bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Phenological Predictions of Vegetation Abundance Using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines in the Upper Colorado River Basin
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Hepner George F.
Published: January 2017

The accurate prediction of plant phenology is of significant importance for more sustainable and effective land management. This research develops a framework of phenological modeling to estimate vegetation abundance [indicated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] 7 days into the future in the geographically diverse Upper Colorado River basin (UCRB). This framework uses phenological regions (phenoregions) as the basic units of modeling to account for the spatially variant environment–vegetation relationships. The temporal variation of the relationships is accounted for via the identification of phenological phases. The modeling technique of Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) is employed and tested as an approach to construct enhanced predictive phenological models in each phenoregion using a comprehensive set of environmental drivers and factors. MARS has the ability to deal with a large number of independent variables and to approximate complex relationships. The R2 values of the models range from 91.62% to 97.22%. The root-mean-square error values of all models are close to their respective standard errors ranging from 0.016 to 0.035, as indicated by the results of cross and field validations. These demonstrate that the modeling framework ensures the accurate prediction of short-term vegetation abundance in regions with various environmental conditions.
Regime Transitions in Near-Surface Temperature Inversions: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Van de Wiel Bas J. H. , Vignon Etienne , Baas Peter , van Hooijdonk Ivo G. S. , van der Linden Steven J. A. , Antoon van Hooft J. , Bosveld Fred C. , de Roode Stefan R. , Moene Arnold F. , Genthon Christophe
Published: January 2017

A conceptual model is used in combination with observational analysis to understand regime transitions of near-surface temperature inversions at night as well as in Arctic conditions. The model combines a surface energy budget with a bulk parameterization for turbulent heat transport. Energy fluxes or feedbacks due to soil and radiative heat transfer are accounted for by a “lumped parameter closure,” which represents the “coupling strength” of the system.

Observations from Cabauw, Netherlands, and Dome C, Antarctica, are analyzed. As expected, inversions are weak for strong winds, whereas large inversions are found under weak-wind conditions. However, a sharp transition is found between those regimes, as it occurs within a narrow wind range. This results in a typical S-shaped dependency. The conceptual model explains why this characteristic must be a robust feature. Differences between the Cabauw and Dome C cases are explained from differences in coupling strength (being weaker in the Antarctic). For comparison, a realistic column model is run. As findings are similar to the simple model and the observational analysis, it suggests generality of the results.

Theoretical analysis reveals that, in the transition zone near the critical wind speed, the response time of the system to perturbations becomes large. As resilience to perturbations becomes weaker, it may explain why, within this wind regime, an increase of scatter is found. Finally, the so-called heat flux duality paradox is analyzed. It is explained why numerical simulations with prescribed surface fluxes show a dynamical response different from more realistic surface-coupled systems.
Influence of the Stratospheric Quasi-Biennial Oscillation on the Madden–Julian Oscillation during Austral Summer
Authors: Nishimoto Eriko , Yoden Shigeo
Published: January 2017

Influence of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) on the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and its statistical significance are examined for austral summer (DJF) in neutral ENSO events during 1979–2013. The amplitude of the OLR-based MJO index (OMI) is typically larger in the easterly phase of the QBO at 50 hPa (E-QBO phase) than in the westerly (W-QBO) phase. Daily composite analyses are performed by focusing on phase 4 of the OMI, when the active convective system is located over the eastern Indian Ocean through the Maritime Continent. The composite OLR anomaly shows a larger negative value and slower eastward propagation with a prolonged period of active convection in the E-QBO phase than in the W-QBO phase. Statistically significant differences of the MJO activities between the QBO phases also exist with dynamical consistency in the divergence of horizontal wind, the vertical wind, the moisture, the precipitation, and the 100-hPa temperature. A conditional sampling analysis is also performed by focusing on the most active convective region for each day, irrespective of the MJO amplitude and phase. Composite vertical profiles of the conditionally sampled data over the most active convective region reveal lower temperature and static stability around the tropopause in the E-QBO phase than in the W-QBO phase, which indicates more favorable conditions for developing deep convection. This feature is more prominent and extends into lower levels in the upper troposphere over the most active convective region than other tropical regions. Composite longitude–height sections show similar features of the large-scale convective system associated with the MJO, including a vertically propagating Kelvin response.
Radiative Effects of Stratospheric Seasonal Cycles in the Tropical Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere
Authors: Gilford Daniel M. , Solomon Susan
Published: January 2017

