bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rethinking the Politics of Fit and Educational Leadership
Authors: Tooms Autumn K. , Lugg Catherine A. , Bogotch Ira
Published: December 2009

This theoretical analysis employs a poststructuralist lens to reveal the constructs behind the word fit, an oft used descriptor integral to the discourse of school hiring practices, personnel decisions, and politics. Although the term is a part of the everyday culture of school politics, it is rarely considered with any depth. Using the metaphor of a mechanical watch, the authors explain how two theories and a sociopolitical concept (identity theory, social constructionism, and hegemony) conflate the role and responsibilities of leadership with the frameworks of one’s identity. Thus, fit is used to perpetuate hegemony and the social construction of what a school leader is. The authors cite empirical examples of how some leaders negotiate their fit and how some leaders are able to transcend the boundaries of tolerance to recreate the definition of “the best fit for the job.” Finally, they outline the implications of the politics behind the word fit, along considerations for those who prepare school leaders, those who are serving as schools leaders, and those policy makers who govern school leaders.
Stability of Blood Biochemistry Levels in Animal Model Research: Effects of Storage Condition and Time
Authors: Peng Tai-Chu , Hsu Bang-Gee , Yang Fwu-Lin , Chao Yann Fen C. , Harn Horng-Jyh , Lee Ru-Ping
Published: December 2009

The purpose of this study was to compare whole blood and plasma in terms of the subsequent accuracy of blood lactate, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurement. Blood samples were drawn from 8 male Wistar-Kyoto rats. The rats were homologous, weighed 300— 380 g, were housed in the same environment, and were provided with food and water under the same conditions. Blood draws occurred in all rats at same time. The blood specimens were divided into two samples, one to be stored as whole blood (WBS) and one to be stored as plasma (PS). All the blood sample analyses were performed by trained and experienced personnel to ensure that differences in results were due to variation in form in which specimens were stored rather than to technique. The lactate concentration in the WBS group gradually increased over time, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.541, 95% confidence interval (CI; —0.197, 0.893), and was higher than that of the PS group, ICC = 0.897, 95% CI (0.733, 0.976). By contrast, glucose level gradually declined for the WBS group, ICC= —0.367, 95% CI (—2.563, 0.682). Whole blood storage increased measurement variation for lactate, glucose, LDH, and CPK. Plasma storage prolonged the stability of the biochemical components. This study demonstrates the importance of evaluating validity at each stage of developing and testing animal models.
A voxel-based morphometry study of disease severity correlates in relapsing— remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Prinster A. , Quarantelli M. , Lanzillo R. , Orefice G. , Vacca G. , Carotenuto B. , Alfano B. , Brunetti A. , Brescia Morra V. , Salvatore M.
Published: December 2009

Previous studies have shown a preferential loss of grey matter in fronto-temporal regions in patients with multiple sclerosis. Studies of correlates of disease severity are more controversial, because some studies have suggested an association between sensorimotor cortex atrophy and Expanded Disability Status Scale score, while others did not find such a correlation. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation of regional loss of grey matter and white matter with indexes of clinical and radiological severity in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis, including the Expanded Disability Status Scale and lesion load. Correlations between Expanded Disability Status Scale, lesion load and disease duration were assessed in 128 patients with relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (Expanded Disability Status Scale range 1.0—6.0) using optimized voxel-based morphometry. Bilateral loss of grey matter in sensorimotor cortices was correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale, and tissue loss also involved adjacent white matter, extending along pyramidal tracts to the brainstem. Increasing lesion load was correlated with loss of deep grey matter and white matter. No specific region of grey matter or white matter showed a significant correlation with disease duration. These findings support the hypothesis that motor neuron involvement plays a major role in the progression of physical disability. Lesion load accrual affects mainly highly interconnected subcortical structures, while disease duration has a less significant impact on brain atrophy, probably owing to the inter-subject heterogeneity of the clinical course of the disease.
Sleep disturbance and fatigue in mild relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients on chronic immunomodulant therapy: an actigraphic study
Authors: Mendozzi Laura , Tronci Federica , Garegnani Massimo , Pugnetti Luigi
Published: December 2009

Background: poor sleep is common in MS and it contributes to fatigue. The β interferons produce systemic effects which may not adapt and may induce fatigue.

Objective: to verify whether subjective poor sleep and fatigue during chronic therapy correspond to reduced sleep efficiency obtained by actigraphy at home.

Methods: 42 ambulatory relapsing remitting MS patients with mild disability were monitored for at least 7 nights. Habitual sleep quality and fatigue were assessed with the MOS sleep measure and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Sleep logs provided daily sleep quality assessments during actigraphy at home. Patients were grouped according to their current treatment: no therapy, glatiramer acetate, IFNβ 3 times a week, and IFNβ once a week.

