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Marginal rise in beer consumption here
The Irish Beer Market Report, from the Irish Brewers Association finds that while alcohol consumption continues to fall overall in Ireland, decreasing by 23.2% since 2001 (according Revenue Commissioners and CSO data) beer consumption rose marginally last year.
Total beer production here also rose 3.8% from 8,019,000 Hectolitres in 2017 to 8,322,000 Hectolitres in 2018 while direct employment in beer production rose 3.7% from 1,064 people in 2017 to 1,103 in 2018.
The sector paid €430 million in excise duty last year, with 29% of the price of every pint going to the Government.
Lager – increasing favourite
Lager remains Ireland's favourite beer type, accounting for a 63.8% share of the beer market, up from 60.8% in 2017. Stout remains Ireland's second favourite with a 29.3% share followed by Ale at 6.3%.
NABLAB growth
However as health-conscious consumers, or those choosing not to drink, tried out the growing number of options on the market Non-Alcoholic beer's share rose to 0.6% of the beer market last year from 0.4% in 2017. This follows the trend in international markets, particularly in Europe, where Low and Non-Alcoholic beer is growing in popularity.
On-/Off-trade beer sales
The on-trade accounts for the majority of beer consumption at 63.5% which demonstrates the importance of the beer sector to the pub and vice-versa. However, the off-trade's share of beer sales increased between 2017 and 2018, from 35.2% to 36.5%.
Premium & Craft
The growing tendency towards premium, super-premium and craft continues to be evident in the beer sector. Craft beer sales have grown 6.7% from 119,000 Hectolitres in 2016 to 127,000 Hectolitres in 2017. This marks an increase of 57% from the 2014 sales figure of 54,000 Hectolitres.
Elsewhere, beer export values fell marginally from €273 million in 2017 to €268 million in 2018. However Ireland is the EU's seventh-largest exporter of beer.
"Ireland's beer sector continues to perform strongly as a result of a constant focus on innovation and creativity by brewers both large and small," said Jonathan McDade, Head of the Irish Brewers Association and author of the report, "This is illustrated by growth in the craft beer sector since 2014 and the plethora of new products on the market in recent years. Also, there's been a marked increase in non-alcoholic beer to the market as brewers respond to the growing trend towards health and wellbeing.
"Looking forward we anticipate that the sector will continue to diversify, offering consumers more choice in the on- and off-trade."


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Increase the whiteness and brightness stability, improve the physical and chemical properties of pulp, purify pulp, increase the cleanliness of pulp.
1. Dissolution lignin bleaching: By the action of bleaching agents, the chromogenic genes and other colored substances on the lignin structure in the pulp are destroyed and dissolved.
Oxidizing bleach: Chlorine, Hypochlorite, Chlorine dioxide, Hydrogen peroxide, Itch, Ozone
Used for chemical pulp bleaching
2. Preserved lignin bleach: Through the action of bleaching agents, the structure of the chromophoric groups in the pulp is changed or destroyed, so that the chromophoric groups are decolorized without dissolving lignin.
Oxidizing bleach: hydrogen peroxide
Reducing bleach: Dithionite, Borohydride
Pulp washing and thickening: Vacuum stock washer, washing drum, pulp thickener, etc;
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Pulp bleaching equipment: Pulp bleaching tower
Leizhan manufacture high quality and low consumption pulp bleaching equipment, if you have any need, welcome to consult us: email@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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By Felissa Sylvester | Feb 03, 2016
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois recently made its decision in Precision Dose, Inc. v. United States of America, and the ruling could create the potential for significant tax deductions for manufacturers.
Precision Dose purchases medicine in bulk and resells it in nonreusable containers intended for single-dose administration. The court held this activity qualified for the Internal Revenue Code Section 199 tax deduction for domestic production.
The government contended the company doesn't qualify for the Sec. 199 deduction because it only engages in repackaging, which is expressly excluded from the definition of "manufactured, produced, grown, or extracted" (MPGE) in §1.199-2(e)(2). The company claimed its activities don't fall within the repackaging exception because it's engaged in MPGE with respect to the prepackaged doses and, therefore, entitled to the §199 domestic manufacturing deduction.
The company conducts market research to determine which drugs are suitable and marketable for unit doses. It develops containers and works with third-party vendors to make single dosage cups and syringes using its own proprietary design. It also performs several processes to ensure the medicine maintains specified quality during the production process.
The court relied on United States v. Dean in its decision; the government argued the Dean case was wrongly decided, but the court disagreed. Dean purchases separate items to create gift baskets and gift towers. The individual items are ordinary grocery items to a consumer, but Dean performs a complex production process that transforms these individual items into a distinct gift product. The court held that Dean and Precision Dose have analogous activities.
The court concluded Precision Dose's production processes qualify as MPGE. The company produces a unique product by engaging in a complex production process that transforms the form and function of materials used in the production process. The final product—the unit dose—is distinct in form and purpose from the individual items inside. The court allowed the company to take the §199 deduction, resulting in a refund for tax years 2007 and 2008.
The definition of MPGE is left very broad. In a memorandum, the IRS Office of Chief Counsel concluded exclusion from the Section 199 deduction for repackaging and labelling activities didn't apply to a taxpayer that repackages and labels pills it didn't manufacture, because the taxpayer engaged in other eligible MPGE activities in its production process to create the packaging. The Dean and Precision Dose rulings are consistent with this broad definition.
The IRS disagrees with these rulings and recently added Example 9 to the proposed §199 regulations (§1.199-3(e)(5)). The agency contends packaging, repackaging, labeling or minor assembly with respect to a production process don't qualify as MPGE. However, these recent rulings suggest courts may continue to rule against the IRS on this topic and that certain packaging activities may qualify as eligible MPGE activities when a production process combines two or more articles and changes the form and function of an item to create a distinct product.
For more information on how these decisions could affect your organization, contact your advisor.
Contact Felissa Sylvester is with BKD.
This article is for general information purposes only and is not to be considered as legal advice. Applying this information to your particular situation requires careful consideration of your specific facts and circumstances.


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Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Mauritia Flexuosa (aguaje oil) and cosmetic use
Platelets play an essential role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this way, the antiplatelet therapy has been used for a long time in an effort to prevent CVD.
The burití, moriche, canangucha, mirití, or aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa) is a species of palm belonging to the Arecaceae family. It is one of the most important of tropical America, found in Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Guyana. Fruit from the palm Mauritia flexuosa is harvested for subsistence and commercial purposes. Oil extracted from fruits of Mauritia flexuosa is used in cooking and is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants.
Fruit from the palm Mauritia flexuosa for its high nutritional value (fat 38%, fiber 30%, carbohydrate 28%, and protein 5%) is a fundamental part of the human diet. Its fruit also contains vitamin A, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and the highest carotenoid contents. In Venezuela indigenous people use this fruit as bread, and in Brazil and Ecuador during times of flooding it is the biggest source of food.
Also, Mauritia flexuosa oil has found applications in the cosmetic industry due to its emollient properties and can be used as an adjuvant in sun protection. Yet, the protective effect of Mauritia flexuosa on platelet activation and thrombosis formation remains to be fully elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the antiplatelet and antithrombotic activities of oil extract from peel of fruits of Mauritia flexuosa.
In addition, linoleic acid present in both the peel and walnut from Mauritia flexuosa was shown to inhibit the formation of arterial thrombosis, the expression of tissue factor, and platelet aggregation. These properties are directly related to the prevention of thrombi development occurring in stroke. The broad range of antiplatelet and antithrombotic effects found in the oil extracted from Mauritia flexuosa may render this functionally active principle in potent inhibitors of platelet function with a potential preventive effect on thrombus formation
At the end, we can see the protective effect of oil extract from Mauritia flexuosa on platelet activation and thrombosis formation. These effects, in terms of primary prevention, could modify cardiovascular risk without any of the side effects normally associated with antiplatelet drugs. Moreover, Mauritia flexuosa may constitute a functional ingredient adding antiplatelet activities to processed foods. Read more about aguaje and cosmetic use
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The Consent Service can be used as a data source for making access control decisions. If a particular data usage scenario requires consent, then the application or service needing to access or process that data must not be able to use the data unless the user has provided consent. The entity that performs this consent check may be the application itself or some other service.
To perform a consent check, the Consent API client must be able to correlate a data access request type with a consent definition. For example, if a web application needs to collect a user's browsing behavior, this data collection scenario might be represented by a consent definition called browsing-behavior. The application would check for an existing consent grant by searching the Consent API for a consent record that matches the user and the browsing-behavior consent definition. If a match is found, then the application can proceed. If a match is not found, the application must collect consent from the user.