Water vapor and ozone are powerful radiative constituents in the tropical lower stratosphere, impacting the local heating budget and nonlocally forcing the troposphere below. Their near-tropopause seasonal cycle structures imply associated “radiative seasonal cycles” in heating rates that could affect the amplitude and phase of the local temperature seasonal cycle. Overlying stratospheric seasonal cycles of water vapor and ozone could also play a role in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere heat budgets through nonlocal propagation of radiation. Previous studies suggest that the tropical lower stratospheric ozone seasonal cycle radiatively amplifies the local temperature seasonal cycle by up to 35%, while water vapor is thought to have a damping effect an order of magnitude smaller. This study uses Aura Microwave Limb Sounder observations and an offline radiative transfer model to examine ozone, water vapor, and temperature seasonal cycles and their radiative linkages in the lower stratosphere and upper troposphere. Radiative sensitivities to ozone and water vapor vertical structures are explicitly calculated, which has not been previously done in a seasonal cycle context. Results show that the water vapor radiative seasonal cycle in the lower stratosphere is not sensitive to the overlying water vapor structure. In contrast, about one-third of ozone’s radiative seasonal cycle amplitude at 85 hPa is associated with longwave emission above 85 hPa. Ozone’s radiative effects are not spatially homogenous: for example, the Northern Hemisphere tropics have a seasonal cycle of radiative temperature adjustments with an amplitude 0.8 K larger than the Southern Hemisphere tropics.
Effectiveness of Using Multisatellite Wind Speed Estimates to Construct Hourly Wind Speed Datasets with Diurnal Variations
Authors: Kako Shin’ichiro , Okuro Atsushi , Kubota Masahisa
Published: January 2017

This study used an optimum interpolation method (OIM) to construct a sea surface wind speed (SSW) dataset with hourly resolution based on merged wind speed analysis products from four satellites [AMSR-2, ASCAT, OceanSat Scatterometer (OSCAT), and WindSat]. To validate this hourly SSW dataset, the OIM dataset was compared with observations obtained from moored buoys. These buoy observations were also compared with the products of each of the four satellites individually. The root-mean-square differences and the correlation coefficients between the buoy observations and the OIM dataset indicated that the accuracy of the dataset was slightly lower than that of the single-satellite products. However, a spectrum analysis at the buoy locations indicated that the OIM dataset was capable of resolving diurnal variations in wind speed, which was a result not reproduced by the single-satellite products. In addition, the study also found that the hourly dataset with diurnal variation was effective in obtaining accurate daily mean values by reducing the sampling error. A comparison of daily mean wind speeds derived from satellite observations with those obtained from buoy observations demonstrated that greater accuracy in daily mean SSW data could be achieved using multisatellite observations in comparison with single-satellite observations. Therefore, the application of multisatellite observations that have different observation times could be a useful and effective approach with which to construct datasets with high temporal resolution and to improve the accuracy of daily mean values.
Probabilistic Precipitation-Type Forecasting Based on GEFS Ensemble Forecasts of Vertical Temperature Profiles
Authors: Scheuerer Michael , Gregory Scott , Hamill Thomas M. , Shafer Phillip E.
Published: January 2017

A Bayesian classification method for probabilistic forecasts of precipitation type is presented. The method considers the vertical wet-bulb temperature profiles associated with each precipitation type, transforms them into their principal components, and models each of these principal components by a skew normal distribution. A variance inflation technique is used to de-emphasize the impact of principal components corresponding to smaller eigenvalues, and Bayes’s theorem finally yields probability forecasts for each precipitation type based on predicted wet-bulb temperature profiles. This approach is demonstrated with reforecast data from the Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) and observations at 551 METAR sites, using either the full ensemble or the control run only. In both cases, reliable probability forecasts for precipitation type being either rain, snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, or freezing drizzle are obtained. Compared to the model output statistics (MOS) approach presently used by the National Weather Service, the skill of the proposed method is comparable for rain and snow and significantly better for the freezing precipitation types.
Paranoid Character and the Intolerance of Indifference
Authors: Auchincloss Elizabeth L. , Weiss Richard W.
Published: January 2017

This paper suggests that aspects of paranoid character are structured around fantasies of magical and concrete connectedness to objects; these fantasies serve to avoid the terrors of object inconstancy. The authors describe how these fantasies are expressed in the psychoanalytic situation and explore their relation to common paranoid phenomena. The paranoid person must maintain these fantasies of connectedness at all cost or risk experiencing unbearable indifference between self and object. Paradoxically, the sacrifice of self and object boundaries inherent in these fantasies makes object constancy even more difficult to achieve because of the secondary defensive use of anger mobilized to protect the boundaries of the self.
The Couple's Constructive and Destructive Superego Functions
Authors: Kernberg Otto F.
Published: January 2017

Just as the couple becomes the repository of both partners' conscious and unconscious sexual fantasies and desires, and of their consciously and unconsciously activated internalized object relations, so does the couple activate both partners' conscious and unconscious superego functions. The interaction of the partners' superego over time results in the forging of a new system, which I am calling the couple's superego.

