bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population decline of Globodera rostochiensis in Western Serbia
Authors: Grujić Nikola , Radivojević Milan
Published: January 2017

Annual decline rates of potato cyst nematode (PCN) populations have been extensively studied. They vary considerably due to many factors, including potato cultivar, initial PCN density and climatic factors. Information is needed on PCN decline in potato fields in the specific conditions of Western Serbia, which is the centre for most of the local potato production, especially seed potato. We investigated the decline of Globodera rostochiensis over 1 or 2 years under the influence of PCN-resistant potato cv. Agria in the field and microplots. Decline was compared with fallow in Ponikve, near the original record of G. rostochiensis. Population decline in the field after cv. Agria was approximately 80%. In two parts of the field where potato cv. Agria was cropped once or twice with fallow before and after, the viable PCN population declined over 9 years to about 1% of initial values. In a third part of the field, left fallow for 9 years, 15% of the initial population was still viable, after an annual decline rate of 9.4%. The influence of volunteer potatoes on maintaining PCN populations was also examined. In the microplots, with a higher density of volunteers compared to the field, PCN decline under resistant potato cv. Agria was 70%. At crop harvest a new generation was recorded, suggesting its possible formation on susceptible volunteer potato. The full cysts represented 1% of all cysts examined and 13% of total second-stage juveniles found in the samples. The information will be useful for improvement of management procedures.
Two new species of Solenysa Simon, 1894 (Araneae: Linyphiidae) from Japan
Authors: TU LIHONG , ONO HIROTSUGU , Li SHUQIANG
Published: January 2017

Two new species of Solenysa Simon, 1894 from Japan are described, i. e. Solenysa reflexilis sp. nov. and Solenysa partibilis sp. nov. The differences of the genitalic structures between both new species and related species are studied.
Explaining Extreme Events of 2015 from a Climate Perspective
Authors: Herring Stephanie C. , Hoell Andrew , Hoerling Martin P. , Kossin James P. , Schreck Carl J. , Stott Peter A.
Published: January 2017

Editors note: For easy download the posted pdf of the Explaining Extreme Events of 2015 is a very low-resolution file. A high-resolution copy of the report is available by clicking here. Please be patient as it may take a few minutes for the high-resolution file to download.
Those Closest Wield the Sharpest Knife: How Ingratiation Leads to Resentment and Social Undermining of the CEO
Authors: Keeves Gareth D. , Westphal James D. , McDonald Michael L.
Published: January 2017

Using survey data from CEOs and other top managers at large and mid-sized public companies in the U.S., as well as from journalists, we explore how ingratiation, a fundamental means of building and maintaining one’s social capital, may trigger behavior that damages the social capital of the person being ingratiated. Although ingratiation, such as flattery or opinion conformity, may elicit positive affect from its target, we suggest it can also elicit a specific form of negative affect toward the target, which in turn can trigger interpersonal harm-doing. Focusing on ingratiation by top managers toward the CEO, we find that ingratiating managers are likely to develop feelings of resentment toward the CEO and that ingratiation may be especially likely to elicit resentment among top managers when the CEO is a racial minority or a woman. We also find that negative affect from ingratiation can induce interpersonal behavior that has the potential to damage the social capital of the influence target, as feelings of resentment that result from ingratiatory behavior can trigger social undermining of the CEO in the manager’s communications with journalists.
Cathexes and Their Objects in The Thought of Sigmund Freud
Authors: McIntosh Donald
Published: January 2017

This paper reexamines Freud's theory of “cathexis” (a quantity of motivational intensity invested in an object) in the light of recent developments in philosophy and cognitive psychology. Contrary to what is often thought, the quantitative element is defensible as a purely psychological idea. The notion of a cathexis is closely similar to the philosophical idea of an “intentional” state, which derives from Franz Brentano, Freud's teacher and mentor.