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30 Piano Pieces for Beginners
PIANO, Coursebooks, Paul Murphy
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Author: Paul Murphy
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The 30 pieces contained within this tutorial are aimed exclusively at piano beginners. All pieces are easy to play and will enable you to rapidly gain substantial experience in piano playing and, since they are adapted versions of real musical pieces, you will at no time lose your pleasure of playing. In order not to overwhelm you, the level of difficulty of the pieces to be performed increases progressively, allowing you to work in a fluent and coherent manner. The piano pieces put together in this tutorial will also allow you to discover musical styles which are totally different from one another, forming a large panorama of contemporary and classic music. You will get a taste of popular music, jazz, ragtime, blues and rock. So you can rest assured, there's something for everyone in here(!) The audio mp3 files attached to the book will make your study even more enjoyable. Every musical piece appears twice: the first time for demonstration purposes (with the piano) and the second in the form of a backing track (without the piano), in order to give you the opportunity to play the piano and enjoy the accompaniment of other musicians.
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Discussion of all social, political and cultural aspects of the American Civil War battles fought in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Antebellum to modern day perspective of the material culture effects of these engagements, both military and civilian. From time to time your blog host will examine other Civil War sites such as Manassas, Gettysburg, and Petersburg. All original material copyright 2022 by John F. Cummings III
Monday, December 9, 2013
Gettysburg's Battlefield Hotel - An interesting view, circa 1870
11 comments:
What is your 'best guess' on the year Michael Waricher's first picture was taken?
Bob Miller
- December 12, 2013 at 2:44 PM
- John Cummings said...
Based on the growth of the small trees in front of the hotel, I would have to "best guess" at 1886ish for the first image tagged to Michael Waricher. I would estimate the stereoview image as being about 1876 or so, looking at the clothes of the women on the second floor porch.
- December 13, 2013 at 8:42 AM
Thanks, John!
So there really isn't a photo around showing ca 1863, huh?
- December 13, 2013 at 1:09 PM
- John Cummings said...
Just the two views looking northward.
- December 14, 2013 at 5:07 PM
Again, Thanks!
I had a GGfather in the 74 PAV Rgt /1st Bgde/3rd Division/11th Corps. It is my understanding that some men from this Rgt were sharpshooters using the 2nd floor windows of the Wagon Hotel to shoot into town. Was curious what the Hotel looked like to the confederates looking south . . .
- December 14, 2013 at 11:10 PM
- John Cummings said...
From what I can see in the Tyson's Studio image, the only major difference in how the Wagon Hotel may have looked, as viewed looking south, was that the spindles of the front porch railing were not ornate like we see in the post-war photographs. And of course the non-existence of the further changes to the southeast wall. Additionally, there are no small trees decorating the lawn in front
Thank you for sharing your GGfather's experience.
- December 15, 2013 at 7:09 AM
- Andy said...
This is fascinating stuff!
I have to confess I know very little about the American civil War. Great post. Thank you
- December 24, 2013 at 4:04 AM
Here is more on the German Sharpshooters; it is a post from the MHO Gettysburg Forum written by (in my opinion) THE expert on the 74th PA:
Re: 5th Alabama Regiment, 5th Alabama Regiment Sharpshooters
Posted on: 12/22/2013 12:34:43 PM
Blackford's skirmishers and the 5th AL fought von Amsberg's brigade (and specifically the 74 PA) the entire battle, but particularly on July 1 in the fields north of town and then on July 3 inside the town. Skirmishers from the 61st Ohio and 74th PA pushed the Alabamans back up Oak Hill on July 1 until the front collapsed. My GGGrandfather was shot through the chest by an Alabaman on the first day of the battle; although he was left for dead, he survived. On July 3, Blackford's men occupied a line of houses in Gettysburg and tried to disrupt the Union artillery on Cemetery Hill, but failed to do so, in part because of the effectiveness of German sharpshooters of the 74 PA who were firing at them from houses and the Wagon Hotel in the south end of town, the Rupp house being the front line. Many, if not most, of the bullet holes that can still be seen in the Farnsworth house were made by these 25 German sharpshooters. While Union artillery did not fire into town, the rebels opened up on the town to try to silence the German sharpshooters, killing two when three solid shot smashed into an upstairs window of the Wagon Hotel. When those same 74 PA skirmishers pushed further into town in the wee hours of July 4, the 5th AL was gone, but they captured about 20-30 prisoners and discovered their commander General Schimmelfennig, who had spent the last two days hiding from Blackford's men only two blocks away from his own.
- December 24, 2013 at 9:30 AM
- Unknown said...
I'm trying to figure out what the sign says on the post at the top of the steps on the left can't enlarge it enough to read it... can anybody help
- September 9, 2015 at 8:51 PM
- John Cummings said...
The most I can make out, right now, is the top line. I believe it says, "Outer Post".
- September 9, 2015 at 9:32 PM
The sign says "Outer Post of Union sharpshooters" same as the hand written reverse of the stereo view.
- October 7, 2016 at 4:49 PM


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Source: Miles Cole
A recent article in these pages posed the question of whether academics who work in Rwanda practise self-censorship.
While Phil Clark's piece ("The price of admission", 28 November) has initiated what undoubtedly will prove to be a fruitful discussion, his claim that there is "a tendency among some foreign scholars and students to exaggerate the difficulties of conducting research in post-atrocity environments" grossly misrepresents the political climate in Rwanda and the subtle forms of state surveillance and intimidation often faced by foreigners who attempt to conduct politically sensitive research there.
Although few foreign researchers have ever provoked the Rwandan government to the point of being declared personae non gratae or physically attacked, the state has implemented a variety of bureaucratic measures to vet the work that takes place within its borders. This provides ample opportunity for officials to bring pressure to bear in ways that are hard to prove and yet create an atmosphere in which it can become difficult, even impossible, to conduct safe and ethical fieldwork.
Take, for example, the Rwanda National Ethics Committee. Its stated aims include insulating Rwandans against unethical researchers and promoting knowledge exchange, yet in practice it is often used to prevent research on sensitive topics. A researcher submitting a proposal who has fulfilled all the stated requirements might find that committee members introduce additional hurdles. In my case, they requested extra letters of support from institutions only tangentially related to my work in the knowledge that these letters almost certainly would not be provided owing to the project's politically sensitive nature (as turned out to be the case). The committee did not need to reject my proposal outright. In hindsight, it might have been a blessing in disguise if it had.
Other researchers have been offered approval on the condition that they share with the committee copies of their unedited field notes and recorded interviews. Such conditions can be highly problematic, particularly as it becomes impossible to guarantee participants' confidentiality – often a key requirement of politically sensitive research.
Rwandan officials rarely, if ever, persecute foreign researchers in a manner that might be easily documented. More often, they resort to verbal warnings issued in private settings and other forms of subtle intimidation. Following a presentation I gave in 2011 on controversies surrounding Rwanda's state-funded genocide memorials, a government representative warned me against returning to the country. Although I was allowed to visit Rwanda two weeks later to assess community support for a new project, upon returning some months later to present a formal proposal to the RNEC, I was stopped at passport control and told that my visa – acquired from the Rwanda High Commission in Canada with full transparency regarding the purpose of my trip – was invalid. I was given three weeks to negotiate ethics approval – an impossible task, as it turned out – and was warned against having any contact with the civilian population. The official provided no proof of this exchange and no explanation to argue against. Ultimately I had no choice but to adhere to the conditions.
Such experiences – and these are but two examples – can be unsettling.
Adding to the complexity, the political climate in Rwanda is often unpredictable. A research question that has support among Rwandan civilians, community organisations and government partners can become "too sensitive" within months. This can leave the researcher in the unenviable position of deciding whether to publish and risk jeopardising the safety of in-country collaborators or to self-censor, accepting the consequences of delaying publication or producing more politically acceptable findings. Any supposed satisfaction the researcher might get from the short-lived approval of peers who have had similar experiences pales against the possibility of un- or underemployment, or the inability to revisit research participants with whom they have established meaningful relationships.
As a result, many foreign scholars counsel against pursuing politically sensitive fieldwork in Rwanda, not to protect their territory as Clark claims, but to avoid seeing graduate students bogged down by endless authoritarian bureaucracy when they have limited time and resources at their disposal and face a uniquely competitive job market. Most take their responsibility to guide students through their research in a safe, ethical and timely manner very seriously.
Although Rwanda is a very safe country for foreigners in terms of physical safety, the stress associated with spending months bogged down in a bureaucratic catch-22 can wear down even the most resilient individuals.
Furthermore, the safety of collaborators and participants is a source of anxiety. Presenting and publishing critical research can have dire consequences for anyone with whom the author is affiliated, such as Rwandan journalists, human rights activists and civilians vulnerable to more extreme forms of persecution. As someone who writes country reports on behalf of Rwandan asylum seekers, I see legally rigorous evidence of state persecution of perceived political dissidents on a regular basis.
