bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infectious Diseases: Parenteral Polymyxin B Use in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia and Urinary Tract Infections: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: A Pastewski Andrew , Caruso Patricia , R Parris Addison , Dizon Ramon , Kopec Robert , Sharma Shobha , Mayer Suri , Ghitan Monica , Chapnick Edward K 
Published: July 2008

Background Parenteral polymyxin use declined after the 1960s, due to safety concerns. An increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections and a shortage of new agents have prompted increased use of parenteral polymyxin. Objective TO describe our clinical experience with parenteral polymyxin B for MDR gram-negative bacteremia and urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods Paper pharmacy records were used to identify patients aged 18 years or older, presence of MDR gram-negative bacteremia or UTI, and use of parenteral polymyxin B for at least 48 hours. Electronic and paper patient records were then retrospectively reviewed. Polymyxin B susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method. MDR isolates were defined as resistant to at least 3 antimicrobial classes, excluding polymyxin B. Microbiologic clearance was defined by 1 repeat urine or 2 repeat blood cultures that were sterile or growing different organisms. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality and nephrotoxicity, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or more, or a 50% reduction in creatinine clearance. Results: Seventeen infections in 16 patients were treated with polymyxin B (1 pt. had 2 infections that were analyzed separately). Microbiologic clearance occurred in 14 of 16 (88%) cases of MDR gram-negative bacteremia or UTI in which repeat cultures were done. Ten of 16 patients died (all-cause mortality 63%). Five patients required hemodialysis prior to polymyxin B use. Six (55%) of the remaining 11 patients with baseline renal insufficiency developed nephrotoxicity, and none of them required hemodialysis. The mean ± SD number of days from the initiation of therapy to the onset of nephrotoxicity was 7.5 ± 2.3 (range 4–10) days. Three (50%) of 6 patients with nephrotoxicity died. Conclusions: Our data suggest that polymyxin B may be effective for MDR gram-negative infections in patients with limited therapeutic options, but precautions should be taken to avoid toxicity.
Left Posterior Fascicular Block Due to High-Dose lnterleukin-2
Authors: Singla Anand , Denmeade Samuel R 
Published: July 2008

Obective: To report a case of reversible left posterior fascicular block (LPFB) associated with high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy. Case Summary: A 50-year-old white, nonsmoking male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and hypothyroidism had been recently diagnosed with metastatic clear cell-type renal cell carcinoma. He was started on high-dose IL-2 therapy (600,000 IU/kg/dose by 15-min intravenous infusion every B h for up to 14 consecutive doses over 5 days, as tolerated). He developed new-onset LPFB after the second dose of IL-2, which was diagnosed electrocardiographically with right axis deviation; deep S waves in lead I; and qR waves in leads II, III, and aVF. He denied chest pain, palpitations, or syncope. The LPFB resolved 18 hours after discontinuation of IL-2 without any potential complications or delay of hospital discharge. The patient completed 9 of 14 doses of IL-2 therapy. Similar electrocardiogram changes were noticed during 2 subsequent cycles of high-dose IL-2 treatment, both of which resolved spontaneously. Discussion: High-dose IL-2 is a Food and Drug Administration-approved biological agent used as monotherapy for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma. Capillary leak syndrome has been associated with IL-2 therapy and many of its cardiac and noncardiac toxicities. In our patient, LPFB was observed as a reversible adverse reaction to high-dose IL-2 therapy. The Naranjo probability scale indicates a probable relationship between LPFB and high-dose IL-2 in this patient. LPFB has not previously been reported as an adverse reaction associated with high-dose IL-2 therapy. Conclusions: LPFB may be a reversible cardiac complication associated with high-dose IL-2 therapy. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential adverse effect.
The Rabbi's Well: A Case Study in the Micropolitics of Foreign Aid in Muslim West Africa
Authors: Miles William F. S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:A conventional distinction in the foreign aid literature contrasts relief aid (qua emergency help and charitable giving) with developmental assistance (for sustainable economic growth, capacity building, and equitable distribution). In practice, however, the distinction blurs, and in the field it can lead to micropolitical conflict. This point is illustrated by the ecumenical efforts on the part of a U.S. rabbi to assist a school in southcentral Niger. As illustrated by the history of this project, complexities of local administration, and tensions between the staff and principal of one school, crystallized and demonstrated conflicts between traditional authorities and those of the modern state.
The Gambia's 2006 Presidential Election: Change or Continuity?
