bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of a Single Gemfibrozil Dose on the Pharmacokinetics of Rosuvastatin in Bile and Plasma in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Bergman Ebba , Matsson Elin M. , Hedeland Mikael , Bondesson Ulf , Knutson Lars , Lennernäs Hans
Published: February 2010

The effect of a single intrajejunal dose of gemfibrozil (600 mg) on the plasma pharmacokinetics and biliary excretion of a single intrajejunal dose of rosuvastatin (20 mg) was investigated by using a multichannel catheter positioned in the distal duodenum‐proximal jejunum in 8 healthy volunteers. Bile and plasma samples were collected every 20 minutes for 200 minutes, with additional plasma samples being drawn for up to 48 hours. Gemfibrozil did not affect the bioavailability of rosuvastatin, although it increased the apparent absorption phase during the initial 200 minutes (AUCplasma, 200min) by 1.56‐fold (95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.15). The interaction was less pronounced in this single‐dose study than in a previous report when gemfibrozil was administered repeatedly; nevertheless, the interaction coincided with the highest exposure to gemfibrozil. The plausible reason why the interaction in this investigation was only minor is the low exposure to gemfibrozil (and its metabolites), suggesting that the total plasma concentration of gemfibrozil needs to be above 20 μM to affect the disposition of rosuvastatin. This study demonstrates the value of monitoring the plasma pharmacokinetics of the inhibitor, and not only the drug under investigation, to improve the mechanistic interpretation.
Effects of Concomitant Therapy with Diltiazem on the Lipid Responses to Simvastatin in Chinese Subjects
Authors: You Joyce H. S. , Chan Winnie K. Y. , Chung Polly F. P. , Hu Miao , Tomlinson Brian
Published: February 2010

Diltiazem increases systemic exposure to simvastatin via inhibition of CYP3A. This study assessed the impact of this interaction on the lipid‐lowering effects of simvastatin. Chinese patients with hypercholesterolemia were randomized to receive simvastatin 20 mg daily alone or together with diltiazem 60 mg 3 times daily for 4 weeks with a washout period of 4 weeks in an open‐label, crossover study. Blood pressure, fasting serum lipid profile, and safety tests were determined at baseline and after each treatment period. Trough serum diltiazem was measured at the end of the 4‐week combination treatment. In the 30 patients who completed the study, simvastatin treatment significantly reduced low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol by mean (± standard error) 41.0% ± 2.2% (P < .001), and the combination with diltiazem showed an additional reduction of 1.66% (95% confidence interval: −4.63 to 7.96, P > .05). The additional change in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol with diltiazem showed a nonsignificant positive correlation with the trough serum diltiazem concentration (R2= 0.142, P = .058). Co‐administration of diltiazem 60 mg 3 times daily with simvastatin 20 mg daily tended to increase the changes in lipid parameters in these Chinese subjects, but the effects did not reach significance.
Potential Use of Erythromycin to Prevent and Treat Prosthetic Failure
Authors: Zhang Peng , Qin Ling
Published: February 2010

Prolonged prosthetic life span is a goal that orthopedic surgeons are pursuing. Both septic and aseptic loosening may lead to prosthetic failure. For decades, antibiotics have been applied in arthroplasty to prevent septic loosening, with excellent clinical results, although few therapies have been able to prevent aseptic loosening. Research on aseptic loosening indicates that osteoclasts play an essential role in this process. Thus, the exploration of osteoclastogenesis inhibitor has become of interest. Erythromycin is a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial that has been used to prevent postoperative infection after artificial joint replacement. A new function to inhibit particle‐induced osteolysis has been discovered recently. Fundamental research indicates that erythromycin administration should be an excellent method for the prophylaxis of prosthetic failure and should increase the life span of artificial joint in clinics.
Evaluation of the Single‐ and Multiple‐Dose Pharmacokinetics of Fentanyl Buccal Soluble Film in Normal Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Vasisht Niraj , Gever Larry N. , Tagarro Ignacio , Finn Andrew L.
Published: February 2010

Fentanyl buccal soluble film (FBSF) is a rapidly absorbed transmucosal formulation of fentanyl for the management of breakthrough pain in opioid‐tolerant patients with cancer. This open‐label, 3‐period, sequential dose study evaluated the dose‐to‐dose reproducibility of the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl following the administration of 600‐or 1800‐μg doses of FBSF in 12 naltrexone‐blocked, healthy adult volunteers. Subjects received 3 study treatments: single doses of 600 μg of FBSF on day 1 and day 4 and three 600‐μg doses administered at 1‐hour intervals on day 7. Plasma fentanyl concentrations were measured over a 48‐hour period after each single dose of FBSF and 72 hours after the 3‐dose regimen. Peak plasma concentrations (mean Cmax= 1.08 and 1.01 ng/mL) and overall exposure (mean AUC0–12= 6.3 and 6.2 h·ng/mL; mean AUCinf= 9.14 and 9.60 h·ng/mL) were nearly identical after the 2 single doses (P≥ .1, all comparisons). Cmaxand overall fentanyl exposure (AUCinf) increased approximately 3‐fold with the 3‐dose regimen compared with the single‐dose periods. Fentanyl plasma concentrations following single doses of FBSF were reproducible, and 3 doses administered 1 hour apart produced a tripling in exposure and maximal concentration compared with a single dose.
Professionalization of Public Service: Civil Servants in Dordrecht, 1575-1795
Authors: van Nederveen Meerkerk Elise
Published: February 2010

