bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Informal Institutions and Personal Rule in Urban Ghana
Authors: Paller Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2014

Contrary to expectations of modern democratic development, the establishment of liberal-democratic institutions in Ghana has not led to the demise of political clientelism. Instead, the underlying informal institutions of leadership—friendship, capitalist entrepreneurship, family, and religion—contribute to the persistence of personal rule in urban Ghana. Leaders amass political power by accumulating followers in daily life. The article provides empirical evidence to substantiate these theoretical claims in the form of two ethnographic case studies—a politician’s primary campaign and the screening of a football match in an urban slum. It proposes an alternative model for the study of democracy and political accountability that extends beyond the formal institutional realm to include informal mechanisms that shape political clientelism in a democratic environment.
Comparing the SPLA’s Role in Sudan’s 1997 and 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreements: To Spoil or Not to Spoil
Authors: Haywood Keisha S.
Published: December 2014

In 2012, of the ten ongoing intrastate conflicts in Africa, half had seen at least one relapse into violence after an agreement had been signed between warring parties. This statistic tells the story of stalled and failed peace processes on the continent, but it does not point to potential causes for these failures. By comparing the Sudan People’s Liberation Army’s divergent decisions during different peace processes in 1997 and 2005, this article finds that changes in the group’s grievances and cost–benefit analysis influenced its leaders’ decision to participate in or spoil a peace process.
Independent and continuous third-order dispersion compensation using a pair of prisms
Authors: Yang Qingwei , Xie Xinglong , Kang Jun , Zhu Haidong , Guo Ailin , Gao Qi
Published: December 2014

The dispersion of a pair of prisms is analyzed by means of a ray-tracing method operating at other than tip-to-tip propagation of the prisms, taking into consideration the limited spectral bandwidth. The variations of the group delay dispersion and the third-order dispersion for a pair of prisms are calculated with respect to the incident position and the separation between the prisms. The pair of prisms can provide a wide range of independent and continuous third-order dispersion compensation. The effect of residual third-order dispersion on the pulse contrast ratio and pulse duration is also calculated. The residual third-order dispersion not only worsens the pulse contrast ratio, but also increases the pulse duration to the hundreds of femtosecond range for a tens of femtosecond pulse, even when the residual third-order dispersion is small. These phenomena are helpful in compensating for the residual high-order dispersion and in understanding its effect on pulse contrast ratios and pulse durations in ultrashort laser systems.
Instabilities in a fluid overlying an inclined anisotropic and inhomogeneous porous layer
Authors: Deepu P. , Dawande Sameer , Basu Saptarshi
Published: November 2014

In this paper, linear stability analysis on a Newtonian fluid film flowing under the effect of gravity over an inclined porous medium saturated with the same fluid in isothermal condition is carried out. The focus is placed on the effect of the anisotropic and inhomogeneous variations in the permeability of the porous medium on the shear mode and surface mode instabilities. The fluid–porous system is modelled by a coupled two-dimensional Navier–Stokes/Darcy problem. The perturbation equations are solved numerically using the Chebyshev collocation method. Detailed stability characteristics as a function of the depth ratio (the ratio of the depth of the fluid layer to that of the porous layer), the anisotropic parameter (the ratio of the permeability in the direction of the basic flow to that in the direction transverse to the basic flow) and the inhomogeneity functions are presented.
Sediment-laden fresh water above salt water: nonlinear simulations
Authors: Burns P. , Meiburg E.
Published: November 2014

When a layer of particle-laden fresh water is placed above clear, saline water, both double-diffusive and Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities may arise. The present investigation extends the linear stability analysis of Burns & Meiburg (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 691, 2012, pp. 279–314) into the nonlinear regime, by means of two- and three-dimensional direct numerical simulations (DNS). The initial instability growth in the DNS is seen to be consistent with the dominant modes predicted by the linear stability analysis. The subsequent vigorous growth of individual fingers gives rise to a secondary instability, and eventually to the formation of intense plumes that become detached from the interfacial region. The simulations show that the presence of particles with a Stokes settling velocity modifies the traditional double-diffusive fingering by creating an unstable ‘nose region’ in the horizontally averaged profiles, located between the upward-moving salinity and the downward-moving sediment interface. The effective thickness $l_{s}$ ($l_{c}$) of the salinity (sediment) interface grows diffusively, as does the height $H$ of the nose region. The ratio $H/l_{s}$ initially grows and then plateaus, at a value that is determined by the balance between the flux of sediment into the rose region from above, the double-diffusive/Rayleigh–Taylor flux out of the nose region below, and the rate of sediment accumulation within the nose region. For small values of $H/l_{s}\leqslant O(0.1)$, double-diffusive fingering dominates, while for larger values $H/l_{s}\geqslant O(0.1)$ the sediment and salinity interfaces become increasingly separated in space and the dominant instability mode becomes Rayleigh–Taylor like. A scaling analysis based on the results of a parametric study indicates that $H/l_{s}$ is a linear function of a single dimensionless grouping that can be interpreted as the ratio of inflow and outflow of sediment into the nose region. The simulation results furthermore indicate that double-diffusive and Rayleigh–Taylor instability mechanisms cause the effective settling velocity of the sediment to scale with the overall buoyancy velocity of the system, which can be orders of magnitude larger than the Stokes settling velocity. While the power spectra of double-diffusive and Rayleigh–Taylor-dominated flows are qualitatively similar, the difference between flows dominated by fingering and leaking is clearly seen when analysing the spectral phase shift. For leaking-dominated flows a phase-locking mechanism is observed, which intensifies with time. Hence, the leaking mode can be interpreted as a fingering mode which has become phase-locked due to large-scale overturning events in the nose region, as a result of a Rayleigh–Taylor instability.
On the thermodynamic boundary conditions of a solidifying mushy layer with outflow
Authors: Rees Jones David W. , Worster M. Grae
Published: November 2014