Authors: Saine Abdoulaye 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:On Friday, September 22, 2006, Gambians voted in the third presidential election since soldier-turned-civilian-president Yahya Jammeh came to power in a bloodless 1994 coup d'état. President Jammeh's ruling party defeated two separate, though ideologically and programmatically similar, political/party alliances. Notwithstanding, the 2006 presidential election has not appreciably moved The Gambia any closer to a more democratic political culture. The election resulted instead in the consolidation of authoritarian rule under Jammeh. Clearly, disunity within the opposition eroded both its popularity and credibility and irreversibly changed the dynamics of the election in Jammeh's favor. Jammeh is in a position to use his “mandate” and “victory” to widen political participation, undertake genuine reconciliation, root out corruption, investigate mounting deaths, protect press freedoms, and put the economy on a course to mend itself. But this seems unlikely, given his proclivity for press repression and a lack of commitment to bettering the lives of ordinary Gambians.
Human Rights in Africa: The Limited Promise of Liberalism
Authors: Mutua Makau 
Published: July 2008

I would like to begin by expressing my deep gratitude and humility to the board of directors of the African Studies Association for inviting me to deliver the 2007 Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola Lecture on the momentous occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the ASA. This singular honor makes me conscious that I follow in the hallowed footsteps of several giants of African politics and studies including Ali A. Mazrui, Gertrude Mongella, and Thandika Mkandawire, among other distinguished thinkers who preceded me on this podium. As most of you know, I am trained as a legal scholar, but my work has benefited tremendously from the support of several senior students of Africa in the audience, including Joel D. Barkan, John W. Harbeson, Frank Holmquist, and Ali A. Mazrui. Nor would I forget to thank Athena Mutua, my spouse, who is here with me. But I know that this meeting would not have been possible without the indefatigable work of Pearl Robinson, the president of the ASA; Carol L. Martin, the executive director of the ASA; Kimme Carlos, the program manager of the annual meeting; and Stanlie James, the program chair.This is a special occasion for all those who study and love Africa. The ASA is fifty, which is a historic milestone by any count. Ghana, one of the first African countries to free itself from the yoke of colonialism, is also fifty. We thus take stock of the continent after the first half century of decolonization with an appropriate theme—“Twenty-First Century Africa: Evolving Conceptions of Human Rights.”
Tòkana: The Collapse of the Rural Malagasy Community
Authors: Marcus Richard R. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract:Madagascar is often cited as an example of a country with a long history of local institutional strength and stalwart community participation in the decision-making process. This article explores the crisis of community life in southern Madagascar, particularly the changed nature of community involvement. Associational life is in decline—a result not only of challenging economic conditions, but also of eroded social norms, as the rule-making institutions of the past have been replaced by the loose guidelines of the present. This situation, which has the potential of exacerbating economic problems, is also likely to have grievous political and ecological consequences.
“Buying Our Boys Back”: The Mass Foundations of Fiscal Citizenship in World War II
Authors: Sparrow James T. 
Published: July 2008

Just after 8:00 in the morning on Tuesday, September 21, 1943, the singer and radio star Kate Smith addressed her national audience with a personal story that set the tone for the marathon bond drive she would conduct over the next eighteen hours. In her usual self-effacing manner, she began by recounting the words of a man whose speech at a recent bond rally in Utica, New York, held special meaning for her audience:You know, friends, when we buy War Bonds, we're not buying tanks and guns and shells and planes. What we're really doing is buying our boys back … bringing them home to us, safe and sound once again. Now I know there isn't a person listening to me who wouldn't give everything he has to buy his boy back. … I'd give anything … all my money, or my health, or my own life … to buy my boy back from the War. But I'm afraid I can't do that now. You see, I got a telegram from Washington this morning. My boy isn't coming back.
Well Head Telemetry for Complete Production Operations
Authors: Gregg David P. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
The current method of production operation often times includes the use of electronic controllers with the ability to operate a well with continual monitoring of the conditions. There are controllers that can even adjust to the changes on most wells when they are detected by the electronic controls. The use of such devices and the required peripherals has led to solid production increases on most wells with a highly reliable intermittent routine.
The observation of their results and the corrections of their parameters has required the presence of knowledgeable personnel at the controls on the well and in the field. These personnel are often not available to maintain the wells with their presence.
The use of these devices has recently been advanced by the advent of telemetry being integrated into the minute by minute operation of the high end multi featured controllers. This has taken well head operation to a new higher level of control. The paper will attempt to give the various features and describe how the well is now capable of performing. The convenience of merely calling the well from any location is assured, but the other possible features and drawbacks are to be discussed.
The system’s use of a cellular unit and a hard-line phone system, as well asvarious radio links, will be discussed as to their advantages and disadvantages. The use of the telemetry in existing situations is to be covered.