This article examines the extent to which bureaucratization and professionalization of public services occurred in early modern Dordrecht, a medium-sized town in the Dutch Republic. To this end, general developments in spending on public services are investigated, followed by more in-depth analysis of changes in three different professions of officials: Dordrecht’s city secretaries, city midwives, and gatekeepers. Three possible explanations for the bureaucratization and professionalization of public services in Dordrecht are investigated: economic and demographic developments, social standing of the offices, and type of service provided. There appears to be a definite, albeit not necessarily linear, relationship between economic and demographic influences and the process of bureaucratization. The extent of professionalization can to a large degree be explained by the variations in social status and in working sphere between the different types of officials providing public services, in which varying degrees of monitoring and regulation were considered desirable.
Mixing Individual Incentives and Group Incentives: Best of Both Worlds or Social Dilemma?
Authors: Barnes Christopher M. , Hollenbeck John R. , Jundt Dustin K. , DeRue D. Scott , Harmon Stephen J.
Published: February 2010

Equity theory emphasizes making distinctions between individual contributions to teams and then recognizing these with differentiations in rewards. However, social interdependence theory emphasizes maximizing cooperation in teams by compensating members equally. Several researchers have advocated offsetting the limitations of individually based incentives and group-based incentives by mixing the two. However, the authors contend that this puts team members in a social dilemma, leading them to focus on the individually based component. The authors find that in comparison to group-based only incentives, mixed individual/group incentives lead team members to perform faster but less accurately and focus on their own taskwork to the detriment of backing up behavior.
A Precautionary Approach to City Building: Interpreting the Relationship Between Urban Form and Mobility
Authors: Marzoughi Reihane , Vanderburg Willem H.
Published: February 2010

The literature on the impact of urban form design on travel behavior reveals mixed results. Instead of interpreting this finding as an insufficient basis for warranting action, this article suggests that a precautionary approach be introduced. This approach should be based on two interdependent modes of knowing and doing to establish and evolve design exemplars in conjunction with discipline-based analytical exemplars. Even if trends, including the digitization of human life and society, peak oil and climate change turn out to have smaller negative effects than is currently anticipated, we will be ahead with more livable and sustainable urban forms.
The Effect of Organisational Context Variables on Employer Attitudes Toward Employability of Ex-Offenders
Authors: Lukies John , Graffam Joseph , Shinkfield Alison J.
Published: February 2010

The authors tested the premise that organisational context variables (i.e., size of organisation, industry type, location, and respondent’s position in organisation) had significant effects on employer ( N = 596) attitudes toward employability of ex-offenders. They also examined whether organisational context variables had an equivalent effect on employer attitudes to that of job-seeker criminal history and employer personal characteristics (e.g., respondent age and gender). Using linear regression (HLM 6.02a), organisational context variables were shown to have a significant effect on employer attitudes. In addition, organisational context variables had a significantly greater effect on employer attitudes than did employer personal characteristics. However, job-seeker criminal history contributed more to respondent ratings of ex-offender employability than did organisational context variables. The finding that judgements of employability are influenced by organisational context variables has implications for future research relevant to reintegration. Stakeholder attitudes toward the reintegration success of ex-offenders may be generally influenced by context variables.
Risk Assessment Instruments in Repeat Offending
Authors: Rossegger Astrid , Laubacher Arja , Moskvitin Konstantin , Villmar Thomas , Palermo George B. , Endrass Jérôme
Published: February 2010

Research in the area of predicting recidivism has produced several well-validated standardized risk assessment instruments. The question arises, which instruments best serve which purposes? The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare several actuarial and dynamic risk assessment instruments as to their predictive accuracy and their usefulness in forensic practice. The sample consisted of 109 violent and sex offenders who had been released from prison in Switzerland between 1994 and 1999, and for whom the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R); Historical, Clinical, Risk Management–20; Level of Service Inventory–Revised; Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG); and the Swiss assessment instrument FOTRES were scored. Using bivariate logistic regression analyses, all instruments were able to discriminate between recidivists and nonrecidivists. The receiver operating characteristic analyses yielded area under the curve values between 0.70 (VRAG) and 0.84 (PCL-R). Furthermore, it was shown that solely examining AUC values does not suffice to determine usefulness. A comprehensive evaluation of an instrument’s usefulness for forensic practice should also look at qualitative criteria such as area of application, specificity of risk assessed, and inclusion of dynamic items among others.
APOE ε4: A Potential Modulation Factor in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Zahorakova Daniela , Jachymova Marie , Kemlink David , Baxova Alice , Martasek Pavel
Published: February 2010

Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder mainly caused by de novo mutations in the MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2) gene. There is considerable variation in the severity of clinical features among Rett syndrome patients, even among patients with the same MECP2 mutation. In addition to X-chromosome inactivation pattern, the genetic background of the affected individual might also have a role in determining the severity of the disorder. We suggest that APOE is one of the genetic modulating factors. We analyzed clinical phenotypes of 46 patients with Rett syndrome, with confirmed MECP2 mutation. We discovered that among ε4 carriers, some clinical features were more severe, and the developmental regression occurred 4 months earlier on average than in those without the ε4 allele. Earlier onset of regression suggests a possible trend; however, it did not achieve distinctive statistical significance. Nevertheless, the ε4 allele of APOE may serve as a candidate modulation factor for the Rett syndrome phenotype.
The Effect of Hydrocortisone on Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Premature Infants Less than 29 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Needelman Howard , Hoskappal Arvind , Roberts Holly , Evans Martha , Bodensteiner J.B.
Published: February 2010

The use of postnatal dexamethasone in premature newborns can be associated with a deleterious neurodevelopmental outcome. The effect of hydrocortisone on developmental outcome in these patients is less clear. We therefore sought to examine the effect of hydrocortisone on early developmental outcome in premature newborns. We retrospectively examined the effect of hydrocortisone on developmental outcome during the first 2 years of life in premature infants <29 weeks’ gestation at birth. Even though hydrocortisone was used in infants with a greater risk for poor outcome, its use, unless prolonged >7 days, was generally not associated with a worse developmental outcome or higher rate of referral for early intervention. A short course of hydrocortisone in sick premature newborns does not appear to have a deleterious effect on developmental outcome.
Child Neurology Practice and Neurological Disorders in East Africa
Authors: Idro Richard , Newton Charles , Kiguli Sarah , Kakooza-Mwesige Angelina
Published: February 2010

Neurological disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders, have been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the greatest threats to global public health. It is generally believed that these conditions are more prevalent in the developing than the developed world because of multiple known risk factors such as infections, malnutrition, and limited resources for obstetric and neonatal management. In East Africa, few investigations have been conducted to obtain data on the magnitude and description of neurological disorders among children, and the practice of child neurology is faced with challenges cutting across areas of health personnel, patient diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation. This article reviews the burden, types, and causes of neurological disorders in the East African region. The challenges and successes in the practice of child neurology and recommendations for the future are discussed.
Pilot Study of a Novel Computerized Task to Assess Spatial Learning in Children and Adolescents With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Ullrich Nicole J. , Ayr Lauren , Leaffer Emily , Irons Mira B. , Rey-Casserly Celiane
Published: February 2010

Difficulties with visual-spatial learning are frequently observed and often considered to be the hallmark of neurocognitive impairment in neurofibromatosis type 1. The computerized Arena Maze is a virtual environment task that has been developed as a human paradigm to the Morris Water Maze, which is used to evaluate spatial learning in animal models. The authors evaluated this task as a measure of spatial learning in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 compared with their unaffected siblings. Affected children were able to learn the task and navigate the virtual environment; however, they performed more poorly on standard measures of spatial learning and spatial working memory than their siblings. The group with neurofibromatosis type 1 demonstrated decreased proficiency in earlier target trials and had more difficulty in remembering target location. This study demonstrates the potential utility of a novel virtual task to assess spatial learning deficits in children with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Factors Associated With E-mail and Internet Use for Health Information and Communications Among Australians and New Zealanders
Authors: Gauld Robin
Published: February 2010

Research into the use of e-mail and the Internet for health information and communications has predominantly hailed from North America and European Union countries. By drawing on an Australian and New Zealand survey sample (n = 406) of health Internet users, this article expands the field. It explores factors associated with a series of e-mail and Internet use behaviors including use of e-mail to communicate with doctors, presenting Internet information to doctors, perceptions of Internet information reliability, and checking of web site credentials. Regression results reveal a digital divide within the Internet using population; that those who e-mail doctors believe this improves communications; that more frequent Internet searchers had higher odds of finding information not previously provided by their doctor, and of taking Internet information to their doctor; that those expressing difficulty communicating with doctors had higher odds of believing Internet information to be more useful; and that older respondents were more likely to perceive Internet information to be reliable, yet less likely to check web site provider credentials. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Metabolization of nifurtimox and benznidazole in cellular fractions of rat mammary tissue
Authors: Bartel Laura Cecilia , Montalto de Mecca María , Rodríguez de Castro Carmen , Bietto Florencia Matilde , Castro José Alberto
Published: February 2010