The functions of the couple's joint superego structure is described, as are the symptoms of superego pathology in the couple's love life. The vicissitudes of gratitude and guilt, of stereotyping and conventionality, of deceptiveness and long-range destructive and self-destructive scenarios, are explored in the context of a spectrum reflecting the severity of joint superego pathology. A clinical case vignette illustrates some of these developments in a couple's life.
The Comparative Advantage of Cognate Studies in the New Zealand University Bursaries Accounting Examination
Authors: Keef Stephen P.
Published: January 2017

Relatively little is known about performance in the ultimate high school course in accounting. Analysis of (co)variance techniques were used to determine whether the concurrent study of English, economics or mathematics was related to performance in the New Zealand University Bursaries accounting examination after correcting for a proxy of academic ability. The analysis of the performance of 10212 candidates over a five-year period showed that the concurrent study of (a) English carried no benefit; and (b) economics provided a comparative advantage but the practical benefit was variable and relatively small. Whether the choice of a mathematics subject carried a benefit could not be adequately tested. Statistics as the sole mathematics course in the absence of the study of economics was associated with a disastrous performance in the accounting course.
Marginal Helps for the Reader
Authors: Nida Eugene A.
Published: January 2017

The following treatment of marginal helps was prepared at the request of the Translations Committee of the United Bible Societies. It is designed as a summary of principles and practices governing the use of marginal helps and as an explanation of what has been regarded by most Bible Societies as a valid interpretation of the principle of “without note and comment.” It must be noted that while the types of marginal helps listed here are generally approved by the various Bible Societies, there are significant differences in some features as the result of diverse historical precedents.
Postmodern freedom and the growth of fundamentalism: Was the Grand Inquisitor right?
Authors: Smith James K.A. , Cudney Shane R.
Published: January 2017

One of the observations of a recent Angus Reid Poll concerned the remarkable growth of fundamentalism, reflecting a global trend toward conservative renewal. For us, the question that presents itself is how a homogeneous movement can flourish in a rapidly pluralizing context? With the help of the Dostoevsky's Grand Inquisitor, we suggest that faith in the orienting voice of an authority structure is misplaced. We propose a consciousness that, not without suspicion, embraces the disorienting anomie of the Postmodern critique, a reorienting vision that anticipates new alternatives.
L'égalité dans l'Église catholique. Une approche politique
Authors: Mager Robert
Published: January 2017

Cet article aborde la question de l'égalité des membres dans l'Église catholique romaine à partir des perspectives de Hannah Arendt sur l'égalité politique. Ces perspectives permettent de voir que la proclamation d'une égalité de dignité ne suffit pas à ébranler un mode de gouvernement autoritaire. L'aménagement institutionnel d'une égalité réelle déborde les pétitions de principe; il engage la dimension politique de l'existence humaine, dimension centrée sur l'exercice public de la parole et la responsabilité commune à l'égard du monde. Le déploiement de cette dimension dans l'Église supposerait une révision du statut théologique du monde et de celui de l'action.
Does Confucianism still matter? A new insight from a study of the mental health of functionally dependent Korean older adults
Authors: Jang Kyeonghee , Lee Youjung , Lockhart Naorah C
Published: January 2017

This study explored predictors of functionally dependent Korean older adults’ mental health. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using a sample of 1234 subjects. Findings show a subject’s functional dependency, pre-existing depression, objective financial status, and stressful life events are risk factors. This analysis yielded unexpected findings of a limited protective effect of social support from family members compared to a significant effect of intrapersonal resources. These findings suggest an emergent transition within East Asian culture about individuals and family dynamics and a need for an alternative approach to culturally competent social work practice with East Asian populations.
The Social Costs in Communication Hiccups Between Native and Nonnative Speakers
Authors: Au Terry Kit-fong , Kwok Annie Fong-pui , Tong Lester Chun-pong , Cheng Liao , Tse Hannah Man-yan , Jun Sun-Ah
Published: January 2017

It is well-established that native speakers perceive nonnative speakers with strong foreign accents, compared with those with a more nativelike accent, as less intelligent and competent, less ambitious and dependable as coworkers, and less comfortable around native speakers. But little is known about how nonnative speakers themselves are affected when communication hiccups—often due to incorrect or accented pronunciations—occur in their conversations with native speakers. In this experiment, mispronunciations of an English word were elicited from native Chinese speakers in phone conversations via the Internet with an American English speaker, who then either asked for clarification of the word or showed no confusion about the word but asked about something else. Chinese speakers’ reactions were measured using a combination of self-reports, facial affective coding, and skin-conductance responses. When the American asked for clarification—compared with when he did not—Chinese speakers were left feeling more anxious, embarrassed, and unsure of their English abilities, as well as feeling less positive about the American, finding him less attractive socially and their conversation with him less enjoyable.
Accident or Suicide? Predictors of Coroners' Decisions in Suicide and Accident Verdicts
Authors: Stanistreet D , Taylor S , Jeffrey V , Gabbay M
Published: January 2017

Objective

To examine the factors used by Coroners to distinguish between suicide and accidental death among young men in Merseyside and Cheshire.

Design

Retrospective epidemiological survey of deaths due to external causes. Data sources included Coroner's Inquest, GP and hospital data. Logistic regression was carried out to determine the multiple effect of individual factors on defining Coroner's verdict.

Setting

Merseyside and Cheshire, United Kingdom.