Results and Conclusion: sleep efficiency was reduced by an average of 5% in 2/3 of the nights following IFNβ injections compared to the other nights, and daily sleep ratings correlated with actigraphy. Patients on glatiramer acetate also showed a lower sleep efficiency than patients without therapy. Actigraphy data were only modestly correlated with MOSsm scores, not with fatigue. Long term adaptation of sleep effects of immunomodulant agents is incomplete and needs to be considered in treatment planning and assessment of sleep in MS.
Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with decreased serum levels of high density lipoprotein, but not with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis
Authors: Jia En-Zhi , Zhao Fu-Jun , Hao Bo , Zhu Tie-Bing , Wang Lian-Sheng , Chen Bo , Cao Ke-Jiang , Huang Jun , Ma Wen-Zhu , Yang Zhi-Jian , Zhang Guoxin
Published: December 2009

Objective

The objective of this survey was to study the association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods

The study population consisted of 961 consecutive patients (711 males and 250 females) who underwent coronary angiography for suspected or known coronary atherosclerosis. The patients' body mass index, blood pressure, the blood lipid, blood glucose, leukocyte count (109/L), neutrophil count (109/L), and Helicobacter pylori-specific IgG antibodies were performed. Coronary angiograms were scored according to vessel score and Gensini's score.

Results

A significant association between H. pylori infection and coronary atherosclerosis as well as its severity was not find in this cross section study (p = 0.858). And, the level distribution of vessel score (p = 0.906) and Gensini's score (p = 0.905) were similar in the seropositivity group and seronegativity group of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, the level of fasting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mmol/L) (p = 0.013) was significantly lower in the seropositivity group than that in the seronegativity group of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Conclusions

In conclusion, in the present study, a significantly correlation between Helicobacter pylori seropositivity and angiographically evaluated severity of atherosclerosis was not find. And, the present study showed a good correlation between Helicobacter pylori infection and decreased HDL cholesterol. However, the exact mechanisms need further study.
Neural progenitor cells attenuate inflammatory reactivity and neuronal loss in an animal model of inflamed AD brain
Authors: Ryu Jae K , Cho Taesup , Wang Yu Tian , McLarnon James G
Published: December 2009

Background

Transplantation of neural progenitor cells (NPC) constitutes a putative therapeutic maneuver for use in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. At present, effects of NPC transplantation in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain are largely unknown and a primary objective of this work was to demonstrate possible efficacy of NPC administration in an animal model of AD. The benefits of transplantation could involve a spectrum of effects including replacement of endogenous neurons or by conferring neuroprotection with enhancement of neurotrophic factors or diminishing levels of neurotoxic agents. Since chronic inflammation is a characteristic property of AD brain, we considered that transplantation of NPC could have particular utility in inhibiting ongoing inflammatory reactivity. We have tested intrahippocampal transplantation of NPC for efficacy in attenuating inflammatory responses and for neuroprotection in beta-amyloid (Aβ1-42) peptide-injected rat hippocampus.

Methods

Spheres of neural progenitor cells were grown from dissociated telencephalon tissue of rat embryos. NPC were infected with lentiviral vector green fluorescent protein (GFP) with subsequent cell transplantation into rat hippocampus previously injected (3 d prior) with Aβ1-42 peptide or PBS control. Immunohistochemical analysis was carried out (7 d post-NPC transplantation, 10 d post-peptide/PBS injection) for GFP, microgliosis (Iba-1 marker), astrogliosis (GFAP marker), neuron viability (MAP-2 marker) and levels of the proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-α.

Results

Successful infection of cultured NPC with lentiviral vector green fluorescent protein (GFP) was demonstrated prior to cell transplantation into rat hippocampus. In vivo, immunohistochemical staining showed migration of GFP-positive cells, in a region of dentate gyrus between Aβ1-42/PBS injection site and NPC transplantation site, was increased ×2.8-fold with Aβ1-42 compared to PBS injection. Double immunostaining in peptide-injected brain indicated GFP association with nestin and GFAP, but not MAP-2. Cell-specific immunostaining showed marked increases in microgliosis and astrogliosis in Aβ1-42-injected brain (respective increases of ×4.3- and ×4.6-fold compared with PBS injection). NPC transplantation significantly reduced microgliosis (by 38%) but not astrogliosis in peptide-injected hippocampus. The proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α was elevated by 6.7-fold (peptide vs PBS injection) with NPC administration attenuating levels of TNF-α (by 40%). Peptide-injected brain demonstrated neuronal loss (MAP-2 staining reduced by 45% vs PBS injection) with NPC transplantation effective in conferring neuroprotection (26% recovery of neurons).