The free-boundary problem between a liquid region and a mushy layer (a reactive porous medium) must respect both thermodynamic and fluid dynamical considerations. We develop a steady two-dimensional forced-flow configuration to investigate the thermodynamic condition of marginal equilibrium that applies to a solidifying mushy layer with outflow and requires that streamlines are tangent to isotherms at the interface. We show that a ‘two-domain’ approach in which the mushy layer and liquid region are distinct domains is consistent with marginal equilibrium by extending the Stokes equations in a narrow transition region within the mushy layer. We show that the tangential fluid velocity changes rapidly in the transition region to satisfy marginal equilibrium. In convecting mushy layers with liquid channels, a buoyancy gradient can drive this tangential flow. We use asymptotic analysis in the limit of small Darcy number to derive a regime diagram for the existence of steady solutions. Thus we show that marginal equilibrium is a robust boundary condition and can be used without precise knowledge of the fluid flow near the interface.
DWORKIN VERSUS TILLICH
Authors: Carter Stephen L.
Published: November 2014

Early in John Updike's exquisite historical novelIn the Beauty of the Lilies, a Presbyterian pastor named Clarence Wilmot, whose faith has deserted him, calls upon a certain Elias Orr, a member of his flock who lies on his deathbed. Orr asks his pastor whether he—Orr—is among the elect or headed to eternal damnation in the flames of Hell. Clarence, searching for words of comfort, tells him, “I should estimate your chances to be excellent.” The dying man is unpersuaded. If the order of salvation was laid down by God at the moment of creation, he demands, “[w]hat can we poor bodies down here do?”
INADEQUACY IN EQUITY OF COMMON LAW RELIEF: THE RELEVANCE OF CONTRACTUAL TERMS
Authors: Turner P.G.
Published: December 2014

THE decision of the Court of Appeal in AB v CD [2014] EWCA Civ 229; [2014] 3 All E.R. 667 concerned a distinctive feature of equity's auxiliary jurisdiction. Unlike situations in which a claimant invokes equity's exclusive jurisdiction to enforce or protect the claimant's purely equitable rights, a claimant seeking equitable relief in aid of his or her legal rights must show that the relief available at common law, if any, would be inadequate to do justice. Thus, a contract party (for example) must cross a threshold before an injunction or specific performance will be granted. Equity's refusal to intervene where adequate relief is available at law properly makes equitable relief in the auxiliary jurisdiction special. The ordinary operation of the law of contract, and that of the courts, could be unjustifiably disrupted if every threatened or actual breach attracted these forms of discretionary equitable relief. But can a contract party tilt the balance of discretion towards the grant (or the refusal) of such relief by relying on a particular term in the contract?
‘For the sake of science and country’: the Ross Sea party 1914–1917
Authors: Harrowfield David L.
Published: November 2014

In December 1913 Sir Ernest Shackleton released a prospectus and announced The Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. His goal was to undertake the first crossing of Antarctica from the Weddell Sea via the polar plateau to McMurdo Sound on the Ross Sea. The journey had already been attempted by Wilhelm Filchner whose shipDeutschland, had become beset in the Weddell Sea ice for nine months in 1912. Shackleton aimed ‘to make all possible scientific observations on [the Trans-Antarctic] journey; to carry on similar work by parties operating from the two bases on the Weddell and Ross Seas [and] to carry on scientific work, and travel unknown portions of the coastline, by the two ships of the expedition’(Shackleton 1913: 3). WithEndurancea continental crossing party of six led by Shackleton would begin from the Weddell Sea and a supporting depot laying party led byNimrodveteran Lieutenant Aeneas L.A. Mackintosh RNR, with the auxiliary barquentineAurorabased in McMurdo Sound. Unbeknown to each party, both experienced problems beyond their control.Endurancewas holed and sank in the Weddell Sea andAuroralocked in ice, although damaged, reached New Zealand. Here the ship was repaired and then undertook a relief expedition with Shackleton as a passenger, to McMurdo Sound. In spite of these major setbacks each party conducted valuable scientific observations.

When Shackleton published his bookSouth(Shackleton 1919) on the expedition, compiled with New Zealand journalist and friend Edward Saunders, with exception of accounts on the Ross Sea party sledging and drift of the shipAurora, no recognition was given to work undertaken by the four Ross Sea party scientists and an assistant. Later publications have focused on the depot-laying, while books on Antarctic science have largely overlooked the science undertaken.