The opening of the production valve on the well is critical to producing the well at its optimum rate. The well is capable of producing at a rate that isbased upon liquid column in the tubing, pressure of formation and pressure of the gathering system. These items must be addressed when the intermittent schedule of the well is being determined.
These items will play a major role in the setting of any device as to what will and will not develop an optimum pattern. The discussion of any device for a well must include the production enhancement that will occur.
The paper attempts a straight forward look at telemetry and the techniques and solutions required to maintain a solid and reliable system.
Income Insecurity and Youth Emancipation: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Fernandes Ana , Becker Sascha O , Bentolila Samuel , Ichino Andrea 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a theoretical model to study the effect of income insecurity of parents and offspring on the child's residential choice. Parents are partially altruistic toward their children and will provide financial help to an independent child when her income is low relative to the parents'. We find that children of more altruistic parents are more likely to become independent. However, first-order stochastic dominance (FOSD) shifts in the distribution of the child's future income (or her parents') have ambiguous effects on the child's residential choice. Parental altruism is the very source of ambiguity in the results. If parents are selfish or the joint income distribution of parents and child places no mass on the region where transfers are provided, a FOSD shift in the distribution of the child's (parents') future income will reduce (raise) the child's current income threshold for independence.
The Causal Effect of Studying on Academic Performance
Authors: Stinebrickner Ralph , Stinebrickner Todd R. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
While a substantial amount of recent attention has been paid to understanding the determinants of educational outcomes, little is known about the causal impact of the most fundamental input in the education production function - a student's study effort. In this paper, we examine the causal effect of studying on grade performance by taking advantage of unique, new data that has been collected specifically for this purpose. Important for understanding the potential impact of a wide array of education policies, the results suggest that human capital accumulation is far from predetermined at the time of college entrance.
On the Optimal Allocation of Students and Resources in a System of Higher Education
Authors: Sallee James M , Resch Alexandra M , Courant Paul N 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
We model the social planner's decision to establish universities and populate them with students and resources, given a distribution of student ability and a limited pool of resources for higher education. If student ability and school resources are complements, and if there is a fixed cost to establishing a school, then the optimal allocation will involve a tiered system of higher education that sorts students by ability. In contrast to previous research, we show this tiered system is optimal even in the absence of peer effects. In considering where to locate students, the planner balances the benefit of providing students with more resources against the congestion costs of overcrowding schools. Nearly identical students who are close to the margin of entry to a higher or lower tier will experience discrete gaps in education quality. In considering how many universities to establish, the planner will balance the value of more precise tailoring against the cost of establishing additional schools. The planner's inability to perfectly tailor education quality will result in both winners and losers. Our model also makes predictions about how university systems that serve different populations should vary. Larger systems will produce more per dollar of expenditures and more education per student, due to economies of scale.
Lucky Last? Intra-Sibling Allocation of Child Labor
Authors: Chesnokova Tatyana , Vaithianathan Rhema 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
This paper has two objectives. First, we construct a theoretical model which explains the empirical evidence that in developing countries, first-born children are more likely to be child laborers than later-born. Second, we explore the long-run consequences of child labor regulations within our framework. In our model, credit-constrained parents use the labor income from their first-born child to fund the schooling of later-born children. In the presence of such intra-sibling effects, child labor laws which decrease work opportunities for children may backfire, increasing child labor and reducing human capital in the long run.
Entry into a Network Industry: Consumers' Expectations and Firms' Pricing Policies
Authors: Baglioni Angelo 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Entry into a network industry is modeled focusing on consumers' expectations formation through higher order beliefs. Equilibrium expectations are endogenous and depend on prices, acting as a coordination device among consumers. The model is able to account for aggressive pricing policies by the incumbent and by the entrant. Both exclusion and entry are possible outcomes (depending on parameter values). The threat of entry is beneficial to consumers, even when unsuccessful.
A concise quantum mechanical treatment of the forced damped harmonic oscillator
Authors: Li Ti 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
By selecting a right generalized coordinate X, which contains the general solutions of the classical motion equation of a forced damped harmonic oscillator, we obtain a simple Hamiltonian which does not contain time for the oscillator such that Schrödinger equation and its solutions can be directly written out in X representation. The wave functin in x representation are also given with the help of the eigenfunctions of the operator $$
\hat X
$$ in x representation. The evolution of $$
\left\langle {\hat x} \right\rangle
$$ is the same as in the classical mechanics, and the uncertainty in position is independent of an external influence; one part of energy mean is quantized and attenuated, and the other is equal to the classical energy.