Conclusions

These findings indicate efficacy for NPC transplantation in an animal model of AD with effects consistent with cellular actions to attenuate inflammatory reactivity induced by intrahippocampal peptide injection.
New targets for the treatment of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Tageja Nishant , Padheye Subhash , Dandawate Prasad , Al-Katib Ayad , Mohammad Ramzi M
Published: December 2009

The last two decades have witnessed striking advances in our understanding of the biological factors underlying the development of Follicular lymphoma (FL). Development of newer treatment approaches have improved the outlook for many individuals with these disorders; however, with these advances come new questions. Given the long-term survival of patients with FL, drugs with favourable side-effect profile and minimal long-term risks are desired. FL is incurable with current treatment modalities. It often runs an indolent course with multiple relapses and progressively shorter intervals of remission. The identification of new targets and development of novel targeted therapies is imperative to exploit the biology of FL while inherently preventing relapse and prolonging survival. This review summarizes the growing body of knowledge regarding novel therapeutic targets, enabling the concept of individualized targeted therapy for the treatment of FL.
Macrophages from BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice differ in their cellular responses to Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Ripoll Vera M , Kadioglu Aras , Cox Roger , Hume David A , Denny Paul
Published: December 2009

BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice, which are resistant and susceptible respectively to pneumococcal infection exhibit key differences in macrophage expression of TLR9 and cytokine production.

In a mouse model of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, differences in the timing and vigor of the host inflammatory response have been associated with susceptibility to invasive disease. BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice are known to be resistant and susceptible to acute pneumococcal disease, respectively. In this study, we have demonstrated that BMM from BALB/c and CBA/Ca mice differ in their expression and regulation of TLR9 in response to S. pneumoniae. We have also shown that BMM from CBA/Ca mice failed to fully activate p38, NF-κB, and ERK 1/2 signaling pathways, resulting in reduced secretion of TNF-α and CCL5 in response to this pathogen. In addition, we have established that S. pneumoniae induced significant cell death in BMM from CBA/Ca mice. These findings indicate that variations between the two strains are likely to reflect differences in macrophage responses to the pathogen.
This issue of GEOPHYSICS
Authors: Wapenaar Kees
Published: December 2009

In this article, the Editor of Geophysics provides an overview of all technical articles in this issue of the journal.
Effect of gas cutting fluids on machinability of different materials
Authors: El-Hossainy T M
Published: December 2009

Using a gas as cutting fluid is a new solution for enhancing machinability. Traditional methods such as wet cutting have some drawbacks such as high cost, pollution, and unsatisfactory product quality. The present research is concerned with studying the effect of applying different gases (N2, O2, and CO2) on cutting forces and product quality under different cutting conditions for different workpiece materials. Two groups of experiments were planned. The first was performed using different gas flowrates to study the effect of flowrate on cutting forces and surface roughness. The second group was performed using different cutting conditions and workpiece materials. Empirical equations and a correlation for the behaviour of each of the output responses were investigated as a function of the independent variables when applying each gas. Results showed that better product surface finish and lower cutting forces could be achieved by using gas cutting fluids compared with dry cutting. Also, machinability improved when the gas flowrate increased.
Modelling and system identification of a stiff stay wire fence machine
Authors: Hann C E , Aitchison D , Kirk D , Brouwers E
Published: December 2009

The present paper investigates a severe gear backlash problem encountered in a stiff stay machine that is capable of producing a 26-line fence up to 2.6 m in height at a speed of 80 stays/min. Related problems in the literature typically concentrate on the effect of gear backlash on the ability to control a shaft. However, in this case, very good control of the reference speed of the shaft was maintained in spite of the gear backlash. The problem was that the commanded torques were excessively large and threatened to damage the gearbox. This problem motivated a complete analysis of the system's dynamics including the development of a model to better understand the response and allow the identification of external loads on the system. It was found that the method of sensing the shaft position (resolvers) was a major factor as well as the upgrading of the motor, which was over-responding to disturbances in the shaft. The model was validated using several torque limiting experiments and gave accurate prediction of the machine's major dynamics. The simulation tool developed provides the basis to predict the effect of different loads, wire types, and/or motors on the machine for future designs, minimizing the amount of experimentation on the machine.
Vehicle stability enhancement — an adaptive optimal approach to the distribution of tyre forces
Authors: Naraghi M , Roshanbin A , Tavasoli A
Published: December 2009

In this paper, vehicle stability enhancement, based on the integrated vehicle control notion, is presented. A new method for adaptive optimal distribution of braking and lateral tyre forces is employed. The control inputs considered are the individual wheel steering and braking for each wheel. Since a unique set of tyre forces satisfying control objectives cannot be easily determined, an adaptive optimization problem subjected to two equality and four inequality constraints has been solved to achieve an optimal solution. A proper adaptation mechanism is suggested to minimize the negative effects of direct yaw moment control, such as the undesirable decrease in the total speed of the vehicle. The effectiveness of the proposed vehicle stability enhancement system, especially online balancing of tyre forces in an optimal form with and without an adaptation mechanism, is demonstrated through digital simulations. A comprehensive non-linear vehicle dynamics model is utilized for simulation purposes. The results indicate that the proposed control system can effectively utilize the tyres' frictional forces and significantly improve the vehicle stability and handling performances.
Influence of pad and runner mechanical deformations on the performance of a hydrodynamic fixed geometry thrust bearing
Authors: Ahmed S A , Fillon M , Maspeyrot P
Published: December 2009