Subjects

Males aged 15–39 years who died from unnatural causes during 1995 in Merseyside and Cheshire.

Main outcome measure

Coroner's verdict.

Results

An active mode of death was by far the strongest predictor of a suicide as opposed to an accident verdict. Other significant differentiating factors included expressed intent, behavioural change, deliberate self-harm and psychiatric contact.

Conclusion

The validity of using method of death as a predictor of intent is questionable. Evidence left by drug users who kill themselves may differ from that left by non-drug users and may need to be sought in less conventional ways. There may be a discrepancy between those factors deemed important by health professionals as indicators of suicide, such as deliberate self-harm, and those given most weight by the Coroner. It may be more pragmatic, in terms of public health policy development, to challenge the concept that self-destructive behaviour can be categorized as being either intentional or unintentional. There is some evidence suggesting that deaths due to suicide and accidents both result from elements of self-destructive behaviour and therefore, the practice of categorizing deaths as either suicides or accidents could be misleading.
What Happens Afterwards? A Follow-up Study of Those Diverted from Custody to Hospital in the First 2.5 Years of a Metropolitan Diversion Scheme
Authors: Geelan S D , Campbell M J , Bartlett A
Published: January 2017

Background

Court-based psychiatric services aim to identify mentally disordered defendants who require help from Mental Health Services, and attempt to arrange the necessary diversion into health care. This study followed individuals through their hospital stay to assess whether the psychiatric facility to which the individual was transferred was able to manage them, assessed whether the individual benefited from diversion into hospital, and examined how and when the individuals were discharged into the community.

Method

All those diverted from custody to hospital in the first 2.5 years of a metropolitan diversion scheme were followed through their hospital stay for at least 18 months.

Results

Fifty five people were diverted into hospital, from a total of 180 referrals to the court diversion scheme, In excess of 80 per cent were suffering from some form of psychotic disorder. This group had committed relatively serious offences. If appropriately assessed, and appropriate hospital placements are arranged, successful outcome can be achieved for the majority of people diverted from custody to hospital, in terms of improved mental states and a planned discharge.

Conclusions

The services provided by general psychiatric services are able to meet the needs of this group.
Fatal Benztropine Toxicity
Authors: Lynch Matthew J , Kotsos Alex
Published: January 2017

Benztropine is an anticholinergic agent used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and drug induced extrapyramidal disorders. We report a case of fatal benztropine toxicity. This drug is regarded as relatively safe and reports of isolated toxicity are scarce. In ascribing a particular death to fatal drug toxicity the forensic pathologist must take into account the circumstances surrounding the death, the presence and significance of any co-existent natural disease and the potential contribution of any other detected therapeutic or illicit agents. This interpretation will occur in the knowledge that certain drugs will not be detected and that with respect to quantification of postmortem drug levels, the notion of postmortem redistribution should always be considered.
A Rural Example of English Penology in the 16th-19th Centuries
Authors: Landale Scilla
Published: January 2017

Some research was undertaken as part of the Millennium celebrations in a small part of North Norfolk into penal policing and the administration of criminal justice from the Reformation to the 19th century. These observations may have some historical relevance to contemporary problems including community control and punishments.
2. Incomplete Decapitation of a Motorcyclist from Hyperextension by Inertia: A Case Report
Authors: Hitosugi Masahito , Fukui Kenji , Takatsu Akihiro
Published: January 2017

This is a rare case involving a motorcyclist. A 57 year old motorcycle rider wearing a full face type helmet, suffered incomplete decapitation. The autopsy findings revealed a wide lacerated wound accompanied by extension marks in the front neck, atlanto-occipital dislocation and complete transection of the brainstem. According to the police traffic report, the man's head was stationary at the moment of impact and the remainder of the body continued in a backward motion. We concluded that the inertia of the torso caused hyperextension of the neck and subsequent incomplete decapitation.
2. Report of a Suicidal Digoxin Intoxication: A Case Report
Authors: Rodríguez-Calvo María S , Rico Rosa , López-Rivadulla Manuel , Suárez-Peñaranda José M , Muñoz José I , Concheiro Luis
Published: January 2017

Digoxin is a cardiotonic glycoside that is primarily used in the treatment of heart failure, atrial fibrillation or flutter, and paroxysmal atrial tachycardia. Intoxication due to digitalis excess is a common problem in clinical practice because it is therapeutically effective within a narrow dose range. However, massive intoxication with digitalis glycosides following a suicidal attempt is a rare event. In this report we describe an overdose fatality involving digoxin in a suicidal 82-year-old man, in whom measurement of serum digoxin concentration is available. A toxicological study of our patient, approximately two and a half hours after ingestion of the drug, revealed digoxin concentrations within 12.2–13.2 ng/ml in the blood, while the mean therapeutic serum concentration ranged from 0.5 to 2 ng/ml.
Rambutt—The Killer Sheep
Authors: Murray L. A. , Sivaloganathan S.
Published: January 2017

Fatal multiple injuries may be caused by a vehicular accident, a fall from a height or by repeated heavy blows.