Freud initially held the object of a cathexis always to be intrapsychic, a position which is untenable and which he largely abandoned after 1915, when he began (correctly) to take cathected objects generally to be persons or events, not their representations. His idea of a cathexis as “entering into” its object contains a valuable and neglected insight, which undermines the centrality of the distinction between the “outer” and “inner” realms of experience. This distinction should not be confused with the key distinction between “fantasy” and “actuality” with respect to cathectic objects. So-called “inner” (fantasy) objects are generally “inside” the mind in a metaphorical sense only.
Laryngeal Complications of Endotracheal Intubation
Authors: Benjamin Bruce , Holinger Lauren D.
Published: January 2017

An endotracheal tube placed in the larynx, even for a short time, causes at least superficial mucosal damage, an injury that normally heals readily. Long-term intubation, on the other hand, may cause pressure necrosis that can extend into submucosa, perichondrium, and eventually cartilage. The sites of involvement include the medial surface of the arytenoid cartilages, vocal processes, cricoarytenoid joints, posterior glottis, and subglottis. We review the pathogenesis, endoscopic recognition, classification, and progression of intubation injuries and examine the many variables that influence them. Diagrammatic flow charts trace the acute injuries through to their chronic sequelae, including subglottic stenosis, which is commoner in infants and children, and posterior glottic stenosis, which is commoner in adults. Systematic endoscopic assessment, under general anesthesia, using rigid telescopes to evaluate laryngeal damage during intubation is recommended and critically discussed. Endoscopy permits an informed judgment with regard to continuation of intubation. Depending on the severity and depth of ulceration, intubation can be continued (sometimes with a tube of smaller diameter) or tracheotomy performed, with an awareness of the attendant risks and benefits. Unnecessary tracheotomies may be avoided. Further, it may be possible to minimize untoward outcomes of prolonged intubation by using management techniques directed at known risk factors.
Could rebel child soldiers prolong civil wars?
Authors: Haer Roos , Böhmelt Tobias
Published: January 2017

While we know why rebels may recruit children for their cause, our understanding of the consequences of child soldiering by non-state armed groups remains limited. The following research contributes to addressing this by examining how rebels’ child recruitment practice affects the duration of internal armed conflicts. We advance the argument that child soldiering increases the strength of rebel organizations vis-a-vis the government. This, in turn, lowers the capability asymmetry between these non-state actors and the incumbent, allowing the former to sustain dispute. Ultimately, the duration of armed conflicts is likely to be prolonged. We analyse this relationship with quantitative data on child soldier recruitment by rebel groups in the post-1989 period. The results confirm our main hypothesis: disputes are substantially longer when rebels recruit children. This work has important implications for the study of armed conflicts, conflict duration and our understanding of child soldiering.
The Perennial Problem of Small States: A Survey of Research Efforts
Authors: Amstrup Niels
Published: January 2017

The survey points to the age-old European interest in the role of small states, almost ignored in the recent literature on small states. It is shown that the numerous attempts to define a small state have exclusively been concerned with defining an independent variable to the neglect of a dependent variable, viz. the behavior of small states. The studies on the security policy of small states and on their foreign economic relations are discussed. Other approaches to the study of small states in international relations are analyzed, including various quantitative attempts. In the conclusion some alternatives for further research are suggested.
The Hiring Process Matters: The Role of Person–Job and Person–Organization Fit in Teacher Satisfaction
Authors: Ellis Christina , Skidmore Susan Troncoso , Combs Julie P.
Published: January 2017