Thus, although it is accurate to say that there are more dangerous places in the world in which to be a foreign researcher, to diminish the tense political climate that foreign academics might encounter in Rwanda, and the very real consequences our research can have on the lives of Rwandans with whom we work, is problematic.
Anyone considering fieldwork in a highly politicised research setting such as Rwanda should be fully informed about the potential ethical and methodological challenges inherent in the undertaking. Researchers who are willing to speak openly about these challenges should be appreciated, not belittled, for doing so.
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Ray Dasher - "Where Innovation Meets Fashion"
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The Berkeley Electronic Press is pleased to announce the launch of ExpressO: Express Online Deliveries to Law Reviews. ExpressO is a one-stop Internet site for law review submissions. Authors can now, for the first time, submit articles to multiple law reviews and law journals by uploading one electronic file to the site. This will save faculty, their assistants, and their institutions money and time.
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"Printing, photocopying, and mailing expenses cost big bucks and are vestiges of the 20th century," says Robert Cooter, Herman Selvin Professor of Law, UC Berkeley, and co-founder, The Berkeley Electronic Press. "The average law professor spends many hours and hundreds of dollars preparing, printing, and mailing or Fedexing manuscripts. ExpressO changes all that. Law schools save money, professors save time and hassle, and law reviews receive submissions efficiently. It's a win all the way around."
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City Conveys Eight Properties to NW CRA
By Marie Puleo
At its meeting on Jan. 22, the City Commission approved the conveyance of eight City-owned properties to the Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), in order to help facilitate development in the downtown area. All eight properties are located in the vicinity of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (MLK Boulevard), in the Northwest CRA district, and are adjacent to property already owned by the CRA.
The properties will be developed to implement the city's general vision for an urbanized downtown, said CRA Director Nguyen Tran. At the heart of this 'new' downtown is the development of the area branded as the Innovation District, which is bound by I-95 to the west, Dixie Highway to the east, MLK Boulevard (NW Third Street) to the north, and Atlantic Boulevard to the south. The emphasis is on a pedestrian friendly, mixed-use environment that includes commercial retail on the ground floor and higher-density residential on the upper floors, as well as office, restaurant and hotel space.
All but two of the properties the CRA obtained from the City are zoned for mixed-use development. Four of the acquired properties are located in the Innovation District. Three properties are located in the Blanche Ely Neighborhood north of MLK Boulevard, and one property is part of the site referred to as the "Gateway Property," which lies directly north of the Innovation District on the northwest corner of the intersection of N. Dixie Highway and MLK Boulevard.
The CRA already owned the other portion of the Gateway site. In April 2017, the City and CRA issued a joint solicitation seeking a developer for the 2.25-acre site, but only one proposal was received. The proposal was later withdrawn, partly due to the split ownership of the site, and the developer's commitment to other projects. Now that the CRA owns the entire Gateway property, the CRA can issue a solicitation to attract a developer for the property as one unified site, which it plans to do sometime this March.
"The idea of the City conveying that property to the CRA is that we can procure a developer and work on a development agreement with that developer more efficiently," said Tran.
The City Commission was to vote on the conveyance of the eight properties at its Jan. 8 meeting, but the item was postponed to Jan. 22 because Commissioner Beverly Perkins wanted additional information on the type of development that could occur on the properties, which are located in District 4, the district she represents. When the resolution for the conveyance of the properties was finally voted on, Perkins was the only commissioner to cast a 'no' vote. Perkins has had ongoing concerns about how the City is acquiring property via liens and fines on property owners in her district, and has voiced her anger about what she percieves as a lack of transparency and equitability in regards to re-development projects in the city.
To meet the requirement of "fair and equitable compensation" under the city's Charter, six properties owned by the CRA will be conveyed to the City. In addition to acquiring the eight City-owned properties, the CRA is in the process of finalizing the purchase of 13 properties that were owned by the Grisham family, whose roots in Pompano's northwest community run deep. Those properties are located behind the City Vista building at the northeast corner of MLK Boulevard and NW Sixth Avenue.
As soon as the $2 million purchase of the Grisham properties is completed, the CRA plans to issue a solicitation for a developer. The intent of acquiring the properties is for additional workforce housing opportunities, said Tran. The assemblage of Grisham properties would be combined with existing CRA properties to have enough land to build the project.


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What if your most challenging task became quick, easy and fun?
When I was a doctoral student, I labored for years to finish my dissertation. I thrived during the coursework and teaching, but sitting alone with research notes and a blank computer screen became the bane of my existence for several years. I was frustrated, drained, and quickly losing confidence in myself. In fact, at one point, I decided it may just be time to call it quits, even though I had invested five years of my life in the process.
Then I decided to join a creative writing group. Instead of academics and researchers, I was surrounded by playwrights, poets, and authors of children's books. I decided to try the same techniques that those artists use as a way to get through my academic writers block. Getting out of a more structured, university environment and into a creative and free-spirited one was what I needed to reframe the challenge that had dogged me for years.
Sometime later, I learned about the neuro-pathways that are formed very early in our childhood. With repeated use, these pathways become "superhighways" of thinking, behaving, and feeling. They are traveled repeatedly and, not surprisingly, become quicker, more efficient, and more pleasurable pathways for achieving our goals. Other paths, or "byways", represent an experience we've been exposed to but without consistency and focus. These feel more like dirt roads, with plenty of bumps and false turns along the ways. They take longer, wear us out, and without a guarantee that we'll actually ever get to where we're trying to go.
Think of children who are not only exposed to another language, but are immersed in conversation and practice that language for many years. That "highway" will be most likely be a fast-track for the rest of their lives, making foreign languages more easy and pleasurable to learn. Compare that to someone with only brief exposure, at a later age, with minimal reinforcement. As an adult, it may feel impossible to turn this "foreign language dirt road" into a smooth, paved highway.
For me, creative writing is a highway and academic writing is a dirt road byway. I can travel both paths, but one is easy, quick and fun, and other requires tremendous energy with very little return. The trick for the academic challenge I faced was staying focused on the desired outcome (a completed dissertation) while completely changing my mindset on what path I was going to take to get there. Once I switched from my dirt road (a very linear, structured writing method) to my natural highway (a more creative, story-telling-like approach to describing my research findings), this mammoth task become what I would have never imagined it could be — done.
Think about where you are most stuck. What is the challenge that confronts you again and again, that you just wish would disappear? These are my suggestions for getting redirected from your dirt road to a speed lane.
1. If you're trying too hard, stop trying.
"Stop trying" is not a recommendation to throw in the towel on a meaningful goal. Instead, it's an invitation to take a step back, shift from "doing" to "being" mode, and give yourself a minute to notice what else is shaping success or failure beside your own dogged willpower. Perseverance is admirable, but there's no virtue in doing more and more of what you know doesn't work.
2. Redefine WHAT you are trying to accomplish, instead of HOW you are going about it.
My father-in-law wisely told me that the only thing I should get out of a doctoral program was myself. Clarifying that my true end goal was to graduate by meeting the basic requirements, rather than capture my entire lives' work, helped me reframe my thesis challenge in a more realistic, and doable, way. Get really clear on the end goal (e.g. a finished paper, a successful meeting, a strengthened relationship), and really flexible on the paths to get there.
3. Completely switch domains.
I've taken doctors and hospital administrators to Disney to get unstuck about how they think about creating a patient "experience." Intel (and other innovative companies) turn off your company email and give you a mandatory sabbatical every seven years in order to try something totally new (and come back refreshed, with new perspectives). Switching from a Harvard computer lab to a creative writing group in a downtown coffeehouse did it for me. Change your environment so dramatically (at least temporarily) that you're forced to look at your "dilemma" from a completely different lens. The change in scenery alone will shift your perspective, as well as the set of tools you see as available to you.
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Law Prof Suffered PTSD From Student Harassment, Lawsuit Claims
Like a bad year for wine, 2015 was not a good year for Appalachian School of Law.
Enrollment dropped to 32 first-year students that year. It was bad enough for a law school with barely 100 students, but it was even worse because of one student.
The student allegedly raped a staff member, bullied a student who committed suicide, and harassed a professor so severely that she quit. These problems, now the subject of a federal lawsuit, have not gotten better with age.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Hillary Lynne Burgess, a former visiting professor at the law school, says the administrators' investigation of the matter was "completely, and inexcusably mismanaged." She says the school violated Title IX by failing to protect her from the harassment and retaliated against her for complaining, causing her anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The complaint, filed this week, names the law school, administrators and "John Doe"-- the alleged harasser. Burgess says that he became "increasingly aggressive and disruptive" in her class in September 2015.