In this unusual case the victim, a farmer, was found in a field away from any farm vehicles or buildings. It was only after consideration of the circumstances in which the deceased was found, the pattern of injuries and the statements of many people, including the local molecatcher, that the assailant was identified: a 16 stone Suffolk ram (Figure 1).
The Establishment of a District Treatment Facility for Problem Drug Takers
Authors: Bryson P. H. R.
Published: January 2017

Multi-disciplinary teams in treatment centres were envisaged by the Second Brain Committee in 1965 (1) as the most appropriate means of treating problem drug takers. Since then the problem has changed and expanded so that treatment facilities need to exist outside the hospital-based units, but the concept of treatment by a team of different professionals remains intact.

In Wolverhampton we have produced a local treatment unit that is firmly based on the multi-disciplinary concept; it is readily accessible to those who need its services; it is not staffed by full time ‘specialists' and yet has built into it safeguards against problems that ‘non-specialists' have produced.

The need for local treatment facilities will continue and it is possible that others may find Wolverhampton's experience helpful in planning their own provisions for problem drug takers.
Alcohol-Related Offending in Male Special Hospital Patients
Authors: Thomas Glen , McMurran Mary
Published: January 2017

In a sample of 61 male Special Hospital patients, 11 (18%) were identified as having alcohol-related problems prior to admission. Ten of these alcohol-abusers were interviewed to gather further information about their drinking, offending, and the relationship between the two. Alcohol abusers showed more serious criminality than non-abusers, having significantly more previous convictions and being responsible for a disproportionately high number of offences of murder and manslaughter. Alcohol-related problems appear to have developed quickly in adolescence culminating in the index offence at around 30 years of age. At this time, the mean self-reported weekly alcohol consumption was 240 units (one unit = 8.5gm alcohol). All but one man admitted to a relationship between alcohol and crime, and most showed motivation to change their future drinking behaviour.
Patients' Complaints: The Disciplinary System regarding Evaluation of Physicians' Conduct
Authors: Segest E
Published: January 2017

The study comprises all complaints which patients have made to the Danish National Board of Health in 1984–1985. The Board has disciplinary powers over physicians and advises the public prosecutor in cases of gross negligence that are to be brought before a court.

There were 531 complaints on average per year. The frequency of complaints was 1.0 complaint per 10,000 population. A large part of the complaints concerned cases where no physical harm occurred (45%), and in only a small portion (16%) were there serious injuries. The Board found that negligence had occurred in 21% of the complaints, and 1% of the cases were considered to be gross negligence. There were appeals against 17% of the rulings, and of these 9% were either wholly or partly upheld.
Underlying Patterns of Practice in a Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service
Authors: Mendelson E F
Published: January 2017

Using a sample of 306 consecutive referrals, the interactions were investigated between factors relating to patients, referral agencies, assessments and courts. Both the variations in referral rates of diagnoses and the psychiatric histories indicated that the service was being used largely for second opinions on the mentally ill, but for those with neurotic disorder or exacerbations of personality disorder it was more akin to a general psychiatric service. Those thought to pose a sexual risk to adults were particularly likely to have histories of violence, but the opposite was true for those considered a sexual risk to children. Reports initiated by the court are more likely to contain a treatment recommendation and are also more likely to be implemented than those in defence reports. Both the likelihood of a treatment recommendation and its acceptance by the court increased with the severity of diagnosis, with psychiatrist and court reaching full concordance in cases of mental illness. As many as 20 per cent of those seen in prison had mental illness and this was nearly seven times the out-patient rate. Forensic outpatient work was found to be independent of the provision of secure care. These and other findings are examined to help explore the nature of the service.
2. Internal Carotid Artery Thrombosis following Manual Strangulation
Authors: Vanezis P , Claydon S M , Chapman R C , Al-Alousi L M
Published: January 2017

Thrombosis of the internal carotid artery is an unusual complication of neck compression, and even more infrequently observed in manual strangulation. It is important in such cases to exclude spontaneous thrombosis which may result from atherosclerotic narrowing of the vessel.
3. Plastic Bag Suffocation
Authors: Martinez A L Perez , Chui P , Cameron J. M
Published: January 2017

Suffocation by plastic bag is not common. The finding of a body at the scene of death with a plastic bag in situ could be diagnostically valuable to the pathologist. Otherwise the pathologist may be hard put to arrive at a firm opinion as to how the deceased met his/her death; in fact, in three of the cases reported in this paper, the local pathologist could not give a cause of death when the initial autopsy was performed.

Plastic bags could be accidentally placed over the head; put there to help in the inhalation of volatile substances; with homicidal intention; or simply as an effective suicidal method.