The purpose of this paper is to make this better known, and to give credit to the four scientists involved. The science conducted although primarily concerned with meteorological observations, also covers limited glaciological observations including the ablation of lake ice, solution of glacier ice in salt water, tidal recordings, collection of zoological and other specimens, along with the use of improvised equipment to undertake observations. The science achieved was secondary to the field work. The Ross Sea party science was done however, under conditions not normally conducive for such field work with health issues a major contributing factor. A lack of funding, equipment, personality problems, concern forAuroraand crew, uncertainty of Shackleton's Antarctic crossing and their own relief, led to depression, sleeplessness and insomnia.
Acute Stroke Imaging Part I: Fundamentals
Authors: Butcher K. , Emery D.
Published: December 2014

Neuroimaging is essential to stroke diagnosis and management. To date, the non-contrast CT has served as our main diagnostic tool. Although brain parenchymal changes visible on CT do provide valuable prognostic information, they provide limited insight into the potential for tissue salvage in response to reperfusion therapy, such as thrombolysis. Newer advanced CT and MRI based imaging techniques have increased the detection sensitivity for hyperacute and chronic parenchymal changes, including ischemia and hemorrhage, permit visualization of blood vessels and cerebral blood flow. This review outlines the basic principles underlying acquisition and interpretation of these newer imaging modalities in the setting of acute stroke. The utility of advanced brain parenchymal and blood flow imaging in the context of acute stroke patient management is also discussed. Part II in this series is a discussion of how these techniques can be used to rationally select appropriate patients for thrombolysis based on pathophysiological data.
Pseudoprogression Following Chemoradiotherapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Sanghera Paul , Perry James , Sahgal Arjun , Symons Sean , Aviv Richard , Morrison Meredith , Lam Kelvin , Davey Phillip , Tsao May N.
Published: December 2014

Purpose:

Pseudoprogression (psPD) is now recognised following radiotherapy with concurrent temozolomide (RT/TMZ) for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of psPD following RT/TMZ and the effect of psPD on prognosis.

Materials/Methods:

All patients receiving RT/TMZ for newly diagnosed GBM were identified from a prospective database. Clinical and radiographic data were retrospectively reviewed. Early progression was defined as radiological progression (RECIST criteria) during or within eight weeks of completing RT/TMZ. Pseudoprogression was defined as early progression with subsequent disease stabilization, without salvage therapy, for at least six months from completion of RT/TMZ. The primary outcome was overall survival (Kaplan-Meier) and log rank analysis was used to compare groups.

Results:

Out of 111 patients analyzed, 104 were evaluable for radiological response. Median age was 58 years and median follow-up 55 weeks. Early progression was confirmed in 26% and within this group 32% had psPD. Median survival for the whole cohort was 56.7 weeks [95% CI (51.0, 71.3)]. Median survival for patients with psPD was significantly higher than for patients with true early progression (124.9 weeks versus 36.0 weeks, p=0.0286).

Conclusions:

Approximately one third of patients with early progression were found to have psPD which was associated with a favourable prognosis. Maintenance TMZ should not be abandoned on the basis of seemingly discouraging imaging features identified within the first three months after RT/TMZ.
Admission and Acute Complication Rate for Outpatient Lumbar Microdiscectomy
Authors: Fallah Aria , Massicotte Eric M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Lewis Stephen J. , Rampersaud Yoga Raja , Ebrahim Shanil , Bernstein Mark
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Specialization is generally independently associated with improved outcomes for most types of surgery. This is the first study comparing the immediate success of outpatient lumbar microdiscectomy with respect to acute complication and conversion to inpatient rate. Long term pain relief is not examined in this study.

Methods:

Two separate prospective databases (one belonging to a neurosurgeon and brain tumor specialist, not specializing in spine (NS) and one belonging to four spine surgeons (SS)) were retrospectively reviewed. All acute complications as well as admission data of patients scheduled for outpatient lumbar microdiscectomy were extracted.

Results:

In total, 269 patients were in the NS group and 137 patients were in the SS group. The NS group averaged 24 cases per year while the SS group averaged 50 cases per year. Chi-square tests revealed no difference in acute complication rate [NS(6.7%), SS(7.3%)] (p>0.5) and admission rate [NS(4.1%), SS(5.8%)] (p=0.4) while the SS group had a significantly higher proportion of patients undergoing repeat microdiscectomy [NS(4.1%), SS(37.2%)] (p<0.0001). Excluding revision operations, there was no statistically significant difference in acute complication [NS(5.4%), SS(1.2%)] (p=0.09) and conversion to inpatient [NS(4.3%), SS(4.6%)] (p>0.5) rate. The combined acute complication and conversion to inpatient rate was 6.9% and 4.7% respectively.