The aim of the present work is to study the effects of the bearing element mechanical displacements on the performance of a hydrodynamic fixed geometry thrust bearing. The thermoelastohydrodynamic study, which takes into account the local thermal effects and mechanical deformations of the collar and pads, is carried out on a hydrodynamic fixed geometry thrust bearing having eight pads. The influence of the runner thickness and the operating conditions (applied load and rotational speed) on the various characteristics of the thrust bearing is analysed. The runner thickness was found to have a very significant influence on the film thickness and the pressure field.
A mixed lubrication model incorporating measured surface topography. Part 1: Theory of flow factors
Authors: Sahlin F , Larsson R , Almqvist A , Lugt P M , Marklund P
Published: December 2009

A mixed lubrication model that permits real three-dimensional surface topography as input is developed. The theory of computing flow factors within the model is presented, and with a following paper (Part 2) the method of measuring and adapting the surface roughness, and model validation through flow measurements and application to a bearing is shown. A contact mechanics model is used to calculate the elastoplastic displacement of a periodic topography signal. A method based on homogenization is used to calculate flow factors for all lubrication regimes. The flow factors are compared with the Patir and Cheng method. Results indicate that the two methods compare well for longitudinal roughness lay, but differ significantly for a cross-patterned surface roughness due to the more complete flow description of the current model.
Effects of recess shapes on pneumatic hammering in aerostatic bearings
Authors: Ye Y X , Chen X D , Hu Y T , Luo X
Published: December 2009

In this article, an experimental study is conducted to exploit the effects of recess shapes on the phenomenon of pneumatic hammering in aerostatic bearings. Tests are carried out on gas bearings with four different recess shapes, i.e. spherical, rectangular, recessless, and rhombic, respectively. The test results illustrate that pneumatic hammering is related to the natural characteristic of aerostatic bearings, and the vibration status of the pneumatic hammer in aerostatic bearings is deeply affected by recess shape. Further, it is shown that recess shape produces a significant influence on the stable region where pneumatic hammering does not occur in aerostatic bearings.
Analysis of thermal effects in capillary compensated hole-entry hybrid journal bearings lubricated with a non-Newtonian lubricant
Authors: Garg H C , Kumar V
Published: December 2009

The present work describes the performance characteristics of the capillary compensated symmetric and asymmetric hole-entry hybrid journal bearing systems considering the combined influence of the temperature rise and the non-Newtonian behaviour of the lubricant. The required governing equations have been solved using the finite-element method and a suitable iterative technique. The non-Newtonian lubricant has been assumed to follow the cubic shear stress law. The thermohydrostatic rheological performance of symmetric and asymmetric hole-entry hybrid journal bearing configurations is studied. The computed results show that the variation of viscosity due to the temperature rise and the non-Newtonian behaviour of the lubricant affects the performance of the hole-entry hybrid journal bearing system quite significantly.
Bending and buckling of a generally laminated composite beam-column
Authors: Chai G B , Yap C W , Lim T M
Published: December 2009

This article reports the structural responses of generally laminated composite columns subjected to uni-axial compression and transverse load. Closed-form expressions were developed and are presented in this contribution to analyse buckling and bending responses of generally laminated composite beams with various boundary supports. The expressions were developed using a combination of the Euler—Bernoulli beam and the classical lamination theory. In addition, the results of a complementary experimental study are presented and are used to validate the analytical models. The comparison of the analytical results with the experimental results shows good correlation in general. Some interesting preliminary results obtained in the analysis of the beam-column are also presented, noted, and discussed.
The Changing Consequences of Attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Fryer Roland G. , Greenstone Michael
Published: December 2009

Using nationally representative data files from 1970s and 1990s college attendees, we find that in the 1970s matriculation at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) was associated with higher wages and an increased probability of graduation, relative to attending a traditionally white institution. By the 1990s, there is a wage penalty resulting in a 20 percent decline in the relative wages of HBCU graduates between the two decades. There is modest support for the possibility that the relative decline in wages associated with HBCU matriculation is partially due to improvements in TWIs' effectiveness at educating blacks. (JEL I23, J15, J24, J31)
Present-Biased Preferences and Credit Card Borrowing
Authors: Meier Stephan , Sprenger Charles
Published: December 2009

