treated in the hospital. The hospital's records are fragmentary and leave many questions unanswered about the practicalities of radium treatment in those early years.
Medical student Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956)
Authors: Skrziepietz Andreas
Published: September 2009

Bertolt Brecht was one of the most important dramatists of the 20th century. At the start of his career he studied literature but switched from the humanities to medicine. This paper discusses reasons for this switch, the influence of his medical experiences on his poetic work and why he eventually abandoned his medical career. His political development towards Marxism is described and a short sketch of his theory of theatre is given. He is considered the most important German-speaking dramatist of the 20th century.
Jonathan Osborne (1794–1864) MD FRCPI: A crypto-neurologist
Authors: Breathnach Caoimhghín S
Published: September 2009

Jonathan Osborne was born in Dublin and educated in Trinity College Dublin, where he became Professor of Materia Medica. As physician to Sir Patrick Dun's and Mercer Hospitals he reported extensively on those patients who came under his care. In his native city he is remembered for the instruments he devised, for his studies on dropsies (particularly albuminuric nephritis), and for his therapeutic approach to epilepsy and neuralgia. It is his thorough analysis of a patient with conduction aphasia in 1833, however, which has stood the test of time.
George Guthrie's clinical trial at the Napoleonic War Battle of Toulouse in 1814
Authors: Malhan Neeraj K , Greenslade Tessa , Mitchell Piers D
Published: September 2009

George James Guthrie (1785–1856) was a British military surgeon who came to prominence during the Napoleonic Wars (1803–15). He wrote several books on military surgery and was President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England three times. However, his most innovative and important achievement has largely gone unrecognised by modern historians. In 1814, at the battle of Toulouse in the Peninsular Campaign, he performed a landmark early trial of the treatment of musket wounds to the thigh. Here we not only discuss this clinical trial and place it in its social context, but also present the pathological skeletal specimens of two wounded British soldiers who took part in it.
Estrogens and the intervertebral disc
Authors: Calleja-Agius J , Muscat-Baron Y , Brincat M P
Published: September 2009

Intervertebral discs are an integral part of the vertebral column. It has been shown that menopause has a negative effect on bone and on intervertebral discs. Estrogen has a beneficial effect of preserving the health of collagen-containing tissues, including the intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc allows for mobility of the spine, and maintains a uniform stress distribution of the area of the vertebral endplates. Also, the disc influences spinal height. The disc tissue is adapted for this biomechanical function. The function of the spine is impaired if there is a loss of disc tissue. Narrowing of the disc space due to degeneration of intervertebral discs is associated with a significantly increased risk of vertebral fractures. Estrogen should be seen as the first-choice therapy for bones and other collagen-rich tissues, such as intervertebral discs, because it maintains homeostasis of the bone-remodelling unit. Unlike bisphosphonates, estrogen is unique in its ability to regenerate bone collagen after its disintegration, apart from suppressing osteoclastic activity. Besides, there is insufficient data on deterioration in bone qualities and micro-cracks in patients on long-term bisphosphonates.
Double-blind placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of pro-juven progesterone cream on atherosclerosis and bone density
Authors: Benster Beverly , Carey Adam , Wadsworth Fred , Griffin Maura , Nicolaides Andrew , Studd John
Published: September 2009

Objective

To establish whether treatment for three years with pro-juven progesterone cream affects progression of atherosclerotic plaques or bone density in postmenopausal women.

Design

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Sample

One hundred and thirty-one healthy postmenopausal women aged between 50 and 75 years with at least one asymptomatic arterial plaque visible on ultrasound of the carotid or femoral bifurcation.

Methods

Women were randomly allocated to receive pro-juven progesterone cream, 20 mg twice daily, or placebo, for three years.

Main outcome measure

Rate of change of plaque thickness, intima-media thickness and bone density of lumbar spine and femoral neck.

Results

There was no difference between the groups.