Two nitroheterocyclic drugs, nifurtimox (NFX) and benznidazole (BZ), used in the treatment of Chagas’ disease have serious side effects attributed to their nitroreduction to reactive metabolites. Here, we report that these drugs reach the mammary tissue and there they could undergo in situ bioactivation. Both were detected in mammary tissue from female Sprague-Dawley rats after their intragastric administration. Only NFX was biotransformed by pure xanthine-oxidoreductase and from tissue cytosol. These activities were purine dependent and were inhibited by allopurinol. Also, only NFX was biotransformed by microsomes in the presence of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH), and was inhibited by carbon monoxide and partially by diphenyleneiodonium. NFX treatment produced significant decrease in protein sulfhydryl content after 1, 3 and 6 hours; no increases in protein carbonyl content at any time tested and significantly higher levels of lipid hydroperoxides at 3 and 6 hours; besides, ultrastructural observations after 24 hours showed significant differences in epithelial cells compared to control. These findings indicate that NFX might be more deleterious to mammary tissue than BZ and could correlate with early reports on its ability to promote rat mammary tissue toxicity.
Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin M. Jashim
Published: February 2010

Bangladesh has both external and internal security concerns. As far as internal security is concerned, the list is of some length. It appears that the security sector, especially the police, has not been accountable, transparent and efficient in Bangladesh. Adequate and coherent measures for a holistic reform in the security sector have not been evident in Bangladesh. Moreover, there remains a lack of coordination and accountability even in the reforms undertaken. The effectiveness of any measures taken is further compromised by rampant corruption and bureaucratic lethargy. It is in this context that this article will aim to examine the functionality of the security sector in Bangladesh and the role of oversight mechanisms in making it more accountable to the people. The article will also discuss the key obstacles to reform in the security sector in Bangladesh.
Leading Ahead, Yet Far Behind
Authors: Joseph A. Mallika
Published: February 2010

In India, there is no comprehensive single security sector reform (SSR) process underway. However, reforms are ongoing in almost all key security sectors. These reforms are self-driven, born at times out of internal analysis, at other times out of domestic pressure resulting from glaring, high-publicity non-performance. The reforms have generally been a reactive process and piecemeal in nature, rather than resulting from long-term strategic planning and needs assessment. Most, if not all, of the security and defence-related reform process has its roots in developments after the nuclear tests of June 1998. Unless these reforms stem from a national strategic planning process, the full benefits of the reforms will be lost.
Security Sector Reforms in Pakistan
Authors: Malik Salma
Published: February 2010

Over the last 60 years, Pakistan has witnessed recurrent political upheavals and security threats that have undermined any attempt in building strong democratic institutions. This is true also of the security sector and governance agencies that are perhaps facing their biggest internal and external security challenge since 2007. The stresses on Pakistan’s security sector to protect the country’s borders, its people and the nuclear arsenal are unprecedented. In the light of such problems, the article examines the efforts to build various institutions for addressing the country’s security challenges as well as the reforms that have been undertaken to strengthen these institutions. The article concludes by recommending certain necessary steps required to establish a holistic security sector in order to safeguard its national interests.
Financial Wealth
Authors: Loser Claudio M. , Arnold Drew
Published: February 2010

Financial wealth over the last decades has become the clearest sign of economic advancement and well-being. The collapse of financial markets in the last 2 years has been a cataclysmic event. The loss of financial wealth has been enormous, and the consequences for the economies of the world are commensurate. The loss of capital value of financial assets worldwide may have reached US$50 trillion in 2008, the equivalent of 1 year of world gross domestic product or about one-quarter of total financial wealth before the crisis. While there has been some recovery so far in 2009, conditions under which financial markets have been operated for a few decades are unlikely to be replicated soon. The generation of wealth witnessed in recent years may come back, but in a much more sedate and controlled financial system, and subject to stricter rules. The impact of the current crisis has affected all regions of the world, showing that the decoupling theory that had been prevalent during earlier years was misplaced. There were particularly large declines in the case of Developing Asia and the European Union. This is explained by the impact of the decline in stock market values by almost one-half, and the reduction in the values of financial assets and higher spreads on debts. The decline had a direct effect on the performance of economies worldwide, with the decline in activity observed in 2009 of about 3 percent a year consistent with the loss of wealth described here. The implications of the loss of wealth, even if partially reversed, for the future are complex. It has been absolutely essential for governments to continue supporting demand, in the face of the existing collapse of private demand. However, the injection of liquidity and the rapid increase in government debt has a limit, to avoid a negative reaction by the public. Otherwise, the loss of wealth already experienced may be combined with increased inflation and a loss of confidence in public debt instruments that would aggravate rather than correct the existing level of economic distress.
The Crisis in the U.S. and the Future of East Asian Production Sharing
Authors: Chen Lurong , Lombaerde Philippe De
Published: February 2010

The East Asian economic zone is well known for its highly integrated manufacturing system that was initialized and is driven by the market mechanism. As participants in a common production sharing network, East Asian economies are highly interdependent. Externally, advanced economies in the West make up the main target markets for exports from East Asia. Moreover, they provide capital to feed the investments required by regional growth.