Some individuals borrow extensively on their credit cards. This paper tests whether present-biased time preferences correlate with credit card borrowing. In a field study, we elicit individual time preferences with incentivized choice experiments, and match resulting time preference measures to individual credit reports and annual tax returns. The results indicate that present-biased individuals are more likely to have credit card debt, and to have significantly higher amounts of credit card debt, controlling for disposable income, other socio-demographics, and credit constraints. (JEL D12, D14, D91)
Externalities in the Classroom: How Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Affect Everyone's Kids
Authors: Carrell Scott E. , Hoekstra Mark L.
Published: December 2009

There is a widespread perception that externalities from troubled children are significant, though measuring them is difficult due to data and methodological limitations. We estimate the negative spillovers caused by children from troubled families by exploiting a unique dataset in which children's school records are matched to domestic violence cases. We find that children from troubled families significantly decrease the reading and math test scores of their peers and increase misbehavior in the classroom. The achievement spillovers are robust to within-family differences and when controlling for school-by-year effects, providing strong evidence that neither selection nor common shocks are driving the results. (JEL D62, I21, J12, J13, K42)
A Theory of Military Dictatorships
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Ticchi Davide , Vindigni Andrea
Published: December 2009

We investigate how nondemocratic regimes use the military and how this can lead to the emergence of military dictatorships. The elite may build a strong military and make the concessions necessary for the military to behave as their perfect agent, or they may risk the military turning against them. Once the transition to democracy takes place, a strong military poses a threat against the nascent democratic regime until it is reformed. We study the role of income inequality and natural resources in the emergence of military dictatorships and show how the national defense role of the military may facilitate democratic consolidation. (JEL D72, H56)
Firm Heterogeneity and the Long-run Effects of Dividend Tax Reform
Authors: Gourio François , Miao Jianjun
Published: December 2009

To study the long-run effect of dividend taxation on aggregate capital accumulation, we build a dynamic general equilibrium model in which there is a continuum of firms subject to idiosyncratic productivity shocks. We find that a dividend tax cut raises aggregate productivity by reducing the frictions in the reallocation of capital across firms. Our baseline model simulations show that when both dividend and capital gains tax rates are cut from 25 and 20 percent, respectively, to the same 15 percent level permanently, the aggregate long-run capital stock increases by about 4 percent. (JEL D21, E22, E62, G32, G35, H25, H32)
Why Does Misallocation Persist?
Authors: Banerjee Abhijit V. , Moll Benjamin
Published: December 2009

Recent papers argue that the misallocation of resources can explain large cross-country TFP differences. This argument is underpinned by empirical evidence documenting substantial dispersion in the marginal products of resources, particularly capital, in developing countries. But why does misallocation persists? That is, why don't distortions disappear on their own? This is particularly true for capital misallocation, a point we illustrate in a simple model of capital accumulation with credit constraints. We distinguish between misallocation on the intensive and the extensive margin, and show that the former should disappear asymptotically under general conditions, while the latter may persist. We conclude by discussing possible theories of persistent misallocation. (JEL D24, E22, G31, G32, L26)
The TIPS Yield Curve and Inflation Compensation
Authors: Gürkaynak Refet S. , Sack Brian , Wright Jonathan H.
Published: December 2009

For over ten years, the Treasury has issued index-linked debt. This paper describes the methodology for fitting a smoothed yield curve to these securities that is used at the Federal Reserve Board every day, and makes the estimates public. Comparison with the corresponding nominal yield curve allows measures of inflation compensation to be computed. We discuss the interpretation of inflation compensation, and provide evidence that it is not a pure measure of inflation expectations being distorted by inflation risk premium and liquidity premium components. We attempt to estimate the TIPS liquidity premium and to extract underlying inflation expectations. (JEL E31, E43, H63)
Causal links between binge drinking patterns, unsafe sex and HIV in South Africa: its time to intervene
Authors: Chersich M F , Rees H V
Published: December 2009

South Africa has a massive burden of HIV and alcohol disease, and these pandemics are inextricably linked. Much evidence indicates that alcohol independently influences decisions around sex, and undermines skills for condom negotiation and correct use. Thus, not surprisingly, people with problem drinking in Africa have twofold higher risk for HIV than non-drinkers. Also, sexual violence incidents often coincide with heavy alcohol use, both among perpetrators and victims. Reducing alcohol harms necessitates both population- and individual-level interventions, especially raised taxation, regulation of alcohol advertising and provision of Brief Interventions. Alcohol counselling interventions must include discussion of linkages between alcohol and sex, and consequences thereof. Within positive-prevention services, alcohol reduction interventions could diminish HIV transmission. A trial is needed to definitively demonstrate that reduced drinking lowers HIV incidence. However, given available evidence, implementation of effective interventions could alleviate much alcohol-attributable disease, including unsafe sex, sexual violence, unintended pregnancy and, likely, HIV transmission.
The first Charles Darwin (1758–78)
Authors: Harris Stuart
Published: December 2009