Conclusion

Pro-juven progesterone cream 20 mg twice daily did not affect progression of asymptomatic atherosclerosis or deterioration in bone density over three years.
Are gynaecologists confident addressing sexual issues with menopausal women?
Authors: Cordingley Lis , Mackie Fiona , Pilkington Andrea , Bundy Christine
Published: September 2009

The menopause is an important transition point for women in terms of their experience of sex. Higher expectations of a longer, healthier lifespan means that access to health professionals with the skills to address sexual issues is more important than ever. This review of the literature considered four broad areas: the influence of patient and practitioner characteristics on consultations about sexual issues for peri- and postmenopausal women; perceived barriers to discussion of sexual issues; the role and effectiveness of communication training; and examples of good practice in the field. This is an under-researched area with few papers focusing on the specific needs of this group of patients or practitioners. In order to improve the quality of life of mid-life and older women, more high-quality research is needed that can inform both education and training for gynaecologists, and the development of high-quality services.
Hormone replacement therapy and the endometrium
Authors: Daayana S , Holland C M
Published: September 2009

The life-expectancy for women has increased significantly in the 20th century, although the time of onset of menopause has not. Almost a third of a woman's life is now postmenopausal and therefore many postmenopausal women consider using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to improve their quality of life. Most cases of endometrial carcinoma arise in postmenopausal women and this raises concern among patients and clinicians with regard to the safety of HRT in this age group. Whenever the use of HRT is considered, a careful consideration of the actual benefit in terms of symptom relief and quality of life must be balanced against the risks for each individual woman. This review discusses the effects of HRT on the endometrium and the evidence regarding HRT use and risk of endometrial cancer.
Nocturnal transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension in postmenopausal estrogen users and non-users
Authors: Aittokallio Jenni , Hiissa Jukka , Saaresranta Tarja , Polo-Kantola Päivi , Aittokallio Tero , Polo Olli
Published: September 2009

Objective

The effect of menopause on breathing is not fully understood. We have previously shown that postmenopausal women have a higher sleep-induced increase in transcutaneously measured carbon dioxide tension (TcCO2) than premenopausal women. Therefore, we hypothesized that estrogen therapy (ET) would normalize this sleep-induced TcCO2 increase.

Methods

Nine postmenopausal ET users and nine non-users went through an overnight polygraphic sleep study including continuous monitoring of TcCO2.

Results

TcCO2 levels were higher during sleep than evening wakefulness (awake median 6.55 kPa versus sleep median 6.90 kPa, P = 0.001). ET users had a greater sleep-induced increase in TcCO2 than non-users when comparing the difference between wakefulness and slow-wave sleep (0.85 kPa versus 0.28 kPa, P = 0.004). Lower sleep efficiency was associated with higher sleep-induced increase in TcCO2.

Conclusions

In contrast to our initial hypothesis, postmenopausal ET users have a higher sleep-induced increase in TcCO2 than women without ET. Thus, TcCO2 may be sensitive in measuring the peripheral estrogen effect. These findings warrant placebo-controlled intervention studies to confirm the effects of ET on TcCO2 measurements.
Knowledge and compliance from patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment
Authors: Palacios Santiago , Sánchez-Borrego Rafael , Neyro José Luis , Quereda Francisco , Vázquez Francisco , Pérez Maite , Pérez Montserrat
Published: September 2009

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and expectations of patients receiving treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis, analysing the factors related to good compliance with treatment.

Methods

A national, epidemiological, cross-sectional study collected information on personal medical history, family history, bone densitometry, and treatment and compliance of patients over 45 years who were receiving treatment for osteoporosis and provided their informed consent. The patients anonymously completed a questionnaire about their knowledge of osteoporosis and the Morisky and Green treatment compliance evaluation test.

Results

Three hundred and fifteen specialists in gynaecology participated, recruiting 1179 patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The mean age was 59.9 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.5). Only 22.6% of the patients showed an acceptable knowledge of osteoporosis (the criterion established was correct response to 80% of the questions). Treatment compliance was evaluated using a combination of Morisky–Green and Haynes–Sackett criteria. Of the patients 39.2% were classified as compliant, 74.6% of the patients were very or quite concerned about their condition and 53.3%; described their health status as excellent or good. However, 63.6% of the patients indicated that they needed more information about osteoporosis. The factors related to good compliance were the existence of one or no concomitant disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, P = 0.025) and the type of knowledge about their disease (acceptable knowledge: OR = 1.33, P = 0.043).