This paper investigates the potential effects of the recent economic crisis on East Asian production sharing. It suggests that the high interdependency of the global economy has made it unlikely for East Asia to remain immune to the crisis. Indeed, the impacts of the crisis on the regional economy in the long run are likely to be more serious than those in the short term. The crisis could be a factor in accelerating the process of East Asian regional integration, especially in terms of financial integration.

Fundamentally, the weakness of the East Asian economy comes from its rather passive position in the global industry value chains. In order to improve its core competitiveness in the global market, East Asia needs to increase the technical and knowledge based contents of production sharing. Meanwhile, East Asian countries need to develop a mature social security system to buffer temporary unemployment. By boosting the intra-regional market and strengthening inter-regional cooperation with other emerging economies, East Asia could gradually turn the current production sharing network into a multi-oriented one, allowing the regional economy to be relatively less dependent on the West, and therefore less vulnerable to a crisis originating in the West. Last but not least, it is in the region’s best interests to support the multilateral trade negotiation system in order to secure free trade and capital movement globally.
Tax policy in the EU: between harmonisation and coordination?
Authors: Aujean Michel
Published: February 2010

In the EU, in which, due to the single market, the degree of economic integration is very high, taxation increasingly constitutes an obstacle to the development of cross-border economic activities. At the same time, Member States are finding it more and more difficult to protect their national tax bases in a manner compatible with EU law. While the harmonisation of VAT has progressed in line with the development of the single market, direct (corporate) taxation still lags behind. The weak institutional arrangements for decision making on direct tax matters certainly bear some responsibility for this situation and have led the European Commission, beyond the project of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, to consider new approaches based on the idea of tax coordination. A recent application of this approach to corporate exit taxes may point in the right direction.
Corporate income tax coordination in the European Union
Authors: Devereux Michael P. , Fuest Clemens
Published: February 2010

The globalisation of economic activity and the growing importance of multinational corporations have far-reaching consequences for national tax policies. Since 1995, the average corporate tax rate in the EU has fallen from 35% to 23%. In addition, differences and incompatibilities between the national systems of corporate income taxation distort investment, complicate the tax system and give rise to conflicts between taxpayers and tax authorities as well as between tax authorities of different countries. Given this, there is a widespread view that greater coordination of corporate taxation is required. Recently, the European Commission proposed introducing a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) in Europe. This article discusses the economic advantages and the drawbacks of the CCCTB concept.
The need for European coordination on the future of tax bases in a globalised world
Authors: Quintard Christophe
Published: February 2010

The current crisis further raises the need for proper tax coordination within the EU. Viewed from a trade union standpoint, the aim must be to ensure a level of tax revenue sufficient to maintain our social model. This requires taxation of all forms of income, putting an end to tax competition and introducing an exchange of information among states to ensure that all income is subject to taxation. This can be achieved by extension of the scope of the Savings Directive, which would, in turn, enable the European Commission to conclude ‘offensive’ tax agreements in the effort to wipe out tax evasion and tax havens. While harmonisation of the tax base is an essential step in the realm of corporation tax, this must of necessity be accompanied by the fixing of a minimum rate of taxation. The introduction — in the form of a European tax — of a tax on financial transactions should provide the EU with funds for economic and development initiatives.
Tax competition and coordination within the EU — the case of the EU-10
Authors: Pitti Zoltán , Sass Magdolna
Published: February 2010

The central and eastern European Member States that have joined the EU since 2004 (referred to as the EU-10 in this article) are often blamed for the intensification of EU tax competition. This article first presents the tax characteristics of these countries and the factors influencing their evolution: the heritage of the Socialist period, transition-related issues, certain conditions of EU accession and global developments. During the catch-up phase, lower taxes have been introduced to attract badly needed capital for investment. Secondly, the article briefly sets out the EU’s main tax problems. The fact that demand for state expenditure is growing while tax bases are shrinking is putting fiscal stress on the Member States. Increasing the efficiency of tax collection may mitigate this problem.
A Coupled Chemo-Elastoplastic-Damage Constitutive Model for Plain Concrete Subjected to High Temperature
Authors: Rongtao Li  , Xikui Li
Published: February 2010