The paper places the first Charles Darwin in his family context: the eldest son of Dr Erasmus Darwin and Mary Howard. Mention is made of Charles's upbringing and education, with illustrative material taken from his father's writings and from Anna Seward's Memoirs of the Life of Dr Darwin (1804). The part played by Dr Andrew Duncan of the Edinburgh Medical School is established. The award to Charles in March 1778 of the first medal by the Aesculapian Society of Edinburgh is described. The involvement of Dr William Cullen and Dr Joseph Black in the treatment of Charles's fatal infection is evidenced from Erasmus' letters. Attention is given to ‘An Elegy on the much-lamented death of a most ingenious young gentleman who lately died in the College at Edinburgh where he was a student’ which was written jointly by Duncan and Erasmus in 1778. The Elegy's curious publishing history will be glanced at. The paper concludes with a statement of Charles's great promise as a medical student and of Erasmus' efforts to ensure that his son's achievements were memorialised.
Evaluation of Inpatient Admissions and Potential Antimicrobial and Analgesic Dosing Errors in Overweight Children
Authors: Miller Jamie L , Johnson Peter N , Harrison Donald L , Hagemann Tracy M
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of overweight/obesity in US children has increased over the past several decades. Routine use of weight-based dosing of medications could potentially result in over- or underdosing in these children.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the percentage of admissions of children with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to the 85th percentile for age and sex and the mean error rate per admission in the overweight versus control group.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, preliminary study of children aged 5–12 years who were admitted to a children's hospital over a period of 6 months. The overweight group included children with a BMI greater than or equal to the 85th percentile; the control group included children with a BMI less than the 85th percentile. Dose appropriateness was assessed, using 2 references. An overdose was defined as: (1) total mg/kg/day or mg/kg/dose greater than or equal to 110% of the maximum recommended pediatric dose, (2) total mg/day greater than the adult maximum recommended dose, or (3) greater than the recommended number of doses per day. An underdose was defined as: (1) total mg/kg/day or mg/kg/dose less than or equal to 90% of the minimum recommended pediatric dose, or (2) fewer than the recommended number of doses per day. Baseline comparisons between groups were done via Student's t-tests and χ2 analysis, when appropriate, with an a priori α of p less than or equal to 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 839 admissions representing 699 patients were included. The overweight group included 278 (33.1%) admissions. Comparison of overall mean error rate per admission revealed a statistically significant increase in dosing errors for overweight patients (0.4 ± 0.6 vs 0.3 ± 0.6; p = 0.030), with underdose errors occurring more frequently than overdose errors (0.3 ± 0.6 vs 0.2 ± 0.5; p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight children accounted for one-third of admissions, and the results of this study suggest that these patients are at greater risk for errors in dosing than are children of age- and sex-appropriate weight. This study did not assess clinical outcomes; however, overweight children could be at increased risk for therapeutic failures or adverse effects.
The impact of methylmercury on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-induced transcriptomic responses in dolphin skin cells
Authors: Ellis Blake C. , Gattoni-Celli Sebastiano , Kindy Mark S.
Published: December 2009

The Atlantic bottlenose dolphin has been the focus of much attention owing to the considerable impact of environmental stress on its health and the associated implications for human health. Here, we used skin cells from the dolphin to investigate the protective role of the vitamin D pathway against environmental stressors. We previously reported that dolphin skin cells respond to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), the bioactive metabolite of vitamin D3, by upregulation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and expression of several genes. Methylmercury is a highly bioaccumulative environmental stressor of relevance to the dolphin. We currently report that in dolphin cells sublethal concentrations of methylmercury compromise the ability of 1,25D3 to upregulate VDR, to transactivate a vitamin D-sensitive promoter, and to express specific target genes. These results help elucidate the effects of vitamin D and methylmercury on innate immunity in dolphin skin and potentially in human skin as well, considering similarities in the vitamin D pathway between the two species.
Antibacterial activity of radical scavengers against class Ib ribonucleotide reductase fromBacillus anthracis
Authors: Torrents Eduard , Sjöberg Britt-Marie
Published: December 2009

Bacillus anthracisis a severe mammalian pathogen. The deoxyribonucleotides necessary for DNA replication and repair are provided via the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) enzyme. RNR is also important for spore germination and cell proliferation upon infection. We show that the expression ofB. anthracisclass Ib RNR responds to the environment that the pathogen encounters upon infection. We also show that several anti-proliferative agents (radical scavengers) specifically inhibit theB. anthracisRNR. Owing to the importance of RNR in the pathogenic infection process, our results highlight a promising potential to inhibit the growth ofB. anthracisearly during infection.
Romancing the Father in Claire Denis's 35 Shots of Rum
Authors: Williams James S.
Published: December 2009