Conclusions

Correct knowledge about osteoporosis would increase the possibility of appropriate compliance with the prescribed treatment, thus reducing the risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Premenstrual symptoms – severity, duration and typology: an international cross-sectional study
Authors: Dennerstein Lorraine , Lehert Philippe , Bäckström Torbjörn Carl , Heinemann Klaas
Published: September 2009

Objectives

Determine women's experiences of premenstrual symptoms.

Study design

Cross-sectional survey.

Sample

In all, 4085 women aged 14–49 years recruited by random telephone digit dialing in France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain, UK, Brazil and Mexico.

Main outcome measures

Telephone interview checklist of 23 premenstrual symptoms, sociodemographic variables and lifestyle variables.

Results

The most prevalent symptoms were abdominal bloating, cramps or abdominal pain, breast tenderness, irritability and mood swings. Severity of symptoms is directly proportional to duration ( R = 0.79). Hierarchical clustering found the following mental and physical domains and a typology: ‘Mild’ type (40.8%) with minimal symptoms; ‘Moderate M’ type (28.7%) with moderately severe, mostly mental symptoms; ‘Moderate P’ type (21.9%) with moderately severe, mostly physical symptoms; and ‘Severe’ type (8.6%) with severe intensity of both mental and physical symptoms. Multiple stepwise regression found significant effects on symptom duration severity index of age (linear and quadratic effects), current smoking and country.

Conclusions

Further research is needed on the impact of premenstrual symptoms on quality of life, and whether a brief symptom list could be developed as a valid and reliable tool globally.
Who will assess cognitive change?
Authors: Mander Anthony M
Published: September 2009

The UK National Dementia Strategy 2009 outlines the problems of cognitive decline and dementia; among which it stresses the importance of early diagnosis. This is an area in which menopause services and clinics could and should have an important input to the strategy. Cognitive change, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease are recognized late complications of the menopause, and severe conditions in untreated premature menopause. Two to three times more women than men are affected by dementia; the situation regarding measuring cognitive change is explored.
A rare case of idiopathic thrombocytopenia in association with an ovarian teratoma in pregnancy
Authors: Soma-Pillay P , Macdonald A P , Mnisi E
Published: September 2009

Thrombocytopenia complicates 6–7% of pregnancies. We present the case of a 26-year-old patient who presented with severe thrombocytopenia associated with an ovarian teratoma in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Risk perception and unrecognized type 2 diabetes in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Malcolm Janine , Lawson Margaret L , Gaboury Isabelle , Keely Erin
Published: September 2009

Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following the index pregnancy, however, little is known of women's perception of this risk. The objectives were to (1) determine women's perception of risk of future development of T2DM following a GDM pregnancy and (2) describe the prevalence of undetected dysglycaemia in a Canadian population. The study was designed as a 9–11 year follow-up study of women previously enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of tight versus minimal intervention for GDM. Women's perception of future risk of diabetes was determined by questionnaire. Fasting lipid profile, height and weight were performed on all participants. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed on all women without prior history of diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). The study was conducted at Ottawa Hospital General Campus and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, in Ottawa, Canada. Eighty-nine of 299 (30%) of the original cohort were recruited. Eighty-eight women completed the questionnaire and 77 women without known diabetes underwent two hour glucose tolerance testing. Twenty-three (30%) felt their risk was no different than other women or did not know, 27 (35%) felt risk was increased a little and 27 (35%) felt risk was increased a lot. Only 52% (40/77) had normal glucose tolerance. Of all, 25/88 (28%) patients had diabetes (11 previously diagnosed and 14 diagnosed within the study). Of those newly diagnosed with DM2, four (29%) were diagnosed by fasting glucose, six (42%) by two hour glucose tolerance test (GTT) alone and four (29%) by both. Twenty-four of the women (27%) had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Of those with IGT, 12 (57%) had a fasting food glucose < 5.6 mmol/L. In the high-risk perception group with newly diagnosed diabetes, two were overweight, seven were obese, four had a family history of DM2, and all had a waist circumference >88 cm. In conclusion the perception of being at high risk for T2DM did not prevent women from having undetected T2DM. Many factors are likely to contribute to this, including the reliance on screening tests (i.e. fasting glucose) rather than a two hour GTT to detect diabetes. Further studies on effective public and health-care provider education and intervention are needed to identify this high-risk population.
Hereditary angioedema and pregnancy: successful management of recurrent and frequent attacks of angioedema with C1-inhibitor concentrate, danazol and tranexamic acid – a case report
Authors: Milingos D S , Madhuvrata P , Dean J , Shetty A , Campbell D M
Published: September 2009