A coupled elastoplastic-damage constitutive model taking into account chemo-induced elastoplastic-damage effects for the modeling of coupled chemo-thermo-hygro-mechanical behavior of concretes at high temperature is proposed in this article. A three-step operator split algorithm for the integration of the rate coupled constitutive equations is developed. Consistent tangent modulus matrices for coupled chemo-thermo-hygro-mechanical analysis are derived to preserve the quadratic rate of convergence of the global Newton iterative procedure. Numerical results demonstrate the validity of the presented algorithm and illustrate the capability of the proposed constitutive model in reproducing coupled chemo-thermo-hygro-mechanical behavior in concretes subjected to fire and thermal radiation.
Gossip in Organizations: Contexts, Consequences, and Controversies
Authors: Michelson Grant , van Iterson Ad , Waddington Kathryn
Published: February 2010

This article examines the key themes surrounding gossip including its contexts, the various outcomes (positive and negative) of gossip, as well as a selection of challenges and controversies. The challenges that are highlighted revolve around definitional issues, methodological approaches, and ethical considerations. The authors’ analysis suggests that the characteristics and features of gossip lend itself to a process-oriented approach whereby the beginning and, particularly, end points of gossip are not always easily identified. Gossip about a subject or person can temporarily disappear only for it to resurface at some later stage. In addition, questions pertaining to the effects of gossip and ethical-based arguments depend on the nature of the relationships within the gossip triad (gossiper, listener/respondent, and target).
Experiencing Gossip: The Foundations for a Theory of Embedded Organizational Gossip
Authors: Mills Colleen
Published: February 2010

This article presents findings on the nature and operation of gossip that emerged from an empirical study of organizational communication during a chief executive officer (CEO) succession process. By studying gossip within the context of a broader study of change-related communication, new insights were gained that extend, and in some respects challenge, commonly accepted views of the nature of gossip. The findings suggest gossip is experienced as coupled to or embedded in the other forms of change communication employees encountered across the CEO succession process. Gossip appears to be experienced as an integral part of sensemaking and social exchange and not as a phenomenon that can be fully understood in isolation to the formal and other types of informal communication that contribute to these processes. These findings provide the foundations for a theory of embedded organizational gossip that is offered here as a framework for further empirical study.
Beyond apathetic or activist youth
Authors: Harris Anita , Wyn Johanna , Younes Salem
Published: February 2010

This article addresses the changing nature of participation for young people. Our analysis is framed by the fragmentation of traditional institutions and the increasingly unpredictable nature of life trajectories. As a result, the identification of a crisis in young people’s engagement has become a recurrent theme in the literature, alongside a burgeoning interest in new forms of (sub)cultural participatory practices. We argue that there is further complexity in the reshaping of participation in times of social change, especially for a broad ‘mainstream’ of young people who are neither deeply apathetic about politics nor unconventionally engaged. Drawing on a research project with 970 young Australians, the article suggests that many young people are disenchanted with political structures that are unresponsive to their needs and interests, but that they remain interested in social and political issues and continue to seek recognition from the political system. At the same time, their participatory practices are not oriented towards spectacular antistate activism or cultural politics but take the form of informal, individualized and everyday activities.
Everyday youth participation? Contrasting views from Australian policymakers and young people
Authors: Vromen Ariadne , Collin Philippa
Published: February 2010

Youth participation, as a form of consultation within policymaking processes in Australia, has been largely critiqued for its reliance on formal participation mechanisms that are rarely inclusive or representative of a range of young people’s experiences. This article shows that policymakers who are critical of formal methods of youth participation can identify contemporary effective practice and believe initiatives ought to be youth-led, purposeful, provide feedback and be creative and fun. Thus, there is a new awareness by policymakers of the effectiveness of integrating young people’s everyday perspectives into participation. Similarly, it was found that participation and active involvement in decision making was meaningful for young people when it was youth-led, fun and informal, and based on relevant, everyday issues rather than complex policy processes. So why has youth participation remained static and focused mainly on new formal initiatives? To examine this contrast in views and practices, the article presents findings from four discussion groups convened with senior government and community policymakers and a qualitative examination of both marginalized young people’s understanding of youth participation mechanisms and their capacity to influence policymaking that affected their everyday lives.
Low level of systemic autoimmunity in Western Australian multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Wei Qiu  , Bundell Christine , Wu Jing-Shan , Castley Alison , James Ian , Hollingsworth Peter , Christiansen Frank , Carroll William M , Mastaglia Frank L , Kermode Allan G
Published: February 2010