Conclusion:

Based on this limited study, outpatient lumbar microdiscectomy can be apparently performed safely with similar immediate complication rates by both non-spine specialized neurosurgeons and spine surgeons, even though the trend favored the latter group for both outcome measures.
Current Evaluation and Management of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Authors: Boulos M. I. , Murray B. J.
Published: December 2014

Excessive daytime sleepiness has significant impact on neurological function, and has societal implications. Sleepiness is a common feature of many neurological conditions. A careful history will often reveal one of many common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness and suggest appropriate treatment. Neurophysiological testing can provide objective assessment. Behavioural management is an important first step in management. Treatment of common concurrent sleep disorders is also essential. Currently available medications can further symptomatically improve function in many individuals. The strongest evidence base is for the treatment of narcolepsy - a prototype disorder of excessive daytime sleepiness. Currently used medications include modafinil, stimulants, and sodium oxybate amongst others. This review discusses important features in the diagnosis of daytime sleepiness in adults, and outlines a treatment approach. Further evidence-based information about the management of this common problem is essential.
Early Onset Epilepsy and Inherited Metabolic Disorders: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Prasad Asuri N. , Hoffmann G. F.
Published: December 2014

Epileptic encephalopathies presenting in early life present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. These disorders present with multiple seizure types that are treatment resistant and associated with significant abnormalities on electroencephalographic studies. The underlying etiology in many cases may be related to an inborn error of metabolism. Efforts to establish the specific diagnosis of a genetic defect or an inborn error of metabolism often results in requests for a vast array of biochemical and molecular tests leading to an expensive workup. In this review, we present the clinician with information that provides a rationale for a selective and nuanced approach to biochemical assays, and initial treatment strategies while waiting for a specific diagnosis to be established. A careful consideration of the presentation, identification of potentially treatable conditions, and consultation with the biochemical genetics laboratory can lead to a greater measure of success while limiting cost overruns. Such a targeted approach is hoped will lead to an early diagnosis and appropriate interventions.
A Novel PS1 Gene Mutation in a Large Aboriginal Kindred
Authors: Butler Rachel , Beattie B. Lynn , Thong Umamon Puang , Dwosh Emily , Guimond Colleen , Feldman Howard H. , Hsiung Ging-Yuek Robin , Rogaeva Ekaterina , St. George-Hyslop Peter , Sadovnick A. Dessa
Published: December 2014

Background:

There is currently little information on the genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer disease (AD) among North American Aboriginal populations. No cases of familialAD (FAD) in these populations have been published to date.

Methods:

Here, we describe a large North American Aboriginal kindred with early onset FAD (EOFAD) in which genetic testing was done.

Results and Conclusions:

A novel Presenilin 1 (PS1) gene mutation (L250F) has been identified. In contrast to the three previously reported families with PS1 codon 250 mutations, affected members of this kindred demonstrate neither myoclonus nor seizures. Furthermore, the identification of a PS1 mutation in a North American Aboriginal kindred presents several unique challenges with respect to knowledge transfer and continuity of care in a geographically remote and culturally distinct community.
Long-Term Efficacy of Botulinum A Toxin for Blepharospasm and Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Gill Harmeet S. , Kraft Stephen P.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

To determine whether the duration of relief from symptoms in patients with essential blepharospasm (EB) or hemifacial spasm (HFS) who receive serial treatments with botulinum toxin type A (BtA) changes over the long-term.

Methods:

Retrospective longitudinal comparative analysis. The main outcome measure is the mean duration of relief from symptoms after an injection with BtA. Participants included 34 patients who received 30 or more serial BtA treatments for facial dyskinesia (EB or HFS). Repeated measures and linear regression analyses were used to determine trends and the mean duration of relief from symptoms was compared between early (first ten effective treatments) and late (last ten treatments) sessions in each group.

Results:

In the EB group (18 patients), the mean duration of relief was 13.5 weeks for the early and 11.4 weeks for the late sessions (P=0.04). In the HFS group (16 patients) the mean duration of relief was 12.4 weeks in both treatment periods (P=0.91). The duration of relief had a small negative correlation with mean late session BtA dose in the EB group (P=0.03) but no correlation in the HFS group (P=0.12).

Conclusions:

There was a trend towards a decreased duration of relief from symptoms in patients with EB over the long-term, but no changes for HFS. The treatment remains effective in relieving symptoms and signs for both conditions.
A Practical Guide to the Treatment of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: Berger Michael J. , Kimpinski Kurt
Published: December 2014

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (NOH) is a debilitating condition associated with many central and peripheral neurological disorders. It has a complex pathophysiology and variable clinical presentation, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension is often confused with other disorders of orthostatic intolerance, hypovolemic states and systemic conditions. Diagnosis is usually made by an autonomic specialist following characteristic responses to head-up tilt. Symptom control can be achieved through a combination of patient education, nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapy. The purpose of this review is to provide the clinician with a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of NOH.
MELAS: A Multigenerational Impact of the MTTL1 A3243G MELAS Mutation
Authors: Prasad M. , Narayan B. , Prasad A.N. , Rupar C.A. , Levin S. , Kronick J. , Ramsay D. , Tay K.Y. , Prasad C.
Published: December 2014

Background:

the maternally inherited MTTL1 A3243G mutation in the mitochondrial genome causes MelaS (Mitochondrial encephalopathy lactic acidosis with Stroke-like episodes), a condition that is multisystemic but affects primarily the nervous system. Significant intra-familial variation in phenotype and severity of disease is well recognized.