He talked over her and made defiant and unprofessional comments about her in front of other students, she claims. One time, she told him to leave class and he responded with a threat.
"No woman will ever tell me when I can and can't talk," he said, according to the suit. "I will ruin her."
"I Will Ruin Her"
In the lawsuit, Burgess says that Doe also harassed students. She told administrators that she saw him bully one student and that he had groped and sexually battered others.
The school investigated and held an internal hearing in May 2016, and concluded that Doe had not violated the professor's rights but was liable for his conduct towards students. He was ordered to attend three hours of sexual misconduct training.
The decision was reversed later, but Burgess said the law school continued to violate her rights. She had asked the school to keep her address confidential -- because Doe apparently owned guns and she was afraid of him -- but the school disclosed that information and Doe came to her house. Burgess and her family then fled the area, and she has not returned to work.
The lawsuit has reopened old wounds at the law school, even before 2015. According to reports, a former student shot and killed a dean, a professor and a student at the law school in 2002.
Related Resources:
- Appalachian School of Law (Startclass)
- Meet the Lawyer Taking Down International Terrorists (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)
- Is This a Lawyer Ad or a Trailer for a Disaster Movie? (FindLaw's Greedy Associates)


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This morning, we woke up to find National Geographic Explorer cruising the Westman Islands off the southeast coast of Iceland proper. These islands rise straight out of the ocean with towering, vertical cliffs that offer amazing views. With thousands of birds and interesting geology, this archipelago was fun for everyone to explore and photograph.
In the afternoon, we went ashore for hiking and panoramic tours of Heimaey. This fishing community was the site of an intense volcanic rift eruption in 1973 that forced residents onto boats, not knowing if their homes would be there when they returned. After five months, residents returned to what was left of the village and began to rebuild. Guests were able to explore this dynamic place by hiking up the volcanic rim or viewing the surroundings via private coach, all affording excellent views and photographic opportunities.
Our evening was spent cruising the newest island in the area, Surtsey. This island rose out of the ocean in 1963 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. As the sun slowly made its way toward the horizon, we all began to reflect on an amazing expedition around Iceland. Sharing stories with new friends was a great way to spend our last night on board.


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Monday, October 14, 2013
By Michael NicholsCategories: Michael J. Nichols, Drunk-Driving, OWI
Mike Nichols of East Lansing will educate lawyers from around the state on the science of blood and breath alcohol testing on October 18th. The conference is through the State Appellate Defenders Office (SADO). Nichols is excited about the opportunity: "I love educating other lawyers. The more lawyers who are trained in the science of blood and breath testing, the more judges and juries are going to be willing to listen about the variances in both methods.
Nichols of East Lansing is the state delegate to the National College for DUI Defense and a founder and current secretary for the Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys. Nichols' book, the Michigan OWI Handbook, will be updated as of November, 2013 by West Publishing. Nichols can be reach at firstname.lastname@example.com
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"Selecting your firm was one of the best decisions I've made and money well spent. Again very pleased with the service and work and I will be keeping the business card in my wallet." -Client of Wendy Schiller-Nichols
"Mike and the rest of the amazing staff of the firm, thank you so much for your hard work on my behalf." -Clients of Mike Nichols
"I can't tell you how much better I feel knowing I have you in my corner." -Clients of Mike Nichols
"Dear Mike, thank you for everything that you have done for me. You truly saved my life." -MSU student charged with a felony that was dismissed and now has a 3.5 GPA
Mike Nichols is a national leader in drunk driving defense. He is a member of the Forensic Committee and Michigan delegate to the National College for DUI Defense. He is also a Sustaining Member of the College. Nichols is also a founding member of the Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys; a member of the American Chemical Society; an associate member of he American Academy of Forensic Science, Adjunct Professor of Forensic Evidence in Criminal Law and OWI Law and Practice at Cooley Law School. He is also author of the West OWI Practice book and several chapters in other books on science and the law.
Mike Nichols is recognized by his peers in Michigan as a "SuperLawyer" in DUI/Criminal Defense. Nichols has also been asked to speak at conferences by groups such as the NCDD; Various Bar Associations in other states.
The Nichols Law Firm, PLLC represents clients throughout Mid Michigan and South Central Michigan including the cities of Lansing, Owosso, Haslett, Okemos, Grand Ledge, Mason, Charlotte, Portland, St. Johns, Battle Creek, Howell, Brighton, Williamston, Ithaca, Jackson, Flint, Grand Blanc, Breckenridge, Carson City, Shepard, St. Louis, Alma, Pine River Township, and Sumner Township.
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See Inside Space
Katie Daynes
Peter Allen
Usborne, 2008
12pp., board book, RRP $A19.99
The publisher's blurb describes this best…"A flap book of astronomical proportions, packed with facts and information about the stars, planets and the universe. Fabulous double-page topics show our solar system, the Milky Way, how scientists think the universe was created and the latest space travel technology. Over 50 flaps reveal fascinating facts about the universe and there's a little book of star maps tucked in a pocket at the back of the book. Includes internet links to websites with the latest space information, games and photos."
But even though it is a flap book (in board book format to accommodate this and ensure its durability), this is a book for older children who have an interest in topics like the Big Bang, the history of space discovery and space travel. While there have been advances in the 10 years since it was first published, nevertheless it serves as a sound introductory title to this fascinating place with its basic information (albeit in small font so readers need to be independent) and its myriad of flaps to lift and its stunning double page spreads that open out to reveal so much more. And if that is not enough, there is also the customary weblinks page to take those who want to know more on even greater adventures.
This is one of those books that will encourage young readers, particularly boys, to collaborate and share their discoveries, an activity not well recognised yet for its importance and potential on the reading journey.


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And this lovely number which is McCall 3107:
There's also these....I love the one on the right which is McCall 3096:
Suit and dress combos look fabulous, and are a great way to expand your wardrobe too! It's hard to choose my favorite of these, but I think the striped blouse and bolero combo is my pick :-)ReplyDelete
Oh, just want I'm looking for! The first one is my favourite, the sleeves and the topstitching on that dress is wonderful. Plus the shape of the jacket is so much more flattering than the boxy jackets of the 40s. Love it!ReplyDelete
I love everyone, but especially I love, love, love the white jacket of 3103. (The last photo) I also try hat ...... It's adorable!ReplyDelete
I agree with Rosy, that jacket is amazing! I also really like the skirt from 3077.ReplyDelete
I love the first one...3077? I wish I could wear a high collar like that! 3103's jacket is amazing.ReplyDelete
I love suit and dress combos from this era! I can see 3077 in a pretty cotton floral with a tweed topper.ReplyDelete
I love the skirt and jacket combo in mcall 3107. It would look great with one of your hot pink blouses underneath.ReplyDelete
3077, for sure! Especially the red hat that goes with the suit-y version. I must find a pattern/make one of those hats.ReplyDelete
I love the blouse at 3107.ReplyDelete
i can't wait to see what the finished products look like. I'm trying my first vintage patterns. actually have to make them for aplay that takes place in the 50's for a character who is a man dressed as woman! sewcountrychick.blospot.comReplyDelete
oh sorry forgot to tell you 3103 would be amzing in a beautiful gabardine. those seams look like a nightmare though.ReplyDelete
Here http://www.pinterest.com/pin/381328293420752280/ you'll find a picture of McCall 3077 made up in a 1939 magazineReplyDelete


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Those Things That Are True
- Certainty is often the basis of comfort and assurance. However, in order to have certainty, we must know something of truth about the subject under consideration.
- A correct evaluation or to know what is true is a most valuable possession. Knowledge, communication, progress, education, science, culture, morality, and success in any field are all dependent on knowing what is true.
- The Christian is comforted in knowing that God has revealed Himself to us in the Person of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Scripture.


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Dear Liz: My credit reports don't show any of my old unpaid collection accounts. I also have one judgment that is not showing from 2005. My wife (who has perfect credit) and I are looking to apply for a mortgage. What will the lender find? I recently applied for a credit card to start rebuilding my credit. The issuer approved me for a card with a $1,000 limit and told me my score was in the high 700s. I am so confused.
Answer: If your collection accounts are older than seven years, your lender shouldn't see them when it reviews your credit reports. Most negative marks have to be dropped from reports seven years and six months after the date the account first went delinquent. Civil judgments also have to be dropped after seven years unless your state has a longer statute of limitations; in that case, the judgment can be reported until the statute expires. California's statute of limitations for judgments is 10 years.
If none of those negative marks shows on your reports and you've handled credit responsibly since then, your credit scores (you have more than one) may well be excellent.