The use of Cellomics to study enterocyte cytoskeletal proteins in coeliac disease patients
Authors: Mohamed Bashir , Feighery Conleth , Williams Yvonne , Davies Anthony , Kelleher Dermot , Volkov Yuri , Kelly Jacinta , Abuzakouk Mohamed 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Coeliac disease is characterised by inflammation of small intestinal mucosa accompanied by abnormal villous architecture. It is now accepted that some patients with positive coeliac serology tests may have minor mucosal lesions that may not be apparent on routine histopathological analysis. The aim of the study was to perform detailed examination of enterocyte morphology and cytoskeletal structures using a high content analysis technology. Duodenal biopsies from 14 untreated and 10 treated coeliac patients and from 20 non-coeliac controls were examined. Tissue sections from six patients (study group subjects) before and after the development of gluten-sensitive enteropathy were also investigated. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on paraffin-embedded sections using an anti-α-tubulin antibody. Significant differences in enterocyte morphology and intracellular cytoskeletal structures were demonstrated in patients with proven coeliac disease and in the study group subjects. These changes were present in study group biopsies before evidence of enteropathy, as assessed by routine microscopy. This is the first study to demonstrate detailed characteristics of enterocyte morphology in coeliac patients using a high content analysis approach. The use of this technology allows a quantitative analysis of enterocyte intracellular structures from routine biopsy material and permits detection of subtle changes that precede the characteristic histological lesion.
Spinal meningiomas: Clinical and therapeutic tonsiderations
Authors: Schröder Johannes , Fischer Bernhard , Palkovic Stefan , Wassmann Hansdetlef 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Meningiomas of the spinal canal are rare, in contrast to their cranial counterparts. This study reports on the dominant features of spinal meningiomas before and after treatment. We treated 30 patients (23 female) with meningiomas of the spinal canal from 1992 to 2003. The mean age was 68 (range: 43–91). Upon admission, 26 patients presented with a marked neurological deficit (11 paraparesis, 9 motor weakness, 4 myelopathic ataxia, 1 quadriplegia, and 1 cauda equina syndrome). Two patients had sensory deficits, and two had pain only. The distribution of the tumors was as follows: 8 cases were cranio-cervical, 1 case was cervical, 6 cases were at the cervico-thoracic junction, 9 cases were of the thoracic spine, 5 cases were of the thoracolumbar spine, and 1 case was of the lumbar spine. Five cases also had intracranial manifestations. The mean interval between the onset of the first symptoms and treatment was 12 months. All cases were treated via (hemi)-laminectomy for complete removal of the tumor and occasionally via duraplasty. After a mean follow-up of 3 years, symptoms had improved by 3 points (on a 5-point scale) in 3 cases, by 2 points in 7 cases, and by 1 point in 12 cases; 7 cases were unchanged, and 1 case had worsened by 1 point. We observed 3 local recurrences. One case developed manifestations at a different site. Spinal meningiomas are often diagnosed late, after they have already caused major neurological deficits. Nevertheless, owing to their benign character, the outcome is favorable when treated appropriately. The outcome depends above all on the initial neurological status. The worse the deficit is, the less probable it is that the patient will recover neurologically.
Caveat patiens — ethical dilemmas in decision -making
Authors: McKoy June , McKoy Judith 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
More than 99,358 men, women and children are on organ transplant lists in the United States. Pressure on family members to donate organs can therefore be intense. The medical excuse was created to address this potential coercion. It is a fabricated anatomical or physiological reason given to a donor (with or without the donor’s request) that provides an immediate shield against coercive pressure by family and friends on the potential donor. While the long-term risks and benefits of the medical excuse have not been studied, they could arguably include: 1) Reinforced perception that donation is expected; hence, declining donation is aberrant, and requires legitimization by external authority; 2) Eroded family trust of transplant physicians; 3) Eroded family trust in the individual reporting a “true” medical excuse; 4) Falsification of potential donor’s medical record; 5) Development of “toxic secrets” in the family unit; 6) Paternalism; and 7) General erosion of trust in both health care providers and the healthcare system. This author proposes a system of transparent and balanced communication where both the potential donor and the transplant team are clearly cognizant of the voluntary nature of the purported donation and where provisions for “opting-out” occur at any point along the pre-transplantation continuum.
Assessment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in children with cancer
Authors: Ruggiero Antonio , Attinà Giorgio , Haber Melina , Coccia Paola , Lazzareschi Ilaria , Riccardi Riccardo 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Anemia is a common cause of co-morbidity in children with cancer. We reviewed a series of 124 children with non-metastatic cancer to assess the relationship between chemotherapy intensity, severe anemia, and frequency of transfusion. In more than 60% of children who received intensive chemotherapy, transfusions were prescribed compared to 38% and 21% of children treated with standard and mild chemotherapy, respectively. In conclusion, our data suggest that the intensity and duration of chemotherapy constitute important factors in determining the onset of anemia.