Methods:

retrospective and ongoing study of an extended family carrying the MTTL1 A3243G mutation with multiple symptomatic individuals. tissue heteroplasmy is reviewed based on the clinical presentations, imaging studies, laboratory findings in affected individuals and pathological material obtained at autopsy in two of the family members.

Results:

there were seven affected individuals out of thirteen members in this three generation family who each carried the MTTL1 A3243G mutation. the clinical presentations were varied with symptoms ranging from hearing loss, migraines, dementia, seizures, diabetes, visual manifestations, and stroke like episodes. three of the family members are deceased from MelaS or to complications related to MelaS.

Conclusions:

the results of the clinical, pathological and radiological findings in this family provide strong support to the current concepts of maternal inheritance, tissue heteroplasmy and molecular pathogenesis in MelaS. neurologists (both adult and paediatric) are the most likely to encounter patients with MelaS in their practice. genetic counselling is complex in view of maternal inheritance and heteroplasmy. newer therapeutic options such as arginine are being used for acute and preventative management of stroke like episodes.
N Alpha Methyl Histamine Versus Propranolol in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Millán-Guerrero R.O. , Isais-Millán R. , Guzmán-Chávez B. , Castillo-Varela G.
Published: December 2014

Objectives:

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of the subcutaneous administration of N alpha methyl histamine versus oral propranolol in the treatment of migraine prophylaxis.

Background:

N alpha methyl histamine has a selective affinity for H3 receptors and could constitute a new therapeutic drug in migraine prophylaxis.

Methods:

Sixty patients with migraine were selected and enrolled in a 12-week double-blind controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous administration of N-alpha methyl histamine (1 to 3 ug twice a week ) n=30, compared to administration of 120 mg/day of oral propranolol n=30. the variables were: headache intensity, frequency of attacks, duration of migraine attacks and analgesic intake.

Results:

fifty five patients completed the study. the data collected during the 4th week of treatment revealed that N alpha methyl histamine and propranolol caused a significantly (p<0.01) greater reduction between the basal values and final values of every variable studied.

Conclusions:

Both N alpha methyl histamine and propranolol are similarly effective in reducing or eliminating the headache in migraine prophylaxis. low doses of N-alpha methyl histamine injected subcutaneously may represent a novel and effective therapeutic alternative in migraine patients and may lay the clinical and pharmacological groundwork for the use of H3 receptor agonist in migraine prophylaxis.
Cerebral Air Embolism after Central Venous Catheter Self-Extraction
Authors: Hasany Aasim , Butler Jonathan , Leung Andrew , Young G. Bryan
Published: December 2014

Cerebral air embolism associated with central venous catheter insertion and removal is a rare but serious complication. There are many hypotheses on how air bubbles might be transported from the venous system to intracranial vessels. The literature has described how intra-cardiac defects transpulmonary passage and even retrograde flow of gas bubbles can explain this phenomenon. We present a case that illustrates the devastating effects of cerebral air embolism after a patient selfextracted his central venous catheter.
MSTMP, a Stilbene Derivative, Protects SH-SY5Y Cells Against Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Wei-Guo , Zhao Jun-Yi , Zhang Hao , Liu Xin-Yong , Guo Xiu-Li
Published: December 2014

Objective:

The protective effects of a novel stilbene derivative, (E)-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxystyryl)-3,5,6-trimethylpyrazine (MSTMP), on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced human derived neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) damage and its molecular mechanisms were investigated.

Methods:

SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to 200 μmol·L−1 H2O2 for 12 h. The effect of MSTMP on cell viability and apoptosis was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl- thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry method. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) in cells were determined by commercial kits. The expressions of pro-apoptotic factor caspase-3, caspase-9 and inducible NOS (iNOS) were detected by Western blotting. Intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed using 6-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe.

Results:

MSTMP increased the SH-SY5Y cell viability by inhibition of cell apoptosis induced by H2O2. These effects were accompanied by an increase of SOD activity, GSH level, and a decrease of MDA content. Moreover, MSTMP showed stronger effects on inhibition of LDH leakage, apoptotic cells, intracellular ROS level and the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 than TMP. Furthermore, MSTMP induced a decrease of NO level and the activity of iNOS, tNOS in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

MSTMP prevents H2O2-induced cell injury through anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis via ROS-NO pathway.
Trends in Hospitalization Associated with TBI in an Urban Level 1 Trauma Centre
Authors: de Guise Elaine , LeBlanc Joanne , Dagher Jehane , Tinawi Simon , Lamoureux Julie , Marcoux Judith , Maleki Mohammed , Feyz Mitra
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the single largest cause of death and disability following injury worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic, clinical, medical and accident related trends for patients with TBI hospitalized in an urban level 1 Trauma Centre.

Methods:

Data were retrospectively collected on individuals (n = 5,642) who were admitted to the Traumatic Brain Injury Program of the McGill University Health Centre - Montreal General Hospital from 2000 to 2011.

Results:

Regression analysis showed a significant upward trend in the yearly number of cases as well as an upward trending by year in the proportion of TBI cases aged 70-years-old or more. The Injury Severity Scale scores were positively associated with year indicating a slight increase in injury severity over the years and there was an increase in patient psychological, social and medical premorbid complexity. In addition, the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score tended to become more severe over the years. There was a slight decrease in the proportion of discharges home and in the proportion of deaths.