Since you'll be in the market for a major loan, you and your wife should get your FICO scores from MyFico.com. Mortgage lenders will look at all six scores (one from each of the three credit bureaus for you and your wife), basing your rate and terms on the lower of the two middle scores. If that score is 740 or above, you should get the best rate and terms the lender offers.
Your FICO scores will cost $20 each, which is a bit of an investment. You can get free scores from various online sites, but those aren't the FICO scores that mortgage lenders use and are of limited help in understanding what rate and terms you're likely to get.


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Top Links
Journal of Paediatrics and Neonatal Disorders
Randomized Study of the Effects of Statin on Inflammatory and Prothrombotic States in Obese Adolescents
Copyright: © 2015 Dirlewanger M. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Related article at Pubmed, Google Scholar
Background: Increased inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP) and prothrombotic parameters are potential markers of cardiovascular risks in childhood obesity.
Objectives: We investigated whether a statin treatment can reverse these early cardiovascular risk indicators. The primary outcome was the effect of sixteen weeks of statins on the inflammatory cytokines, CRP and the pro-thrombotic state in obese adolescents.
Methods: This randomized controlled double-blind study conducted at the University Hospital of Geneva included 28 obese adolescents aged 12-16 years. Subjects received either placebo (P) or atorvastatin (A) for sixteen weeks. Levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6, interferon-γ-inducible protein, interleukin-10, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and CRP were measured at baseline, after sixteen weeks and after one year. Coagulation parameters were evaluated by prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen levels and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) at each visit.
Results: The MCP-1 level was stable in group A after sixteen weeks of treatment, while it tended to increase in group P (median evolution, 0.2 pg/mL in A vs 34.3 pg/mL in P). The ETP levels decreased in group A and increased in group P (median evolution, -7.0 mA in A vs 12.9 mA in P). These differences of the evolution were not statistically different (MCP-1 p= 0.09, ETP p= 0.07), but after adjustment for age and BMI the ETP evolution reached significance (ETP adjusted, p=0.01). The baseline fibrinogen levels were already high in both groups (median 3.6 g/L, norm < 3.0). No prolonged effects were detected after one year.
Conclusions: Increased levels of fibrinogen are already observed in obese adolescents reflecting the procoagluant risk. ETP decreased significantly with atorvastatin treatment in comparison to the non-treated group. Atorvastatin did however not decrease inflammation parameters.
Trial registration number: 2006DR3104. Swissmedic, Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products.
Keywords: Obesity; Adolescent; Statin; Inflammation; Hypercoagulability
List of abbreviations: CRP: C-reactive protein; P: Placebo; A: Atorvastatin; MCP-1: Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 ETP: Endogenous thrombin potential; CVD: Cardiovascular disease; HOMA: Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance; MCPIP: MCP-1 induced protein; IL-6: Interleukin-6; IP-10: Interferon-γ-inducible protein; IL-10: Interleukin-10; IL1-Ra: Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist; PT: Prothrombin time; aPTT: activated partial thromboplastin time; tLag: lag time; tMax: time-to-peak; cMax: the peak height; TNF-α: Tumor Necrosis Factor-α; BMI: Body Mass Index; LDL: Low Density Lipoprotein; HDL: High Density Lipoprotein; Tg: Triglycerides; V1: Visit 1; V2: Visit 2; V3: Visit 3; OGTT: Oral glucose tolerance test; CK: Creatine kinase; CK-MB: CK muscular fraction; DMT2: Diabetes mellitus type 2; C-vx: Cardiovascular; CCR2: Chemokine receptor 2; NIH: National Institutes of Health; BP: Blood pressure
Obesity is a major public health concern in many countries. In Europe 4.1% of the girls and 5.4% of the boys aged 10-12 years are obese according to the International Obesity Task Force criteria [1,2]. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) manifests itself generally in adulthood, but atherosclerotic process can begin early in childhood and be accelerated by obesity, increased insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and high blood pressure, thus increasing the future adult morbidity and mortality [3,4]. For example, severe obesity in children is already associated with arterial wall stiffness and endothelial dysfunction [5]. Furthermore, an increased HOMA index (Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) per se was shown to worsen the endothelial function in childhood [6]. Glucose intolerance and a positive family history of diabetes in obese young patients account for increased cardiovascular risks; even the characteristics of the mothers (weight, height, diabetes, smoking,…) and of birth (gestational age, length, head circumference, …) were shown to determine early alterations of the aorta in term neonates [7].
The chronic low-grade adipose and liver inflammation that is present in obesity is a major cause of the secondary systemic insulin resistance, increasing the risk of diabetes [8].
The pro-inflammatory cytokines activated by obesity contribute to the atherosclerotic development. For example, MCP-1, the MCP-1 receptor and the recently discovered MCP-1 induced protein (MCPIP), all play central roles in the monocyte-endothelial cell interactions in atherogenesis [9,10]. MCP-1 seems to be important for the monocyte/macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue, which accelerates inflammatory processes [11].
The MCP-1 level is significantly higher in obese children than in lean ones, independent of pubertal stage [12,13]. CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are also positively linked with BMI, total body fat percentage and trunk fat mass [12]. Interferon-γ-inducible protein (IP-10) plays roles in monocytes/macrophage and T-cell chemotaxis, promotes T-cell adhesion to endothelial cells, and has an angiostatic effect [14]. IP-10 levels are also increased in chronic inflammatory arthritis [15].
It has already been shown that successful lifestyle intervention with weight loss in obese children can help to reduce the low–grade inflammation [16].
On the other hand, anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10 (IL-10) exert major inhibitory effects in that they suppress macrophage function and repress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The protective role of IL-10 in atherosclerosis has been shown in animal studies and mutations affecting the IL-10 receptor have been identified in inflammatory bowel disease [17]. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-Ra) also negatively modulates the IL-1 inflammatory pathway [18].
Inflammation increases procoagulant factors, leading to an increased thrombotic risk. Conventional coagulation tests, such as prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), do not clearly reflect the hypercoagulability state associated with obesity. This is why we used the endogenous thrombin potential, a global method, that evaluates the entire process of coagulation [19]. When the coagulation system is triggered, there is a transient wave of thrombin after a certain lag time (tLag), which corresponds to the clotting time. The activity level is proportional to the concentration of thrombin and to the time that it is active, i.e. to the area under the concentration curve. This area is called the endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and reflects the function of the hemostatic system. The time-to-peak is defined by tMax and the peak height by cMax; the earlier and higher the peaks, the greater the tendency to clot. Fibrinogen levels are also markers of atherosclerotic-thrombotic risk [20] and fibrinogen values > 5g/L increase the risk of thrombosis four-fold compared with the reference levels of < 3g/L [21].
Beyond their effects on lipoprotein concentrations, statins have well-known anti-inflammatory actions that could account for their reduction of cardiovascular risks [22]. An in vitro study showed dose-dependent inhibition of MCP-1 production by human endothelial cells exposed to statins [23]. In diabetic patients, however, atorvastatin treatment for 12 weeks resulted in no significant decrease in the CRP, TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α) or MCP-1 levels [24].
Overall, childhood obesity is associated with increased inflammatory cytokines and a hypercoagulability state, which contribute to early vascular and cardiac alterations. Reducing these factors by therapeutic interventions would contribute to reduce the risk for developing later metabolic complications.
The aim of this study was to investigate whether a therapeutic intervention with atorvastatin can reverse the inflammatory and prothrombotic markers present in obese adolescents [13].
The primary outcome was to evaluate the effect of sixteen weeks of statin treatment on pro-inflammatory cytokines, CRP and the pro-thrombotic state. The secondary outcome was the effect of statins on insulin resistance and BMI (Body Mass Index).
Over a three-year period, we recruited 33 children who were obese as defined by the international standard curve of Cole [2]. All were 12-16 years old and were outpatients at the Pediatric Endocrine clinic at the Children's University Hospital of Geneva. The local ethics committee approved the study protocol and written informed consent was obtained from the parents and the children. The exclusion criteria included having diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2, infections or use of anti-inflammatory drugs at the time of recruitment. One patient was excluded for overt diabetes type 2 requiring oral antidiabetic treatment after diabetes was discovered when the first blood test was performed. Four patients were lost during follow-up and did not fulfill the study protocol. This randomized clinical trial was analyzed by the 'per protocol' approach and 28 patients were included in the final analysis.
A total of 28 patients were included in this randomized double-blinded study. Patients were randomized into two groups: one group received placebo for sixteen weeks (group P) and the other group received atorvastatin (group A; 0.2-0.3 mg/kg/d, max 20 mg). The tablets were prepared by the hospital pharmacy and the pharmacist revealed the randomization key at the end of the study.
Fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol), HDL-cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol), triglycerides (Tg), cytokines (IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-10), chemokines (MCP-1, IP-10), CRP, PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, ETP and D-dimer levels were determined at baseline (Visit 1; V1) and after sixteen weeks of treatment (Visit 2; V2). The same parameters were determined again after 1 year (Visit 3; V3) to evaluate whether any effect of statins was sustained.