This article explores how 35 Shots of Rum (2009) marks a radical shift in Claire Denis's method both formally and thematically. Through a highly personal homage to Ozu that decisively “corrects” Late Spring (1949), Denis romances the figure of the Father in order to move beyond violence and fragmentation.
Ontogeny of the oestrogen receptors ESR1 and ESR2 during gonadal development in the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii
Authors: Calatayud Natalie E , Pask Andrew J , Shaw Geoffrey , Richings Nadine M , Osborn Sue , Renfree Marilyn B
Published: December 2009

Oestrogen has wide ranging effects in development mediated mainly via the two oestrogen receptors, α (ESR1, also known as ERα) and β (ESR2, also known as ERβ). Oestrogen is the key factor that directs the indifferent gonad to become an ovary in many non-mammalian vertebrates. Oestrogen is not required for early ovarian differentiation in mammals but can disrupt normal testicular development in eutherians. Surprisingly, exogenous oestrogen can cause sex reversal of an XY gonad in two marsupials, the North American opossum and the tammar wallaby. To understand the mechanism by which oestrogen induces sex reversal, we characterised the genes forESR1andESR2and examined their expression during gonadal differentiation in the tammar wallaby,Macropus eugenii. Both receptors were expressed in the somatic cells and germ cells of the indifferent gonad in both XX and XY foetuses throughout all stages of development, and persisted in these cells into adulthood. ERs were also present in many other tissues including kidney, pituitary and mammary gland. ER mRNA was not significantly altered by exogenous oestrogen in cultured XY gonads but the receptors translocated to the nucleus in its presence. These findings confirm that there is conserved expression of the ERs in the indifferent gonad despite the lack of available ligand during early gonadal development. The receptors can respond to exogenous estrogen at this early stage and are capable of transducing signals in the early mammalian gonad. However, the selective forces that maintained conserved ER expression in this tissue remain unknown.
Key Articles Related to Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease: Part 1
Authors: Chow Sheryl L. , Dorsch Michael P. , Dunn Steven P. , Jackevicius Cynthia A. , Page Robert L. , Trujillo Toby , Vardeny Orly , Wiggins Barbara , Bleske Barry E.
Published: December 2009

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy has gained popularity in America over the past several years, reflected in the increased utilization of these agents. Given the abundance of nontraditional products available to the public, clinicians should be made aware of the existing evidence relating to CAM therapy to better provide patient care in a meaningful manner. This bibliography article compiled key articles specific to CAM therapy and cardiovascular disease, which include primary literature, review articles, consensus statements, and abstracts of landmark studies. Based on the numerous published reports available on this topic, this bibliography, as part 1 of 2, focuses on the efficacy of CAM therapy in cardiovascular disease.
Probable Warfarin Interaction with Menthol Cough Drops
Authors: Coderre Karen , Faria Claudio , Dyer Earl
Published: December 2009

Warfarin is a widely used and effective oral anticoagulant; however, the agent has an extensive drug and food interaction profile. We describe a 46‐year‐old African‐American man who was receiving warfarin for a venous thromboembolism and experienced a decrease in his international normalized ratio (INR). No corresponding reduction had been made in his warfarin dosage, and no changes had been made in his concomitant drug therapy or diet. The patient's INR fell from a therapeutic value of 2.6 (target range 2–3) to 1.6 while receiving a weekly warfarin dose of 50 mg. His INR remained stable at 1.6 for 3 weeks despite incremental increases in his warfarin dose. The patient reported that he had been taking 8–10 menthol cough drops/day due to dry conditions at his workplace during the time period that the INR decreased. Five days after discontinuing the cough drops, his INR increased from 1.6 to 2.9. Over the subsequent 5 weeks, his INR was stabilized at a much lower weekly warfarin dose of 40 mg. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated that the decreased INR was probably related to the concomitant use of menthol cough drops during warfarin therapy. The mechanism for this interaction may be related to the potential for menthol to affect the cytochrome P450 system as an inducer and inhibitor of certain isoenzymes that would potentially interfere with the metabolism of warfarin. To our knowledge, this is the second case report of an interaction between warfarin and menthol. Patients receiving warfarin should be closely monitored, as they may choose to take over‐the‐counter products without considering the potential implications, and counseled about a possible interaction with menthol cough drops.
Plasma Bile Acid Concentrations in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Receiving Protease Inhibitor Therapy: Possible Implications for Hepatotoxicity
Authors: McRae MaryPeace , Rezk Naser L. , Bridges Arlene S. , Corbett Amanda H. , Tien Hsiao‐Chuan , Brouwer Kim L. R. , Kashuba Angela D. M.
Published: December 2009

Study Objectives. To evaluate whether patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who were receiving protease inhibitor therapy had altered bile acid concentrations compared with noninfected control subjects, and whether bile acid concentrations could predict the onset of hepatotoxicity caused by protease inhibitors.