Conclusions:

These results will help to understand the impact of TBI in an urban Canadian level 1 Trauma Centre. This information should be used to develop public prevention strategies and to educate the community about the risk of TBI especially the risk of falls in the ageing population. These findings can also provide information to help health policy makers plan for future resources.
Expression of Urotensin II During Focal Cerebral Ischemic in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Tian Lin , Li Yunqian , Hua Wei , Jia Ying , Zhou Min , Gu Yunhe , Qi Jiping
Published: December 2014

Background:

The objective of this study was to explore the expression of urotensin II (UII), its receptor (GPR14), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), as well as their associations in the ischaemic brains of rats with focal cerebral ischaemia, under normal and diabetic conditions.

Methods:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) into Sprague—Dawley rats. Focal cerebral ischaemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) four weeks after DM onset by STZ. Rats (n=80) were divided into four groups: normal control, DM, MCAO, and DM/MCAO. Immunohistochemistry and reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect the expression of UII, GPR14 and VEGF in the diabetic and ischaemic brain.

Results:

Expression of UII and GPR14 was increased at mRNA and protein levels in the DM and MCAO group compared with controls. In the DM/MCAO group, expression of UII and GPR14 was increased significantly in the ischaemic brain, and was accompanied by a significantly increased VEGF expression.

Conclusion:

Diabetes mellitus was seen to aggravate brain lesions after ischaemia, and UII may have an important role.
Typhoid fever acquired in the United States, 1999–2010: epidemiology, microbiology, and use of a space–time scan statistic for outbreak detection
Authors: IMANISHI M. , NEWTON A. E. , VIEIRA A. R. , GONZALEZ-AVILES G. , KENDALL SCOTT M. E. , MANIKONDA K. , MAXWELL T. N. , HALPIN J. L. , FREEMAN M. M. , MEDALLA F. , AYERS T. L. , DERADO G. , MAHON B. E. , MINTZ E. D.
Published: November 2014

Although rare, typhoid fever cases acquired in the United States continue to be reported. Detection and investigation of outbreaks in these domestically acquired cases offer opportunities to identify chronic carriers. We searched surveillance and laboratory databases for domestically acquired typhoid fever cases, used a space–time scan statistic to identify clusters, and classified clusters as outbreaks or non-outbreaks. From 1999 to 2010, domestically acquired cases accounted for 18% of 3373 reported typhoid fever cases; their isolates were less often multidrug-resistant (2%vs. 15%) compared to isolates from travel-associated cases. We identified 28 outbreaks and two possible outbreaks within 45 space–time clusters of ⩾2 domestically acquired cases, including three outbreaks involving ⩾2 molecular subtypes. The approach detected seven of the ten outbreaks published in the literature or reported to CDC. Although this approach did not definitively identify any previously unrecognized outbreaks, it showed the potential to detect outbreaks of typhoid fever that may escape detection by routine analysis of surveillance data. Sixteen outbreaks had been linked to a carrier. Every case of typhoid fever acquired in a non-endemic country warrants thorough investigation. Space–time scan statistics, together with shoe-leather epidemiology and molecular subtyping, may improve outbreak detection.
An unusually long-lasting outbreak of community-acquired Legionnaires' disease, 2005–2008, Italy
Authors: SCATURRO M. , FONTANA S. , CRIPPA S. , CAPORALI M. G. , SEYLER T. , VESCHETTI E. , VILLA G. , ROTA M. C. , RICCI M. L.
Published: November 2014

An unusually long-lasting community-acquired outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) occurred in the inhabitants of a town in northern Italy from 2005 to 2008. Overall, 43 cases were diagnosed including five deaths. Hundreds of water samples were collected forLegionellaisolation but only two clinical samples were obtained. Clinical strains were ST23 as were environmental isolates detected in mostLegionella-positive patients' homes and those from a public fountain. Although noLegionellawas found in the municipal water mains, a continuous chlorination was applied in 2008. This action resulted in a halving of cases, although incidence remained tenfold higher than the Italian average incidence until the end of 2013, when it dropped to the expected rate. Retrospective analyses of prevalent wind direction suggested that a hidden cooling tower could have been the main cause of this uncommon outbreak, highlighting the importance of implementation of cooling tower registers in supporting LD investigations.
Outbreaks ofSalmonellainfections attributed to beef – United States, 1973–2011
Authors: LAUFER A. S. , GRASS J. , HOLT K. , WHICHARD J. M. , GRIFFIN P. M. , GOULD L. H.
Published: November 2014