Parents provided information about their family history, especially history of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases like premature coronary artery disease in first degree relatives. Children were evaluated in the morning. Their weight and height were measured using standard anthropometric techniques, and the BMI was calculated. Blood pressure was measured after the subject was lying on a bed for 10 minutes. The physical examination included determination of the pubertal stage according to the criteria of Tanner and the assessment of striae, signs of hyperandrogenism and acanthosis nigricans. All subjects were asked to fast overnight (12 hours), blood samples were obtained from subjects by a standard phlebotomy, without pressure on the arm for the ETP sample.
The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed after overnight fasting. Blood samples for glucose and insulin determination were drawn through an intravenous line, 0 and 30 minutes before and 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes after an oral glucose load of 1.75g/kg body weight (maximum 100g). Total creatine kinase (CK), the CK muscular fraction (CK-MB), aminotransferases, ALAT and ASAT were measured at each blood draw to document potential side effects like, myositis or hepatitis.
Blood glucose was measured using the glucose oxidase method on a Beckman-Coulter DXC800 analyzer. Serum insulin was determined with an immunoassay on a DPC Immulite 2500 (Siemens, Marburg, Germany). CRP ultra sensitive measurements were carried out using a turbidimetric method on the DXC800 Beckman analyzer; normal level < 4 mg/L. PT, aPTT, fibrinogen, and ETP were measured with Innovin, Actin, Multifibren, and ETP kits, respectively, on a BCS analyzer (reagents and analyzer from Siemens, Marburg, Germany). D-dimer levels were determined with the VIDAS Exclusion Assay (BioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France).
Cytokines (IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-10) and chemokine's (MCP-1, IP-10) were measured using a commercially available multiplex beads immunoassay that is based on the Luminex platform (Fluorokine MAP Multiplex Human Cytokine Panel, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA) according to the supplier's instructions.
All measurements were performed in the same run assay to avoid inter-assay variability. All the intra-assay variation coefficients were below 8%.
The degree of insulin resistance was determined using HOMA-IR (fasting plasma insulin (mU/L) × fasting plasma glucose (mmol/L)/22.5) [25]. Insulin resistance was defined as HOMA-IR > P95 for age and sex according to the values defined by Allard, et al. [26]. For the OGTT, glucose intolerance and diabetes were assessed according to WHO criteria values.
Total CK and CK-MB were measured using a DXC800 analyzer with Beckman Coulter kits.
Statistical analyses were performed with the computer program S-plus 8.0 for Windows (Insightful Corp., Seattle, USA). Data were reported as median and minimum/maximum values. The variation of the parameters from baseline Visit 1 to Visit 2 was compared between groups P and A using the Mann-Whitney test. Age and BMI at baseline were slightly unbalanced in the two groups; we therefore also tested the difference with adjustment for age and BMI, using a multivariate linear regression model. The normality of residuals was graphically inspected and only normally distributed models were interpreted. P-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The sample size allowed the detection of large effect sizes (1.2 or more) between group P and group A with a power of 80% and a two-sided risk α of 0.05.
Control group P included 12 patients, 7 females and 5 males, while the treated group A included 16 patients, 8 females and 8 males (Table 1). The two groups showed similar clinical characteristics at baseline: median age was 13.2 vs 14.3 years (p-value = 0.29), and the median BMI was 30.1 vs 33.1 kg/m2 in groups P and A, respectively (p-value = 0.30). The median systolic and diastolic blood pressures were below the 90th percentile. Lipid levels, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, were all within the normal range at baseline (V1) (Table 2). 18 adolescents had a positive family history for diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) (7 in group P and 11 in group A), and 14 had a positive family history for cardiovascular disease (C-vx) (5 in group P and 9 in group A) (Table S1, supplementary data). The oral glucose tolerance test performed at baseline was normal in two patients according to WHO criteria. Of all patients, 6 were glucose intolerant and 20 showed hyperinsulinemia as defined by an insulin level > 50 mU/L. Nine patients were insulin-resistant at baseline as defined by a HOMA–IR > P95. The fibrinogen levels were already high in both groups of obese adolescents at baseline (Table 2), reflecting an increased risk of thrombosis in this population [20].
The second visit (V2) took place after sixteen weeks of placebo or atorvastatin treatment. The MCP-1 level was stable in group A while it tended to increase in group P (median evolution 0.2 pg/mL vs 34.3 pg/ml) (Table 3). However, the comparison of the evolution between V1 and V2 of the two groups showed that this difference was not significant (p-value = 0.09) (Table 3). The same trend was observed for the ETP, which decreased in group A and increased in group P (median evolution -7.0 mA vs 12.9 mA) (Table 3); however, the comparison of the evolution over time in the two groups did not reach statistical significance (p-value = 0.07) (Table 3); for ETP the normal distribution allowed an adjustment for age and BMI, the evolution of ETP reached then significance (p-value= 0.01) (Table 3).
We observed no changes in the levels of IP-10, IL-1Ra, IL-6 and IL-10 during follow-up; however IL-6 and IL-10 values were below detection level (Table 2). The comparison of the evolution in both groups was not significant for any of these parameters (IP-10 p-value = 0.13, IL-1Ra p-value = 0.92) (Table 3).
The BMI and the HOMA did not show significant modifications over the sixteen weeks follow-up (BMI p-value = 0.28, HOMA p-value = 0.28) (Table 3). The total cholesterol and the LDL-cholesterol decreased in group A between visit V1 and V2 and the comparison of the evolution in both groups was clearly significant for these parameters (Cholesterol p-value= 0.009, LDL-cholesterol p-value= 0.007); regarding the LDL-cholesterol which was normally distributed the significance was maintained even after the adjustment for age and BMI (LDL-cholesterol p-value= 0.01) (Table 3). This was in line with the expected effect of the statins.
All inflammation and coagulation parameters were measured again after one year at V3, i.e. eight months after the end of treatment with placebo or atorvastatin. There were no prolonged or significant effects on any of the parameters at V3 (Tables S2, S3, S4, supplementary data).
We monitored all patients for potential side effects during the sixteen weeks treatment period and saw a transient increase in total CK in 9 subjects (32%); in 2 subjects, 1 in group P and the other in group A, the total CK increased slightly at V2. For the other 7 patients total CK was already increased at baseline or several months after the treatment had been stopped at V3. This was attributed to exercise.
One patient had four times increased aminotransferases at V3 more than eight months after the statin treatment had been stopped; this was attributed to a probable infection. Two patients had short-lived abdominal pain at the end of the statin treatment but showed no increase in the aminotransferase level.
This prospective randomized double-blind study evaluated the effect of atorvastatin on inflammatory and coagulation markers and on the evolution of the BMI and insulin resistance in obese adolescents. This young population is very important to study, because early therapeutic interventions may have long-term benefits and decrease the adult morbidity and mortality.
Statins tended to stabilize the pro-inflammatory MCP-1 level in group A. In contrast, the MCP-1 level increased over time in the untreated group P. It was recently demonstrated in rats that simvastatin significantly reduces MCP-1 and TNF-α levels as well as body mass index [27]. MCP-1 expression is increased in obese mice and is an important recruiter of macrophage precursors into atherosclerotic tissues [28]. Notably, mice with genetic inactivation of MCP-1 and its CC-chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) are particularly resistant to atherosclerosis [9]. An MCP-1 competitor, that inhibits monocyte chemotaxis or transendothelial migration, also reduces inflammatory monocyte recruitment, limits neo-intimal hyperplasia and attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice [29]. MCP-1 is also the most increased pro-inflammatory parameter in obese children compared to lean ones and correlates positively with the degree of obesity [13,30].
in vitro studies show dose-dependent inhibition of MCP-1 production by human endothelial cells exposed to statins [23,31]. The tendency of statins to lower MCP-1 in obese adolescents, as observed in group A, could be beneficial in preventing atherosclerosis and further myocardial ischemia.
Statins have no detectable effect on other pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IP-10 in this study. IL-6 levels have been shown to decrease in patients with chronic heart failure with dyslipidemia during 6 months of statin therapy, and this also ameliorated cardiac function [32]. Simvastatin also significantly decreases IL-6 levels in healthy men after just 14 days [33]. It is possible that the low levels of IL-6 at baseline in our study did not allow us to detect changes in this parameter.
The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL1-Ra positively correlates with BMI and HOMA, but is decreased in patients with longstanding DMT2 [34]. We did not observe any effect of statins on IL1-Ra in the present study.