The object of this paper is to study the cases where bodies were found with a plastic bag over the head, and in particular the cases where the cause of death was due to plastic bag suffocation.
4. Evaluation of Physical Evidence in a Burn Case
Authors: Gaur J R , Sangwan S K , Singh Ishwar , Thukral Kamlesh
Published: January 2017

A young lady was alleged to have died due to accidental burns from a kerosene pressure stove. The dying declaration read that the deceased caught fire accidentally. Evaluation of physical evidence present at the site of the incident, the dying declaration and examination of the body refuted accidental burning from the stove. It proved to be a case of suicide with assistance from the accused due to delivery of insufficient dowry. The accused was convicted on the basis of the physical evidence collected from the scene and evaluated by the forensic experts.
George Scharpe, c.1581–1637 a Scots Doctor at Montpellier
Authors: Hughes J.T.
Published: January 2017

Before the eighteenth century many Scots studied medicine at the medical schools of Europe, of which Montpellier was frequently the choice. George Scharpe, an early student of the University of Edinburgh, graduated in medicine at Montpellier and joined the medical faculty, where his long career can be traced from contemporary records. The practice of Scots studying abroad is described, as is Languedoc in the early seventeenth century a region and period devastated by the religious wars of France.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with Shared Morphology in Identical Twins: A Case Report
Authors: Wylie L. , Ramage A. , MacLeod D. C.
Published: January 2017

We report the case of identical twin sisters, both with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and both found to have similar echocardiographic appearances in the form of asymmetric septal hypertrophy. This is unusual, in that published reports commonly describe the heterogeneous expression of this condition in twins.
The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act Who Knows? Who Cares?
Authors: Ramsey S
Published: January 2017

The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 provides new guidelines on obtaining consent for adults who are incapable of providing informed consent. This article surveys current practice of health workers when obtaining consent from such individuals, and theresults arecompared to the Incapacity Act and local guidelines. The survey results suggest that practice of the guidelines is variable and often legally inadequate Aims: To quantify awareness andpractical application of the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act in surgical wardsin a central Glasgow teaching hospital, 2 years after the Act's introduction. Methods: An interviewer ledanonymous questionnaire was presented to all degree educated staff encountered on random visits to acute and elective surgical and orthopaedic wardsin a split siteteaching hospital. Results: 17 out of 50 staff approached (34%) had not heard of the Adults with Incapacity Act. There was a Significantly higher level of awareness amongst staff based on acute wards (85%) when compared with those from elective wards (54%) (p <0.05, chi-square) There wasa complete absence of formal training in using the Act and knowledge was sometimes in accurate or incorrect. Most staff that had heard of the Act could suggest causes of incapacity, but some included physical disability. There was a persistence of the belief that a relative canconsent for an incapable adult patient, and this was expressed by some of the staff despite knowledge of the Act.

Conclusions: This study shows that a significant number of ward staff have no knowledge of the Act; and understanding is variable amongst staff who have heard of it. The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 is a unique piece of legislation toprotect the interests of incapable patients, and doctors treating them; but is of no use if medical and nursing staff are un aware of its existence.
Can Alcohol Intoxication be Excluded as the Cause of Confusion following Head Injury?
Authors: Hall D , Riley J , Swann I
Published: January 2017

Objective: To assess whether there is a breath alcohol level (BrAC) below which confusion in the head injured patient should not be attributed solely to the acute effects of alcohol Method: Based in the Accident and Emergency Ward in Glasgow Royal Infirmary, a prospective observational study was carried out over a five month period. Patients admitted to the ward were recruited for the study if they had a primary diagnosis of head injury. The outcome measures recorded and analysed were sequential 2 hrly BrAC readings (mg/L) and Glasgow Coma Scale findings (Eye opening, motor and verbal responses). The relationship between these was investigated, which revealed additional relevant factors affecting level of consciousness. Results: The breath alcohol analyser was found to be a useful non-invasive, quick and easy to use tool. The results obtained were consistent with the expected pattern of reducing BrAC levels over a 6 hour period. Within this group of patients, a poor correlation was found between each of the three responses of the Glasgow Coma Scale and BrAC readings. For those patients who remained confused, when their BrAC reading was less than 1 mg/L, other causes of a lowered level of consciousness were identified. Conclusion: Confusion in the head injured patient with a BrAC of less than 1 mg/L, should alert one to the likelihood of causes other than alcohol intoxication.
The Urinary 5-Hydroxyindole Acetic Acid and Plasma Nitric Oxide Levels in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Yazar A , Büyükafpar K , Polat G , Pata C , Kanýk A , Tiftik EN , Baðdatoðlu Ö
Published: January 2017