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by deficiency of C1 esterase inhibitor. It is characterized by subcutaneous swelling in any part of the skin, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. We present the case of a pregnant woman with known HAE that deteriorated during pregnancy with frequent attacks that were managed successfully with danazol, tranexamic acid and regular intravenous administration of C1 esterase inhibitor.
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome in pregnancy: a retrospective series
Authors: Stern J S , Orth M , Robertson M M
Published: September 2009

Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by motor and vocal tics with further co-morbidities, e.g. obsessive–compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There is only a single prior case report in pregnancy in addition to a postal questionnaire study including 10 pregnancies. In a series of 11 pregnancies in patients assessed by the authors, there were no adverse effects on the pregnancy, although some obstetricians were unduly concerned. There was no consistent effect on the severity of the tics, although in some women there seemed to be a significant improvement during pregnancy.
Blood pressure measurement in pregnancy: the effect of arm circumference and sphygmomanometer cuff size
Authors: Kho Chye L , Brown Mark A , Ong Sharon L H , Mangos George J
Published: September 2009

This study aimed to assess the difference in blood pressure readings between the standard and large cuff and to determine if such a difference applies over a range of arm circumferences (ACs) in pregnancy. We measured blood pressure on 219 antenatal women. Six blood pressure readings were taken, three with a standard ‘adult’ and three with a ‘large’ cuff, in random order. A random zero sphygmomanometer was used by a trained observer. Women with an AC >33 cm were similar in age, gestational age and parity but were heavier and had more hypertension than those with AC ≤33 cm. There was a systematic difference between the standard and large cuff of 5–7 mmHg with little effect due to AC. We were unable to demonstrate an association between the standard and large cuff blood pressure difference and increasing blood pressure. Our study has shown that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements are more dependent on the cuff size used than AC and for the individual it is difficult to predict the magnitude of effect the different cuff sizes will have on blood pressure measurements. This study has shown the presence of an average difference in blood pressure measurement between standard and large cuffs in pregnancy, and does not support the arbitrary 33 cm ‘cut-off’ recommended in guidelines for the use of a large cuff in pregnancy.
Serum cystatin is not a marker of glomerular filtration rate in pregnancy
Authors: Bramham Kate , Makanjuola David , Hussein Wael , Cafful Debra , Shehata Hassan
Published: September 2009

The role of cystatin C (Cys-C) as a marker of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in pregnancy is undetermined. Measurements of Cys-C and creatinine (Cr) were taken at 14–17+6, 18–23+6, 27–31+6 weeks' gestation, at delivery and 2–6 weeks postpartum in a prospective observational study of 27 women. There was no difference between Cys-C levels in early and late second trimester, but they were significantly higher in early third trimester ( P < 0.001) than second trimester, despite no concurrent increase in Cr. Cys-C was also significantly higher at delivery than at all other times in pregnancy ( P < 0.001) and fell to postpartum values higher than second trimester measurements ( P < 0.01), but lower than delivery ( P<0.001). In conclusion, changes in Cys-C may be influenced by pregnancy-related changes in glomerular filtration and therefore we would advise against their use as a marker of GFR in pregnancy.
Visualization of Network Concepts: The Impact of Working Memory Capacity Differences
Authors: Zhu Bin , Watts Stephanie A.
Published: September 2009