Previous autoantibody (AAb) studies in multiple sclerosis MS have produced conflicting results. The objective of this study was to determine AAb frequency and association with the HLA-DRB1 genotype. Antinuclear antibody, antithyroid peroxidase and anti-aquaporin-4 assays and HLA-DRB1 genotyping were performed in 198 MS patients and 188 controls. There were no significant differences in AAb frequency or titres between MS and control subjects. AQP4-IgG was not found in any MS patients. There was no correlation between AAbs and HLA-DRB1 alleles. In conclusion, this study failed to confirm previous reports of increased AAbs in MS or to show an association between HLA-DRB1 genotype and the presence of AAbs.
The association between California Verbal Learning Test performance and fibre impairment in multiple sclerosis: evidence from diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Fink Frauke , Eling Paul , Rischkau Eva , Beyer Nicole , Tomandl Bernd , Klein Jan , Hildebrandt Helmut
Published: February 2010

The California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) is recognized as a standard clinical tool for assessing episodic memory difficulties in multiple sclerosis (MS), but its neural correlates have not yet been examined in detail in this patient population. We combined neuropsychological examination and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis in a group of MS patients ( N = 50) and demographically matched healthy participants ( N = 20). We investigated the degree of impairment of the uncinate fascicle (UF), the superior longitudinal fascicle (SLF), the fornix (FX) and the cingulum (CG). The patients were impaired on all CVLT parameters and the DTI parameters correlated moderately with disease-related variables. Regression analyses in the complete study sample showed that CVLT learning scores correlated with impairment of the right UF. This association reached marginal significance in the patient sample. In contrast to other studies claiming retrieval deficits, our results suggest that encoding and consolidation deficits may play a major role in verbal memory impairments in MS. The findings also provide evidence for an association between degree of myelination of prefrontal fibre pathways and encoding efficiency. Finally, DTI-derived measurements appear to reflect disease progression in MS. The results are discussed in light of functional MRI studies investigating compensatory brain activity during cognitive processing in MS.
Validity of patient-derived disability and clinical data in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ingram G. , Colley E. , Ben-Shlomo Y. , Cossburn M. , Hirst CL , Pickersgill TP , Robertson NP
Published: February 2010

Patient-derived historical data are widely employed to make fundamental management decisions in multiple sclerosis, although the validity of the information provided is unclear. The objectives of this study were to determine validity of patient-derived historical data and to describe the utility of a locally relevant, patient-administered questionnaire designed to ascertain current disability and other important disease milestones. A well-described cohort of 99 patients was identified for whom comparable, detailed, prospective longitudinal clinician-derived data were available. Patient-derived data were collected by completion of a standardized questionnaire or telephone interview for comparison. Reliability analysis for current Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) demonstrated an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.79 between questionnaire and clinician-derived data in 79 patients, with complete agreement in 75.9%. Intraclass correlation coefficient for year of disease onset, diagnosis and onset of secondary progression was 0.86, 0.91 and 0.78, respectively. Time to EDSS >4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 all had an intraclass correlation coefficient of >0.9. Less robust agreement was observed for current disease course (Kappa coefficient 0.71), initial relapse rate (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.37) and clinical features at disease onset (Kappa 0.25). We conclude that self-reported questionnaires can provide reliable current and retrospective data on time-to-disability milestones with high levels of correlation observed for some additional elements, supporting the use of selected components of patient-derived data in clinical practice and for epidemiological studies.
Pharmacokinetic study of lipoic acid in multiple sclerosis: comparing mice and human pharmacokinetic parameters
Authors: Yadav Vijayshree , Marracci Gail H , Munar Myrna Y , Cherala Ganesh , Stuber Lauren E , Alvarez Lilia , Shinto Lynne , Koop Dennis R , Bourdette Dennis N
Published: February 2010

Lipoic acid is a natural anti-oxidant available as an oral supplement from a number of different manufacturers. Lipoic acid administered subcutaneously is an effective therapy for murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model of multiple sclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare serum lipoic acid levels with oral dosing in patients with multiple sclerosis with serum levels in mice receiving subcutaneous doses of lipoic acid.

We performed serum pharmacokinetic studies in patients with multiple sclerosis after a single oral dose of 1200 mg lipoic acid. Patients received one of the three different racemic formulations randomly: tablet (Formulation A) and capsules (Formulations B and C). Mice pharmacokinetic studies were performed with three different subcutaneous doses (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg racemic lipoic acid). The pharmacokinetic parameters included Maximum Serum Concentrations (Cmax in μg/ml) and area under the curve 0—infinity (AUC 0—infinity in μg*min/ml). We found mean Cmax and AUC 0—infinity in patients with multiple sclerosis as follows: group A ( N = 7) 3.8 ± 2.6 and 443.1 ± 283.9; group B ( N = 8) 9.9 ± 4.5 and 745.2 ± 308.7 and group C ( N = 8) 10.3 ± 3.8 and 848.8 ± 360.5, respectively. Mean Cmax and AUC 0—infinity in the mice were: 100 mg/kg lipoic acid: 30.9 ± 2.9 and 998 ± 245; 50 mg/kg lipoic acid: 7.6 ± 1.4 and 223 ± 20; 20 mg/kg lipoic acid: 2.7 ± 0.7 and 119 ± 33. We conclude that patients taking 1200 mg of lipoic acid from two of the three oral formulations achieved serum Cmax and AUC levels comparable to that observed in mice receiving 50 mg/kg subcutaneous dose of lipoic acid, which is a highly therapeutic dose in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. A dose of 1200 mg oral lipoic acid can achieve therapeutic serum levels in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Unemployment, Partisan Issue Ownership, and Vote Switching
Authors: Hyeok Yong Kwon
Published: February 2010