Background and Aims: Postprandial increase of 3-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) has been implicated in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). There is evidence that nitric oxide (NO) may act as a mediator of 5-HT-evoked secretions in the colon. Our aim is to investigate the role of urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) and plasma NO levels (with diarrhoea) in IBS patients. Methods: Nineteen (with constipation) IBS patients (group 1), 22 IBS patients (group 2) and 18 healthy controls (group 3) were included in the study. The diagnosis of IBS was made according to the Rome I Criteria. The urine was collected for determination of 5-HIAA and venous blood was collected from each subject for the measurement of plasma NO levels. Results: The levels of urinary 5-HIAA mmol/day and plasma NO mmol/l of group 1 (22,4±2,2 and 29,4±2 respectively) were significantly higher than group 3(14,2 ± 2,3 and 21,3 ± 2,1 respectively) (p =0,036 and p =0,019 respectively). The NO level of group 1 was also significantly higher than group 2(21,8 ± 1,9) (p = 0,021). The 5-HIAA level of group 1 was higher than group 2 (15,2, ± 2,1) and the difference was marginally significant (p = 0,055). There was no difference between group 2 and group 3 with respect to 5-HIAA and NO levels. Conclusions: The results of this preliminary study lend support to the involvement of 5-HT in some symptomatology of diarrhoea predominant IBS. Furthermore, NO may be one of the effector mediators of the 5-HT-induced symptoms in these patients.
Chronic Contained Rupture of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Presenting with Longstanding Back Pain
Authors: Al-Koteesh J , Masannat Y , James N V M , Sharaf U
Published: January 2017

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the important differential diagnoses of back pain which is often missed. Chronic contained rupture is a rare event that can cause diagnostic difficulties, presenting in different ways such as back pain, neuropathy or groin mass. We are presenting a case of 46-year-old man who presented with history of recurrent low back pain radiating to his left leg, associated with sensory deficit in the left thigh. His complaint proved to be resulting from chronic contained AAA leak.
Herniography (Peritoneography) for Diagnosis of Spigelian Hernia
Authors: Sen G , Lochan R , Joypaul B V
Published: January 2017

Background: Spigelian hernia is a rare clinical condition. It is difficult to diagnose in absence of obvious clinical signs. Ultrasound scan, cross-sectional imaging and contrast studies like herniography have been widely used for detecting occult abdominal wall hernias in symptomatic patients. Aim and methods: We present our experience of detecting a clinically occult Spigelian hernia in a 56-year-old symptomatic male patient, who had concomitant left sided inguinal and Spigelian hernias. In this patient, the Spigelian hernia was not detected on ultrasound scan. We also present a review of literature on the role of herniography in the diagnosis of this rare condition. Results and Conclusion: Herniography is a sensitive investigation for evaluation of occult hernias. However, it is an invasive contrast study and therefore must be used selectively. Non-invasive real-time imaging like ultrasonography remains the first line of investigation for detecting occult hernias.
Computer Analysis of Antimicrobial Sensitivity Test Results a Preliminary Study
Authors: Hulbert J.
Published: January 2017

A system for the computer analysis of antimicrobial sensisivity test results is described, and the computer flow-chart is illustrated. Its purpose is to detect, among strains of bacteria isolated from clinical sources, the emergence of linked resistance to several antibiotics, and to study its development. It is considered that this information will be useful to clinicians, and indispensable for those responsible for the formulation of general hospital antibiotic policies.
Malignant Hypertension in a Patient with Conn's Syndrome
Authors: Baxter R. H. , Wang I.
Published: January 2017

A patient is described who presented with severe hypertension accompanied by fundal haemorrhages, exudates and papilloedema, in whom the presence of a low plasma renin, elevated plasma aldosterone and an adrenal adenoma were consistent with Conn's Syndrome. Histological evidence of arteriolar fibrinoid necrosis and coexistent bronchial tumour were also present. The rarity and relationship of these features are discussed.
Clinical Significance of Native DNA Antibodies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: Webb J. , Whaley K. , Lee P.
Published: January 2017

The native DNA binding assay has been employed to study antibodies to native DNA in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases. DNA binding values exceeding 30 per cent almost invariably confirm the diagnosis of active systemic lupus erythematosus. The DNA-antigen binding capacity of lupus sera appear to provide more information than the DNA binding assay alone, in assessing response to therapy and prognosis in this disease. The standard immunofluorescence antinuclear factor test should be used as a screening procedure where possible, and the DNA binding assay done on sera that are positive in titres of 1 in 256 or greater.
Salbutamol by Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation in Status Asthmaticus
Authors: Choo-Kang Y. F. J. , Tribe A. E. , Grant I. W. B.
Published: January 2017

A wet aerosol of 0.5 per cent salbutamol was administered for 3 minutes via a Bennett intermittent positive pressure ventilator driven by compressed air to 8 patients considered to be in status asthmaticus. Arterial blood gas analysis performed before and after salbutamol administration showed marked individual rises and falls in the partial pressure of oxygen with no predictable pattern of response. No dysrhythmia was observed on the E.C.G. but small changes of a non-specific nature occurred in the level of S-T segments and in the height of T-waves. It was concluded that in the dosage employed a salbutamol aerosol administered by I.P.P.V. produced no significant disturbance of myocardial function.
Cephazolin: A Comparison to Ampicillin in Respiratory and Urinary Infections with Dosage Regulation by a Nomogram
Authors: Benner E. J. , Kranhold J. F. , Bush W. G.
Published: January 2017