As networks of all forms become ubiquitous, the network-based information they generate is increasingly being used in a wide variety of analysis tasks. In organizations, social network analysis techniques are being applied to a number of domains, particularly the understanding of knowledge stocks and flows. Because this information is generated from large data sets, computerized visualizations of it are very helpful for accomplishing these complex tasks. This paper presents a model for evaluating the effectiveness of network visualizations based on theories of cognitive fit, working memory capacity, and information load. The model was empirically tested in two experiments using two types of data visualizations from two different social networks. Results support the theoretical model, illustrating that variations in cognitive fit and working memory interact. Findings suggest that visualizations can enable superior outcomes when they are designed to support this interaction.
Agility from First Principles: Reconstructing the Concept of Agility in Information Systems Development
Authors: Conboy Kieran
Published: September 2009

Awareness and use of agile methods has grown rapidly among the information systems development (ISD) community in recent years. Like most previous methods, the development and promotion of these methods have been almost entirely driven by practitioners and consultants, with little participation from the research community during the early stages of evolution. While these methods are now the focus of more and more research efforts, most studies are still based on XP, Scrum, and other industry-driven foundations, with little or no conceptual studies of ISD agility in existence. As a result, this study proposes that there are a number of significant conceptual shortcomings with agile methods and the associated literature in its current state, including a lack of clarity, theoretical glue, parsimony, limited applicability, and naivety regarding the evolution of the concept of agility in fields outside systems development. Furthermore, this has significant implications for practitioners, rendering agile method comparison and many other activities very difficult, especially in instances such as distributed development and large teams that are not conducive to many of the commercial agile methods. This study develops a definition and formative taxonomy of agility in an ISD context, based on a structured literature review of agility across a number of disciplines, including manufacturing and management where the concept originated, matured, and has been applied and tested thoroughly over time. The application of the texonomy in practice is then demonstrated through a series of thought trials conducted in a large multinational organization. The intention is that the definition and taxonomy can then be used as a starting point to study ISD method agility regardless of whether the method is XP or Scrum, agile or traditional, complete or fragmented, out-of-the-box or in-house, used as is or tailored to suit the project context.
The Multiplicity of Institutional Logics and the Heterogeneity of Organizational Responses
Authors: Greenwood Royston , Díaz Amalia Magán , Li Stan Xiao , Lorente José Céspedes
Published: September 2009

This paper shows that organizations in market settings face complex institutional contexts to which they respond in different though patterned ways. We show how both regional state logics and family logics impact on organizational responses to an overarching market logic. Regional logics are particularly potent when the activities of firms, especially of large firms, are concentrated in regions whose governments champion regional distinctiveness and where the regional activities of the firm are significant. Family logics affect the decision to downsize, especially in smaller firms. This paper advances institutional theory by showing the influences of nonmarket institutions on market behavior, contributes to the growing recognition of community influences, and highlights the importance of historical context.
Enlarging the Diegetic Space: Uses of the Multi-channel Soundtrack in Cinematic Narrative
Authors: Manolas Christos , Pauletto Sandra
Published: September 2009

Throughout its evolution, cinema sound has changed the way we watch and understand films. Initially sound carried little narrative information. Today's multi-channel soundtrack, on the other hand, is able to enlarge the diegetic space and immerse the audience in it. However, it could be argued that the multi-channel soundtrack's potential as a narrative tool has yet to be fully explored. This article reports on our research into the possibilities and limitations of the multi-channel soundtrack as a carrier of large sections of narrative information. We identify three areas of interest: spatialisation of sound sources; surround ambiences with a narrative relevance; and separation of sound streams. A short film has been created exploring these topics and feedback has been elicited from a small audience. We conclude that this potential could be fully unlocked if considerations regarding the surround soundtrack are taken into account in the early stages of production.
Staging Sound: A Matter of Dissociation
Authors: Deshays Daniel
Published: September 2009