How do voters respond to individual worries about the employment situation in elections? This paper examines the effect of issue salience of the employment situation on voter choice. Drawing theoretical insights from the partisan salience of issue voting theories, I argue that voters who previously supported parties on the right are likely to change their political allegiance to support a center-left party when they think the employment issue is one of the most salient issues in the election. Furthermore, I argue that middle income voters are more likely to respond to an increasing salience of the employment issue than other groups are. These theoretical arguments are tested against the post-crisis 2002 Korean presidential election survey data. The empirical evidence from the Korean case suggests that structural reforms of the economy and neoliberal economic policies can evoke particular voting patterns in the voters.
Teachers' assessment knowledge and their perceptions of the impact of classroom assessment professional development
Authors: Mertler Craig A.
Published: February 2010

Assessing student performance is one of the most critical aspects of the job of a classroom teacher; however, many teachers in the United States do not feel adequately prepared to assess their students' performance. These feelings of inadequacy are exemplified when placed against the context of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, especially with its increased focus on accountability and assessment. This study examined the effectiveness of a two-week classroom assessment workshop for inservice teachers. The workshop was based on the Standards for Teacher Competence in the Educational Assessment of Students and focused on discussion, practice, and practical application through performance assessment tasks. The study utilized a parallel mixed-methods design. Teachers were pre-tested and post-tested using the Assessment Literacy Inventory. Additionally, teachers kept daily reflective journals in order to document their experiences. The training was shown to be highly effective for the teachers, as evidenced through the dramatic increase in post-test scores over pre-test scores, and perhaps even more so through critical examination of their reflective journals.
A different type of success: teaching important life skills through project based learning
Authors: Wurdinger Scott , Rudolph Jennifer
Published: February 2010

US high schools appear to measure success according to the number of students admitted into four-year institutions each year. Although this is one measure, there are some schools that focus on developing important life skills needed to become productive members of society. Online surveys were sent out to alumni, students, teachers, and parents to a student-centered charter school in Minnesota to explore definitions of success and determine if this school teaches life skills. One hundred and forty-seven surveys were collected from these four groups. Life skills such as creativity (94%) and ability to find information (92%) were ranked much higher than academic skills such as test taking (33%) and note taking (39%). Academic skills ranked low, yet 50 percent of the alumni polled graduated from college, which is considerably higher than the national average (39%). To further enhance the learning at project based learning schools, educators should provide opportunities for students to practice academic skills such as note taking and test taking so that students who plan to attend college will be better prepared. The research in this study showed that this school is excellent at teaching important life skills that help students succeed in college, and in life in general.
Therapeutic Effects of HESA-A in Patients With End-Stage Metastatic Cancers
Authors: Ahmadi Amrollah , Mohagheghi Mohammadali , Karimi Mehrdad , Golestanha Seyed Ali , Naseri Mohsen , Faghihzadeh Soghrat , Habibi Gholamreza
Published: February 2010

Background: After cardiovascular disease, cancer is the most common cause of death. HESA-A is a natural product of herbal and marine origin. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of HESA-A in patients with end-stage metastatic cancers. Methods: In this clinical trial, 30 consecutive patients (18 men, 12 women) with end-stage cancers and liver metastasis at the Cancer Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences were studied. Patients received HESA-A 50 mg/kg/d orally in 2 to 3 divided doses for 3 months. At the start and end of the 1st, 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks of the study, the patients were assessed and hematological and hepatic biochemical indices were measured. Also, the Karnofsky Performance Scale questionnaire was completed for each patient. Results: The mean age of patients was 56.23 ± 12.10 years. Mean Karnofsky Performance Scale scores of the patients increased from 48 ± 14.36 to 78.42 ± 15.37 after 12 weeks of treatment. A total of 90.4% of the patients who remained in the study were alive for 12 weeks. No significant hepatic or hematologic adverse effect was seen during the study. Conclusion: HESA-A appears to be an effective and safe anticancer compound that may increase survival of end-stage patients and can be used in selected cases. Further prospective controlled clinical trials with large sample size and longer follow-up period are warranted to understand the mechanisms of action of HESA-A and evaluate its long-term effects on the survival and quality of life of patients with cancer and as well as its unfavorable side effects.