Non-typhoidalSalmonellais estimated to be the most common bacterial cause of foodborne illness in the United States, causing an estimated one million domestically acquired foodborne illnesses annually. Recent, large outbreaks have highlighted the importance of ground beef as an important source of multidrug-resistantSalmonella. We analysed the epidemiology of salmonellosis outbreaks that were attributed to beef in the United States reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 1973 to 2011. During 1973–2011, of the 1965 outbreaks ofSalmonellawhere a food vehicle was implicated, 96 were attributed to beef, accounting for 3684 illnesses. We observed a shift in the type of beef implicated in salmonellosis outbreaks, from roast to ground beef. Delicatessen-style roast beef cooked in commercial processing establishments was the predominant type during the 1970s and early 1980s; regulations on cooking and processing essentially eliminated this problem by 1987. Ground beef emerged as an important vehicle in the 2000s; it was implicated in 17 (45%) of the 38 beef-attributed outbreaks reported during 2002–2011. Although this emergence was likely due in part to increased participation in CDC's PulseNet, which was established in 1996, and proactive decisions by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, stronger measures are needed to decrease contamination of ground beef withSalmonella.
Multilocus genotypic characterization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 recovered from food sources
Authors: ELHADIDY M. M. , ELKHATIB W. F.
Published: November 2014

Escherichia coli O157:H7 strains (n = 33) recovered from different food sources in Egypt were characterized using molecular assays to identify strain genotypes associated with various levels of pathogenic potential. Genotypic characterization included: lineage-specific polymorphism assay (LSPA-6), Shiga-toxin-encoding bacteriophage insertion site assay (SBI), clade 8 typing, Tir (A255 T) polymorphism, and variant analysis of Shiga toxin 2 gene (Stx2a and Stx2c), and anti-terminator Q genes (Q933 and Q21). Genotypes LI/II (76%), SBI 1 (60·6%), clade 8 (69·7%), Tir (255 T) (72·7%) and Stx2c (45·5%) were found to be significantly more frequent compared to other genetic markers in the strains analysed. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant association between LPSA-6 and clade types as well as Tir (A255 T). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the characterization of these genetic markers in E. coli O157:H7 strains in the Middle East and Africa.
A short proof of the Schröder–Simpson Theorem
Authors: GOUBAULT-LARRECQ JEAN
Published: December 2014

We give a short and elementary proof of the Schröder–Simpson Theorem, which states that the space of all continuous maps from a given space X to the non-negative reals with their Scott topology is the cone-theoretic dual of the probabilistic powerdomain on X.
Inclusions for partiality
Authors: HILBERDINK HENDRIK
Published: December 2014

In this paper we introduce stable systems of inclusions, which feature chosen arrows A ↪ B to capture the notion that A is a subobject of B, and proposes them as an alternative context to stable systems of monics to discuss partiality. A category C equipped with such a system $\mathscr{I}$, called an i-category, is shown to give rise to an associated category ∂(C,$\mathscr{I}$) of partial maps, which is a split restriction category whose restriction monics are inclusions. This association is the object part of a 2-equivalence between such inclusively split restriction categories and i-categories. $\mathscr{I}$ determines a stable system of monics $\mathscr{I}$+ on C, and, conversely, a stable system of monics $\mathscr{M}$ on C yields an i-category (C[$\mathscr{M}$],$\mathscr{M}$+), giving a 2-adjunction between i-categories and m-categories. The category of partial maps Par(C,$\mathscr{M}$) is isomorphic to the full subcategory of ∂(C[$\mathscr{M}$],$\mathscr{M}$+) comprising the objects of C, and ∂(C,$\mathscr{I}$) ≅ Par(C,$\mathscr{I}$+).
Selected papers from Dependently Typed Programming 2010 – Overview
Authors: ALTENKIRCH THORSTEN , MCBRIDE CONOR
Published: November 2014

This special issue comprises selected papers which were presented at the workshop on dependently typed programming (DTP 10) in Edinburgh in July 2010 – affiliated with Federated Logic conferences (FLOC 10). Earlier workshops on dependently typed programming took place in Nottingham in 2008 (DTP 2008) and there also has been a Dagstuhl seminar (04381) on this subject in 2004. After DTP 2010, in 2011 a workshop on dependently typed programming (DTP 11) took place in Nijmegen affiliated with Interactive Theorem Proving 2011 (ITP 11). In September 2011 there also was a DTP workshop in Shonan, Japan.
Bilingualism and cognition
Authors: VALIAN VIRGINIA
Published: November 2014

The relation between bilingualism and cognition is informative about the connection between language and mind. From the perspective of language, the question is how bilingualism might help or hinder cognition – narrowly interpreted here as executive function. From the perspective of higher cognition, the question is what kinds of experiences improve executive function. Reported cognitive benefits from bilingualism range from none to substantial as a function of age, type of bilingualism (e.g., life-long balanced vs later-onset or infrequent use of the other language), syntactic relation between the two languages, socio-economic and immigrant status, task, and laboratory. To understand the variability and inconsistencies in results with bilingualism, I analyze concepts of executive function and cognitive reserve and examine the range of factors (such as active video game playing, education, musical training, and aerobic exercise) that are known to correlate with or to improve executive function. I suggest that a) “executive function” is a complex set of cognitive processes, the components of which are sometimes minimally correlated with each other, depending on the task; b) bilingualism is inconsistently correlated with superior executive function and delayed onset of dementia; c) all speakers (mono- or bilingual) have non-linguistic ways of improving executive function; and d) benefits from bilingualism – and all cognitively challenging activities – are inconsistent because individuals vary in the number and kinds of experiences they have that promote superior executive function.
Theoretically driven experiments may clarify questions about the bilingual advantage
Authors: MARTON KLARA
Published: November 2014