This article discusses the nature of sound in theatre, and how the human perception of live and recorded sound relates to the theatrical experience. It suggests a model for listening to, and for staging the theatrical soundscape.
Speaking, Singing, Screaming: Controlling the Female Voice in American Cinema
Authors: Greene Liz
Published: September 2009

Feminist film scholars have long argued that there is a visual bias as to how the female body is represented on screen. This article explores the extension of this bias to include sound: how sound is used to represent women in American cinema. It explores sonic representation in several
key films including Singin' in the Rain, Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet and Citizen Kane.
On the Measurement of Water Pressure in Soils with High Suction Tensiometers
Authors: Lourenço S. D. N. , Gallipoli D. , Toll D. G. , Evans F. D.
Published: September 2009

Past studies on the use of high suction tensiometers for measuring negative pore water pressure have focused on three different aspects, namely, initial saturation of the probe, calibration over both positive and negative pressure ranges, and measurement procedures. Among these three areas, the one focusing on measurement procedures has undeservedly received less attention. Aspects related to measurement conditions during laboratory or field testing are as important as the initial pre-conditioning or calibration of the probe. According to the particular type of measurement, different aspects of the testing procedure have to be considered in order to obtain accurate readings of pore water pressure. This note presents preliminary data to highlight the importance of factors, such as measurement time, soil-probe contact, and material type, when measuring suction by means of high suction tensiometer.
Evaluation of Soil-Geogrid Pullout Models Using a Statistical Approach
Authors: Huang Bingquan , Bathurst Richard J.
Published: September 2009

The accuracy of the current Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in-soil geogrid pullout model was examined using a statistical approach applied to a large database of pullout test results. The accuracy of data interpretation and model type was quantified using the mean and coefficient of variation (COV) of model bias values and possible hidden dependencies identified using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Model bias values were computed as the ratio of measured to predicted pullout capacity. When project-specific pullout test data were used to fit a linear approximation to dimensionless interaction coefficients, the result was judged to be an acceptably accurate model (mean bias value of one and a small spread in bias values, i.e., COV=0.13). However, in many cases project-specific pullout data are not available. If the current FHWA model with default values is used, the prediction accuracy is very poor based on the same quantitative measures (mean of bias=2.23 and COV=0.55). Two new models were examined to overcome this deficiency. One model is bi-linear and the other is non-linear. The non-linear model was shown to be more accurate with a mean bias value close to one and COV=0.36. The non-linear model also has the advantage of being smoothly continuous with practically no detectable hidden dependencies. Finally, the large number of test results in the database allows recommendations to be made on how to select reinforcement lengths during the experimental design to increase the likelihood of a pullout mode of failure in the laboratory.
Symposium on Solvent Extraction in The Analysis of Metals
Authors: ASTM Committee E-3
Published: September 2009

Description

Six Papers Cover: Metals Analysis with Thenoyltrifluoracetone; The Use of Tri-n-Octylphostions Applied to the Analysis of Metals; plus three others
Hydrophobic Cement
Authors: Stoll UW
Published: September 2009

The resistance to atmospheric deterioration of fresh portland cement can be increased through the use of small amounts of interground oleic acid. Laboratory tests have demonstrated that the addition of from 0.1 to 0.4 per centoleic acid decreases the effort required during finish grinding of cement; that a more deterioration-resistant fresh cement will result; and that if the airentraining tendencies of portland cement so treated are controlled, the resultant mortars and concretes are similar to those obtained using untreated cements. A suitable air-detraining agent is tri-n-butyl phosphate. This airreducing agent may be either inter-ground or added at time of mixing. The study indicates that the cost of materials for adequate treatment would be less than 10 cents per sack.
Effect of Aggregate Quality on Resistance of Concrete to Abrasion
Authors: Smith FL
Published: September 2009