Cephazolin sodium was shown to be as effective as ampicillin in the treatment of respiratory and urinary system infections in patients who were infected with susceptible organisms and had a much less troublesome side reaction rate of the hypersensitivity type. In addition, it was found that predictable blood levels of cephazolin could be obtained in patients with renal failure when dosage was regulated according to a nomogram calculated from the patient's serum half-life based on clearance of creatinine.
Cephazolin Sodium—An In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of 100 Patients with Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Rimmer Diana M. D.
Published: January 2017

A random group of 100 patients in a general hospital were treated with cephazolin sodium for proven urinary tract infections. Sixty-six per cent had conditions predisposing to urinary tract infection. Under these somewhat difficult conditions the original infecting organism remained absent from the urine of 75 per cent of the 70 patients followed in the 3rd to 6th week period. This compares very favourably with response to other antimicrobial agents currently used in urinary tract infections.
Cephazolin: Clinical Studies in Obstetrics
Authors: Hannay W. T. , Sharp F. , McAllister T. A. , Perman Mary G.
Published: January 2017

A clinical evaluation of a new cephalosporin, cephazolin, in obstetric patients is presented. Sixteen cardiac patients received the drug prophylactically as antibiotic cover during labour. Eighteen patients with miscellaneous antenatal and puerperal infections received the drug as primary treatment. The data obtained indicate adequate serum and tissue levels with the dose used, and corresponding clinical response. The impression is of a safe and efficaceous drug in the described obstetric situations requiring antibiotic therapy. It may be given prophylactically and with confidence to the cardiac patient in labour.
The Penetration of Minocycline into Human Sinus Secretions
Authors: Worgan D. , Daniel R. J. E.
Published: January 2017

The mean minocycline content of sinus secretions aspirated during antral wash-out in 8 patients suffering from sinusitis was found to be 1.06 μg. per ml. (SD.1.03). This exceeds the M.I.C. for most strains of bacteria likely to be found in sinusitis.

The mean minocycline serum level in these 8 patients was 3.16 μg. per ml. (S.D. 1.64). The sinus secretion to serum level ratio was therefore 0.34:1.

No correlation was found between serum level and sinus secretion level, nor could any of the factors looked at in this study be correlated with the degree to which minocycline penetrated the sinus secretion.
Respiratory Tract Infections Caused by ß-Lactamase Producing Organisms Treated with Augmentin
Authors: Mehtar S.
Published: January 2017

Twenty-three patients were treated with Augmentin for severe respiratory tract infections caused by β-lactamase producing organisms. The success rate, clinically and bacteriologically, was 19 out of 23. One non β-lactamase producing H. influenzae, and three mixed organisms including Staph aureus accounted for the four failures.

The elimination of the organisms, sensitive to Augmentin were quick and clinical improvement was seen in 72 hours. The only side effects noted were nausea in three patients, which abated on taking the tablets with meals.

Augmentin is a useful drug in the treatment of respiratory tract infection particularly in acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
Spontaneous Fractured Neck of Femur in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Absence of Radiographic Changes on Initial X-Ray
Authors: Pullar T. , Parker J. , Capell H. A.
Published: January 2017

Spontaneous fractures have been well documented in patients with osteoporosis and have been described in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Two patients with rheumatoid arthritis who sustained femoral neck fractures in the absence of trauma are documented. Despite severe pain initial radiograph failed to demonstrate evidence of fracture, but subsequent radiographs later showed fractures in both cases. It is important in rheumatoid patients with continuing severe hip pain of sudden onset to suspect a stress fracture even if initial radiographs are normal.
Yersinia Pseudotuberculosis with Inflammation of the Appendix: A Case Report
Authors: Dykes E.H. , Garland I.W. Clare , Gray G.R.
Published: January 2017

Human enteric infection with Yersinia enterocolitica or Yersinia pseudotuberculosis may masquerade clinically as acute appendicitis but it is unusual for the appendix to be histologically inflamed. We report a case of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in which acute appendicitis was present in the absence of terminal ileitis.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Cancer of the Tongue
Authors: McClymont L. G.
Published: January 2017

The Scottish architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh died of an advanced cancer of the tongue at the age of 60 in 1928. He was treated by radium which was a controversial method at that time. There is good evidence that he was well palliated, and was able to live a fairly normal life for over a year. In recent years there has been an increase in interest in Mackintosh's life and work, but an examination of the literature of the 1920s shows that despite advances in treatment methods over the past 60 years, this has not been matched by an improvement in survival rates for cancer of the tongue. In this unpleasant tumour which history has shown to be particularly resistant to attempts at cure it is important that quality of life is fully considered.
Brainstem Vascular Accidents and Cranial Arteritis
Authors: Dick A.D. , Millar A. , Johnson N.
Published: January 2017

Cranial Arteritis (Giant Celt Arteritis)1 is a clinical diagnosis supported by a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and if required confirmed by a temporal artery biopsy. This case reports on an unusual presentation where a delay in the diagnosis resulted in visual impairment, illustrating the need for awareness of diagnosis in acute strokes in the elderly.