IL-10 correlates positively with BMI and has been proposed to be a negative predictive factor for the development of diabetes. We chose to measure IL-10, because it is secreted by human white adipose tissue and is a major inhibitor of pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis and induces the release of IL-1Ra [35]. In vivo experiments, in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice showed that simvastatin significantly increase local expression of IL-10 in the induced atherosclerotic plaques [36]. In our study, however, we did not detect systemic induction of IL-10 with statins.
In this study, statin treatment had no effect on CRP levels. The basal CRP level was quite different between the two study groups, due to a single outlier patient in group A who had CRP values > 10 mg/L as well as high fibrinogen levels (> 5 g/L) at all time points. This patient was not excluded from the study because the high parameters were obesity related, there was no sign of a concomitant infection. CRP is increased in obese children and adolescents [13], and is also an independent major risk marker of cardiovascular complications [37]. The effects of statins on CRP levels remain controversial. Kinlay, et al. [38] concluded that the within-person variability of CRP level is about the same as the reduction in CRP levels from intensive statin therapy and another group found no significant changes in CRP levels by statins in type 2 diabetic patients after 12 weeks of treatment [24]. Furthermore, pharmacogenetic determinants seem to play an important role in the response to statin treatment [39].
ETP levels tended to increase in group P and the basal fibrinogen level was already high in both groups. Fibrinogen levels are markers of atherosclerotic-thrombotic risk [20] and fibrinogen values > 5g/L increase the risk of thrombosis four-fold compared with the reference of levels < 3g/L [21]. The values observed in the adolescents in this study were already predictive of vascular disease.
It is well established that clotting factors and lipid infiltration of vascular walls are important in the development of atherosclerosis. ETP is increased in obese children as young as six years of age [40] and hemostatic alterations can normalize after weight loss due to successful lifestyle intervention [41]. Patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease treated for 8 weeks with atorvastatin showed a significant reduction of thrombin generation [42]. The mechanisms by which statins reduce thrombosis risk are unclear, but a recent review by researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirmed that the anti-thrombotic effects of statins are likely related to their anti-inflammatory properties [43]. Our study showed a significant decrease of ETP after sixteen weeks of statins.
We noted no effects of statins on body weight or on insulin resistance index HOMA. Insulin resistance, diabetes or even a positive family history of diabetes are related to early alterations of vascular and heart functions leading to the so-called diabetic cardiomyopathy [44]. In order to prevent such systemic complications, normalization of the altered glucose homeostasis is warranted. It also has to be taken into account, that statins modestly raise blood glucose levels, increasing the risk of development of diabetes mellitus [45]. Statins should therefore be used with caution in obese adolescents, especially if there is an acute risk for diabetes.
Some of the strengths of this study include the fact that the study was randomized and longitudinal in a population difficult to recruit.
For several outcomes, the p-value was above the significance level. This lack of significance may be partially due to a lack of power because the study was designed to detect large effect sizes. Limitations of this study include a relatively small number of participants.
In this study treatment of sixteen weeks with statins tended to stabilize the pro-inflammatory MCP-1 levels and to improve the prothrombotic state as reflected by the ETP.
Inflammatory markers predict future atherosclerotic events, and therapies that modify their concentrations can confer cardiovascular protection and prevent additional metabolic complications. Thus, modulating MCP-1 chemotactic signaling and the hypercoagulability state associated with obesity might be interesting therapeutic approaches to prevent atherosclerosis and cardio-vascular complications.
The authors kindly thank the participants and their parents for their participation. They also thank the staff of the "Plateforme de recherche Clinique", for expert assistance, especially the nurses Fabienne Marechal, Maria-Isabel Rodriguez, and Carole Salomon and Secretary Suzanne Duperret.
This study was funded by the Fondation Gertrude Von Meissner and by the "Association Genevoise du Diabète (AGD)". The Mimosa Fellowship grant of the Department of Child and Adolescent, University Hospitals of Geneva, as the "Subside Tremplin-programme de soutien à la relève féminine" of the University of Geneva also provided funds for this study.
P (n=12) Median [min; max]
A (n=16) Median [min; max]
|p-value °
|Age, years
|13.2 [12.1;15.6]
|14.3 [12;16.5]
|Female, n [%]
|7 [58.3]
|8 [50.0]
|Male, n [%]
|5 [41.7]
|8 [50.0]
|Weight, kg
|83.3 [67;107]
|87.2 [75.6;128.5]
|Height, cm
|165.3 [155;172.5]
|166 [154;177]
|BMI, kg/m2
|30.1 [27.2;38.9]
|33.1 [30.1;43.9]
|Systolic BP, mmHg
|115.5 [107;123]
|116.5 [95;140 ]
|Systolic BP p90
|122.5 [120;127]
|123.5 [120;130]
|Diastolic BP, mmHg
|62 [48;70]
|63.5 [44;79]
|Diastolic BP p90
|78 [77;79]
|78.5 [77;80]
|Heart rate, pulse/min
|68.5 [50;91]
|69.5 [50;93]
|Data are reported as median values with minimal and maximal values [min; max] for continuous factors and as values with percentages for categorical factors.
P, placebo group. A, atorvastatin-treated group. BMI, body mass index. BP, blood pressure. BP p90, percentile 90 adapted for sex and age
° Mann-Whitney test for continuous characteristics and Fisher exact test for gender
Table 1: Clinical characteristics of the two groups at the baseline V1
P (n=12) Median [min; max]
A (n=16) Median [min; max]
|3.1 [1.4;6.9]
|3.2 [0.4;5.4]
|MCP-1, pg/mL
|137.3 [80.5;358.1]
|172.2 [44.6;280.4]
|IL-6, pg/mL
|IP-10, pg/mL
|4.3 [1.9; 9.5]
|2.6 [1.3;12]
|IL1-Ra, pg/mL
|1330.2 [780.5;2690.4]
|1219.5 [558.9;2956.1]
|IL-10, pg/mL
|CRP, mg/L
|1.4 [0.5;5.6]
|2.7 [0.5;18.5]
|96.5 [84;100]
|100 [77.3;100]
|aPTT, sec
|26.6 [23.5;30]
|26.4 [24;31.2]
|Fibrinogen, g/L
|3.6 [2.7;4.4]
|3.6 [2.6;5.6]
|D-Dimers, ng/mL
|267 [124;665]
|279 [131;627]
|ETP, mA
|366.2 [323.9;422.2]
|397.1 [329.4;468.3]
|tLag, sec
|16.6 [15.2;18.1]
|16.4 [12.9;20.4]
|tMax, sec
|45.2 [37.6;58]
|48.6 [25.6;66.2]
|cMax, nM
|144.1 [127.1;161.7]
|139.6 [127;183]
|Cholesterol, mmol/L
|3.7 [3.1;4.7]
|3.4 [2.6;5]
|HDL, mmol/L
|1.0 [0.5;1.5]
|0.95 [0.6;1.7]
|LDL, mmol/L
|2.4 [1.6;3.2]
|2.1 [1.2;3.4]
|Tg, mmol/L
|0.8 [0.49;1.6]
|0.7 [0.5;2.1]
|Data are reported as median values, with minimal and maximal values [min; max]. P, placebo group. A, atorvastatin-treated group. HOMA, homeostatic model assessment. MCP-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. IL-6, interleukin-6. IP-10, jnterferon--inductible protein. IL1-Ra, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. IL-10, interleukin-10. CRP, C-reactive protein. PT, prothrombin time. aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time. ETP, endogenous thrombin potential. tLag, lag time. tMax, time to peak. cMax, peak value. HDL, High Density Lipoprotein. LDL, Low Density Lipoprotein. Tg, triglycerides.
sec, seconds. mA, milli-absorbance units.
0 indicates values < 1 pg/mL (values below the detection level of 1 pg/mL)
Table 2: HOMA, cytokines, CRP, coagulation parameters and lipid profile at baseline V1
P (n=12) Median [min; max]
A (n=16) Median [min; max]
|BMI, kg/m2
|0.6 [-0.2;3.1]
|0.3 [-2.9;2.6]
|1.0 [0;4.5]
|0.6 [-1.2;5.0]
|MCP-1, pg/mL
|34.3 [-135.7;96.2]
|0.2 [-48.4;33.9]
|IP-10, pg/mL
|-0.4 [-2.0;2.8]
|0.4 [-10.0;16.1]
|IL1-Ra, pg/mL
|-48.2 [-628.4;1008.6]
|-23.2 [-584.1;300.9]
|CRP, mg/L
|0.3 [-1.2;4.2]
|0.5 [-4.4;3.5]
|0.5 [-2.0;10.0]
|0 [-11.3;18.0]
|aPTT, sec
|0 [-2.4;2.3]
|-0.2 [-2.1;1.8]
|Fibrinogen, g/L
|0.5 [-0.1;1.6]
|0.5 [-0.6;1.5]
|D-Dimers, ng/mL
|-14 [-175.0;88.0]
|-1 [-255.0;232.0]
|ETP, mA
|12.9 [-19.1;35.9]
|-7.0 [-63.9;43.8]
|tLag, sec
|-0.2 [-2.4;2.0]
|0.6 [-2.8;5.0]
|tMax, sec
|-6.7 [-20.3;8.7]
|-4.4 [-23.4;13.4]
|cMax, nM
|8.6 [-11.7;30.7]
|2.0 [-46.1;31.4]
|Cholesterol, mmol/L
|0.1 [-0.5;1.5]
|-0.6 [-1.2;1.5]
|HDL, mmol/L
|0.1 [-0.1;0.4]
|0.1 [-0.3;0.3]
|LDL, mmol/L
|0.2 [-0.5;1.0]
|-0.4 [-1.2;1.1]
|Tg, mmol/L
|0 [-0.5;0.5]
|-0.2 [-1.4;0.3]
|Data are reported as median values with minimal and maximal values [min; max].