Sixty concrete mixes using different combinations of aggregate, combining good quality sand and gravels with poor quality sand and gravels, different sand contents and water-cement ratios, the latter ranging from 0.32 to 0.70, were used to determine their effect on the resistance of concrete to abrasion. Aggregates were selected which represented Los Angeles abrasion losses at 500 revolutions ranging between 12.6 and 39.1 per cent. Measure of resistance to abrasion loss was determined by three types of abrasion machines: the Davis steel ball and the dressing wheel abrasion apparatus, which represent the types of wear caused by steel wheels under heavy load, and the Ruemelin shotblast apparatus, which simulates the erosion caused by solids in flowing water.
Convergence of Tie Lines in Ternary Liquid Systems and its Application to Liquid Extraction
Authors: Pilloton RL
Published: September 2009

Most ternary systems of interest for liquid-liquid extraction work contain one pair of immiscible liquids and are such that the two liquid phases are formed over a wide range of concentrations. Usually the literature gives only limited information on the tie lines of these systems. Therefore, interpolation is necessary to obtain further data. One of the methods used for interpolation is based on the observation that tie lines appear to converge to a point on the extension of the base of the representative triangle. This convergence of tie lines, first reported by Tarasenkov and Pologentzeva (1) in 1932, has since been a source of discussion among phase diagram investigators (2,3). For most systems insufficient accuracy of the present tie-line data makes it impossible to determine whether tie lines intercept the extension of the base of the triangle at one focus point; however, in many cases the intercepts are spread over a very narrow distance, and the assumption that there is a common point is at least a useful approximation for interpolation of the data.
8-Hydroxyquinaldine Extractions Applied to the Analysis of Metals
Authors: Hynek RJ
Published: September 2009

The new analytical reagent, 8-hydroxyquinaldine, reacts with many of the metal ions commonly encountered in analysis. The extraction behavior of 8-hydroxyquinaldine with some of these ions has been studied and has been applied in new methods for the determination of various elements in metallurgical products.

Of particular interest is the development of a new method for the determination of aluminum. Although 8-hydroxyquinaldine does not react with aluminum, it does react with many of the metal ions which normally interfere in the determination of aluminum. This property is utilized, after mercury cathode electrolysis, to eliminate small amounts of iron, copper, manganese, titanium, and other elements prior to the chloroform extraction and spectrophotometric measurement of aluminum 8-hydroxyquinolinate. For certain alloys which contain more than 0.1 per cent of aluminum, direct application of 8-hydroxyquinaldine can be made to eliminate inteferences.

This paper also includes a discussion of a new, rapid, and widely applicable spectrophotometric method for lead. This method consists of an initial extraction of lead by 8-hydroxyquinaldine from an alkaline cyanide-hydrogen peroxide medium. After an intervening extraction at pH 5 to eliminate traces of coextracted interferences, the lead 8-hydroxyquinaldinate is reextracted from a solution at pH 9.5. This method has been satisfactorily applied to a variety of standard alloys.
Use of Organic Solvents in Flame Photometry
Authors: Dean JA
Published: September 2009

In recent years it has been demonstrated that the sensitivity of the flame photometric method is significantly enhanced when elements are aspirated into the flame from an organic solution instead of an aqueous one (3,6–8,10–16, 18–20,23,25–32,34–37). Actually, early workers regarded the presence of an organic solvent as an interference in flame photometry (2). Smit, Alkemade, and Verschure (36) first suggested that organic solvents such as acetone, butanol, and propanol, when added to the aqueous solution, might be beneficial in the determination of small amounts of sodium and potassium in blood serum. Increases in emission intensity ranging from three- to fifteenfold are usual. Even greater emission intensity can be achieved in some instances by extracting the test element into an organic solvent and aspirating directly into the flame. With either approach, the increased emission intensity allows greater resolution and enables less concentrated samples to be analyzed by flame photometry without any loss in precision. By lowering the concentration levels of matrix elements, or by selective extraction from these matrix elements, spectral and radiation interferences may often be circumvented. Each of these procedures will be considered in detail; and, lastly, the process whereby an element is caused to emit its characteristic radiation will be reviewed briefly.