Design. Retrospective sample analysis from a prospectively conducted clinical trial.

Setting. Academic research center.

Patients. Eleven adults with advanced HIV disease who were taking protease inhibitor‐based antiretroviral therapy, one of whom had developed protease inhibitor‐induced hepatotoxicity.

Measurements and Main Results. Plasma concentrations of cholic acid (CA), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and taurocholic acid (TC) were analyzed by using a novel high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection method. Comparisons of the relative contribution of each bile acid to the total bile acid pool were made with previously published values and with bile acid concentrations contained in two pooled plasma samples from healthy, non‐HIV‐infected volunteers analyzed in our laboratory. Each pooled plasma sample used for this analysis contained contributions from three non‐HIV‐infected volunteers. The LCA and TC concentrations in HIV‐infected patients were 3–4‐fold higher than those previously reported for non‐HIV‐infected subjects; concentrations of other bile acids were similar to those of previous reports. The relative contribution of CDCA to the total bile acid pool was 9% in HIV‐infected patients compared with 30–50% in noninfected subjects. Total and individual bile acid concentrations in the HIV‐infected patient who developed hepatotoxicity were similar to the bile acid concentrations from the other study patients who did not develop hepatotoxicity.

Conclusion. These data suggest that bile acid concentrations may be altered by HIV infection and/or protease inhibitor therapy. However, further investigations should be performed to assess whether antiretroviral‐associated hepatotoxicity can be predicted by alterations in individual bile acid concentrations.
Ferumoxytol: A New Intravenous Iron Preparation for the Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Schwenk Michael H.
Published: December 2009

Ferumoxytol is an intravenous iron preparation for treatment of the anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is a carbohydrate‐coated, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle. Because little free iron is present in the preparation, doses of 510 mg have been administered safely in as little as 17 seconds. Two prospective, randomized studies compared two doses of ferumoxytol 510 mg given in 5 ± 3 days with 3 weeks of oral iron 200 mg/day (as ferrous fumarate) in anemic patients with CKD. One study enrolled 304 patients with stages 1–5 CKD (predialysis), and the other study enrolled 230 patients with stage 5D CKD (undergoing hemodialysis). In both studies, a greater increase in hemoglobin level from baseline to end of study (day 35) was noted in patients who received ferumoxytol compared with those who received oral iron (mean ± SD 0.82 ± 1.24 vs 0.16 ± 1.02 g/dl in patients with stages 1–5 CKD and 1.02 ± 1.13 vs 0.46 ± 1.06 g/dl in patients with stage 5D CKD, p<0.001). A greater proportion of both predialysis and hemodialysis patients who received ferumoxytol had hemoglobin level increases from baseline of 1 g/dl or more compared with those who received oral iron (p<0.001). In a prospective, double‐blind, crossover study of more than 700 patients with CKD stages 1‐5D that compared the safety of ferumoxytol with normal saline injection, the rates of treatment‐related adverse events were 5.2% and 4.5%, respectively. Serious treatment‐related adverse events were seen in one patient in each treatment group. The most common adverse events with ferumoxytol occurred at the injection site (bruising, pain, swelling, erythema). Dizziness, nausea, pruritus, headache, and fatigue occurred in less than 2% of patients receiving ferumoxytol, with a similar frequency noted after administration of normal saline. In short‐term studies, intravenous ferumoxytol was safely and rapidly administered, and was more effective than oral iron therapy in increasing hemoglobin levels in anemic patients with CKD. Long‐term clinical trials with clinical outcomes and studies comparing ferumoxytol with other parenteral iron agents will help define the role of ferumoxytol in treating the anemia of CKD.
An Investigation on Gas Injection for Storing Gas and Increasing Well Productivity in one of Iranian Gas Fields
Authors: Taherpour M. , Tabatabaei-Nejad S. A. R. , Sahraei E. , Kheirabadi A.
Published: December 2009

Gas condensate reservoirs suffer losses in well productivity due to near wellbore condensate dropout when the flowing bottomhole pressure declines below the dew point pressure. Gas injection is one of common practices used to alleviate this problem and develop gas condensate reservoirs.

In this study the gas injection process is investigated on one of Iranian Gas Fields. The reservoir model consisting of 8670 cells (51×34×5) has been constructed by using the petrophysical and geological data. By performing a successful history matching, running different scenarios has been performed to investigate the production and injection potential of the reservoir. The ultimate recovery factor is predicted to be about 67% of the original gas in place. The maximum injection rate was obtained about 7 MMscm/d for a period of 25 years. It was found that in order to inject 10 MMscm gas into the reservoir, 10 new wells should be drilled.