Group P, placebo group. Group A, atorvastatin-treated group. V1, Visit 1 at baseline. V2, Visit 2 after sixteen weeks of placebo or atorvastatin treatment. BMI, body mass index. HOMA, homeostatic model assessement. MCP-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. IP-10, interferon--inductible protein. IL1-Ra, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. CRP, C-reactive protein. PT, prothrombin time. aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time. ETP, endogenous thrombin potential. tLag, lag time. tMax, time to peak. cMax, peak value. HDL, High Density Lipoprotein. LDL, Low Density lipoprotein. Tg, triglycerides.
sec, seconds. mA, milli- absorbance units.
The change in each parameters from baseline to the sixteenth weeks are shown for Group P and Group A. The change since baseline of each parameter has been compared between the two arms using Mann-Whitney tests. Multivariate regression analyses to compare the parameters between arms with adjustment for age and BMI were applied to the parameters with a normal distribution (Fibrinogen, D-Dimers, ETP, tLag, HDL, LDL).
°Mann-Whitney test
°°Multivariate regression test
*p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Table 3: Comparison of the evolution between group P and group A over the sixteen weeks of treatment


text:
Pay premiums are on their way back up for many certified IT positions but non-certified skills are also enjoying growing demand, according to a technology industry labour analyst firm.
Professionals with 'hybrid' talents in demand
CIO's biy winners in 2013 salary survey
The average extra pay for the 289 IT certifications that the company tracked during the last quarter grew an average of 0.84 per cent overall, following "eleven straight quarterly losses.
"This is a significant finding since certification premiums have lost value overall in 23 of the last 26 calendar quarters going back to 2007," the report said. "Five certification segments posted gains while only one lost value."
The certified IT skills with the highest pay premiums were:
- Architecture/project management/process certifications: +1.8 per cent
- Database certifications: +1.5 per cent
- Information security certifications: +1.4 per cent
- Systems administration/engineering certifications: +0.7 per cent
- Networking & Communications certifications: +0.3 per cent
- Application Development/Programming Language certifications: -3.1 per cent
The non-certified IT skills with highest pay premiums were:
- Management/methodology/process skills: +6.3 per cent
- Database skills: +4.3 per cent
- Messaging and Communications skills: +1.9 per cent
- Application development skills: +0.1 per cent
- Web/e-commerce development: -0.6 per cent
- Operating systems skills: -1.1 per cent
- Systems/networking skills: -1.3 per cent
- SAP/enterprise business applications: -2.4 per cent
The average market value for the 340 non-certified skills tracked by Foote Partners grew in the second quarter of 2013 by 0.84 per cent from April to June of this year.
"This is the sixth consecutive calendar quarter of positive growth for non-certified skills pay and the twelfth gain in the past 14 quarters," the firm said. "Historically, pay for non-certified IT skills have performed strongly with gains in 28 of the previous 35 calendar quarters going back to 2004.


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Catz, CFO of software giant Oracle, will have to work hard to once again justify the company's stock compensation plan at the fast approaching annual stockholders meeting.
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Safra Catz / Flicker
Safra Catz will probably never forget the torrid time she had at last year's annual shareholders meeting of the Oracle Corporation, where she serves as chief financial officer (CFO).
However, according to reports all indications, last year's shareholder's reaction to the excessive stock option schemes being offered to the company's leading executives, particularly the company's founder and major shareholder Larry Ellison, last year's meeting looks like being a picnic compared to the 2013 AGM to be held on the 31st October.
One of Oracle's leading shareholders, the iCtW Investment Group, have already given Ms. Catz a taste of things to come, circulating a strongly worded letter to the rest of the company's shareholders stating that Oracle CEO Ellison as well as the company's other top level managers, including Ms. Catz are being overcompensated for their efforts, particularly in comparison to their peers in the software development industry and certainly with regards to the company's disappointing returns of late.
In their open letter, iCtW, a division of labor-group Change to win stated their intention to demand at the AGM that Oracle, the largest database-software maker in the world, be forced to adopt industry benchmarks for compensation.
According to industry sources, so far the reaction from Oracle is to reject Cow's claims of overcompensation has been addressed by their current compensation committee, in a letter that has been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The members of Oracle's compensation committee are Bruce Chizen, formerly of Adobe Systems who has been heading the compensation committee for the last three years, Naomi Seligman, a partner at technology consultants Ostriker von Simson, and well-known venture capitalist George Conrades, currently chairman of Akamai Technologies.
iCtW, who claim to hold six million shares in Oracle, have obviously done their homework, citing in their open letter to Oracle's board, that the compensation practices are exaggerated in favor of Larry Ellison and fellow members of the top management team when compared to their counterparts in the industry such as Apple, Amazon and Google, especially when it comes to stock options,
The management at CtW seems to be particularly up in arms about the compensation package Larry Ellison received in the financial year 2012/2013, which at $78.4 million was eighteen million dollars less than the previous financial year, after Ellison passed up on his annual bonus.
While iCtW appear to be the most vociferous and active of the shareholder blocks in Oracle, Ms. Catz will be aware that there are other groups who are equally dissatisfied with the compensation packages over the top management at the company especially in relation to the company's tepid performance during the last financial year.
Ellison, who was his sole founder of Oracle and still is the major shareholder with about 25% of the company's shares in his hands has courted controversy by continuing to pick up tens of millions of dollars of stock options in the company every year, even when returns have been less than outstanding.
While the board at Oracle has consistently succeeded in standing by Ellison's side in the face of pressure not only regarding the chairman's compensation package but also their own, expectations is that this year the complaints will be considerably louder and more aggressive than they have been in the past.
What Safra Catz will undoubtedly argue is that thanks to Larry Ellison, Oracle has earned close to $40 billion for their shareholders during the past decade, with shares in the company having risen by.28% in its last fiscal year, surpassing the 24% overall increase recorded by the Standard & Poor's 500 index for the same period.
What may possibly offend some of the shareholders is Larry Ellison's less than modest lifestyle, using his estimated personal fortune of $41 billion to buy luxurious properties in the most fashionable spots around the world, including his own Hawaiian island, Lanai. In addition Ellison has provided total financial support for the US sailing teams participating in the America's Cup. In return the US has picked up the trophy in the past two contests, with the most recent triumph coming last month in San Francisco.
Safra Catz has been a member of the top management team for twelve years and no doubt has enjoyed a lot of the financial benefits. Since April of 2011 Ms. Catz has held the posts of Co-President and Chief Financial Officer, reported to be one of Larry Ellison closest confidants .
According to the most recent reports published by Fortune going back to 2011, Safra Catz holds the title of being the highest-paid female executive in the list of Fortune 1000 companies, with her estimated remuneration for the 2010/2011 financial year being close to $52 million.
News of the impending confrontation at Redwood City, California, Oracle head offices has had its effects on the company's share performance in recent days, dropping by 1.1 percent to $32.84 at the most recent close of business in the New York stock exchange.
Safra Catz was born in Holon, near Tel Aviv, Israel and brought up in Brookline, Massachusetts, where her family moved to in 1967 when she was just six.
After graduating from High School, Ms. Catz went on to earn her bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania as well as her Juris Doctor from the University Of Pennsylvania Law School.
Safra Catz began her professional career in New York-based merchant banking company of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, rising up the ladder to become the bank's Managing Director.
Catz joined Oracle Corporation in April 1999, and was appointed to the company's Board of Directors two years later, reaching the rank of President in 2004. Ms. Catz is recognized as being one of the driving forces behind Oracle's success in recent years in particular the masterminding of the software giant's successful acquisition of one of the company's main rivals PeopleSoft in a $10.3 billion takeover in 2005.