In her keynote paper, Valian (2014) provides a comprehensive review of the literature that examines whether bilingual individuals outperform monolingual participants on various executive processing tasks. The author acknowledges that numerous factors contribute to the outcomes, such as variations in participants’ profile, differences in target functions, as well as variants of tasks and procedures. She also says in her review that, on the one hand, researchers use different tasks to measure similar functions; while, on the other hand, each of these tasks target somewhat different aspects of executive processing. The most widely used tasks, such as the Stroop or flanker tasks, measure several components of executive functions simultaneously.
ANALYTIC REDUCIBILITY OF RESONANT COCYCLES TO A NORMAL FORM
Authors: Chavaudret Claire , Stolovitch Laurent
Published: November 2014

We consider systems of quasi-periodic linear differential equations associated to a ‘resonant’ frequency vector ${\it\omega}$, namely, a vector whose coordinates are not linearly independent over $\mathbb{Z}$. We give sufficient conditions that ensure that a small analytic perturbation of a constant system is analytically conjugate to a ‘resonant cocycle’. We also apply our results to the non-resonant case: we obtain sufficient conditions for reducibility.
CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE, POLITICS AND VIOLENCE
Authors: KING RICHARD H.
Published: November 2014

The tradition of civil disobedience in America seems to be in pretty good health. Recent examples, including the Occupy movement, disruption of the functioning of abortion clinics, and even the release of classified government documents by Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, suggest that it is alive and kicking. Yet a consideration of these examples also re-enforces how fuzzy the edges and undefined the essential core of civil disobedience are. Indeed, a main achievement of Lewis Perry's book under review here is to emphasize that what we now consider the definitive traits of civil disobedience—respect for the law in principle, willingness to accept punishment for violating an unjust law, and a commitment to nonviolence—have rarely all been present when civil disobedience has been engaged in. Perhaps Perry's minimalist description of civil disobedience is the best we can do: “the national heritage of resistance to unjust laws.”
COMPLETENESS OF ÅQVIST’S SYSTEMSEANDF
Authors: PARENT XAVIER
Published: November 2014

This paper tackles an open problem posed by Åqvist. It is the problem of whether his dyadic deontic systemsEandFare complete with respect to their intended Hanssonian preference-based semantics. It is known that there are two different ways of interpreting what it means for a world to be best or top-ranked among alternatives. This can be understood as saying that it is optimal among them, or maximal among them. First, it is established that, under either the maximality rule or the optimality rule,Eis sound and complete with respect to the class of all preference models, the class of those in which the betterness relation is reflexive, and the class of those in which it is total. Next, an analogous result is shown to hold forF. That is, it is established that, under either rule,Fis sound and complete with respect to the class of preference models in which the betterness relation is limited, the class of those in which it is limited and reflexive, and the class of those in which it is limited and total.
Lessons from Regulating Carbon Offset Markets
Authors: Arup Christopher , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2014

To support carbon markets, regulators must engage in a continuous process of learning. This article explores offsets regulation in the compliance markets of Europe, the United States and China, alongside the Clean Development Mechanism, to identify what has been learnt since offsets were initiated. We argue that offsets regulation must learn to work with demands for commercial viability, environmental sustainability and political legitimacy. We find that the learning here recommends greater control of the shares, sectors, sources and standards of offsets than was initially chosen. The findings provide some cautious optimism about the scope for improvements to such market mechanisms.
Sectio caesarea: Aktuelle Kontroversen
Authors: Schuller R.-Christine , Surbek Daniel
Published: December 2014

Der Kaiserschnitt zählt zu den häufigsten Eingriffen in der Humanmedizin und ist zu einer „Routineoperation“ mit sehr geringer Morbidität und Mortalität geworden. Er zählt zu den zentralen Errungenschaften der modernen Geburtsmedizin. Bei medizinischen Indikationen wie Lageanomalien, Planzenta prävia, Kopf-Becken-Missverhältnis mit oder ohne Wehenschwäche in der Eröffnungsperiode oder „fetal distress“ ist er eine unverzichtbare Maßnahme zur Verbesserung des perinatalen outcome von Mutter und Kind. Die Häufigkeit der Sectio-Entbindung ist in den letzten 20 Jahren weltweit deutlich angestiegen, was vielfältige Ursachen hat. Es bestehen Unterschiede zwischen Ländern, aber auch zwischen verschiedenen Regionen, insbesondere im Sinne eines Stadt-Land-Gefälles. Die Sectio-Häufigkeit wird wesentlich beeinflusst durch den Bildungsgrad und den sozioökonomischen Status der Frau. Inzwischen sind auch mögliche nachteiligen Folgen der Kaiserschnittentbindung und ihre potentiellen Auswirkungen auf Folgeschwangerschaften und Folgegeburten bestens bekannt und untersucht. Aktuelle Kontroversen drehen sich insbesondere um den Kaiserschnitt auf Wunsch ohne medizinische Indikation, welcher allerdings in der Schweiz eher selten durchgeführt wird und dessen ethische Berechtigung im Rahmen der Selbstbestimmung und Autonomie der schwangeren Frau diskutiert werden muss.