Purpose: Teachers’ satisfaction with their jobs has reached the lowest point in 25 years. One contributing factor is when teachers experience information-poor hiring processes and do not obtain an accurate preview of their positions, their person–organization (P-O) fit, and person–job (P-J) fit. Sparked by a renewed focus on the variables that can influence teacher satisfaction, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among accurate job preview, P-O and P-J fit, and job satisfaction among teachers. Research Approach: Drawing on existing literature, a mediation model was hypothesized. Using existing data collected by the Center for Research, Evaluation, and Advancement of Teacher Education, a structural equation model was tested with a sample of 729 newly hired teachers. Specifically addressed was the extent to which P-O and P-J fit mediated the relationship between accurate job preview and satisfaction. Findings: Accurate job preview predicted future P-O and P-J fit. Higher levels of P-O and P-J fit were linked to higher teacher satisfaction rates. Accurate job previews worked through P-J fit and P-O fit to result in increased teacher satisfaction. Additionally, 53.3% of the variance in satisfaction with the campus was explained by the model. Implications for Research and Practice: Providing newly hired teachers with accurate job previews was related to higher satisfaction rates, so school and district leaders should consider ways to increase candidates’ knowledge during the hiring process about specific school settings and students’ needs.
Canada and the United States: Twenty-Five Years of Economic Relations
Authors: Diebold William
Published: January 2017

A particular problem for Canada was the ambivalent nature of her relationship with the United States. Canadians were anxious to maintain, at the same time, full political independence and a close military alliance with the United States. They insisted upon economic independence, but they wanted the benefits of American participation in the development of their economy.

Richard Preston, Canada in World Affairs 1959 to 1961
Association between posttraumatic stress and acceptance of social changes: Findings from a general population study and proposal of a new concept
Authors: Kazlauskas Evaldas , Zelviene Paulina
Published: January 2017

Background:

There is a growing understanding of the importance of the social factors of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Aims:

This study expands research on association between posttraumatic stress and social factors by introducing the measure of the acceptance of social changes and evaluating possible links between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and acceptance of social changes.

Methods:

A general population sample ( n = 778) aged from 18 to 89 years ( M = 40.2) from Lithuania participated in our study, of whom 68% reported exposure to traumatic events. Posttraumatic stress reactions were measured with the Impact of Event Scale – Revised (IES-R), and acceptance of social changes was measured with the Acceptance of Social Changes Instrument (SOCHI) developed by the authors of this study.

Results:

About 8% of the participants had a potential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis. Acceptance of social changes was negatively associated with posttraumatic stress. PTSD was related to lower acceptance of social changes ( d = .61). Structural equation model (SEM) revealed the mediating role of PTSD for acceptance of social changes following trauma exposure.

Conclusion:

Findings of our study indicate that the acceptance of social changes might be an important psychosocial factor of PTSD.
Effect of a coupled thermomechanical loading on the residual mechanical strength and on the surface temperature of wound carbon/epoxy composite
Authors: Benelfellah Abdelkibir , Halm Damien , Bertheau Denis , Boulet Pascal , Acem Zoubir , Brissinger Damien , Rogaume Thomas
Published: January 2017

Wound composite structures such as hyperbaric hydrogen tanks may experience accidental situations, for example in case of a fire. The FCH-JU project FireComp aims at better characterizing the conditions that need to be achieved in order to avoid a failure of a composite pressure vessel. This research program involves specific experiments to improve the understanding of loss of strength of composite high-pressure vessels in fire conditions. The present study investigates the effect of a coupled thermomechanical loading (cone calorimeter exposure and, simultaneously, mechanical stress) on the residual strength of a composite material. A specific device combining a cone and a four-point bending bench has been designed. The influence of the coupled aggression is addressed by comparing the temperature on the front and the rear sides, the mass loss, and the residual tensile strength of a set of samples subjected to a heat flux only and a set subjected to a heat flux and a four-point bending. The results do not exhibit a clear effect of the mechanical load: the thermomechanical properties of both sets of samples are similar.
Apartheid South Africa’s Participation in United Nations-Organized International Environmental Initiatives in the 1970s: A Reassessment
Authors: Steyn Phia
Published: January 2017

This article focuses on apartheid South Africa’s participation in United Nations-organized international environmental initiatives in the 1970s in order to reassess contemporary and historiographical views that the country was an extremely reluctant participant in UN-led environmental initiatives in the 1970s because it threatened the country’s policy of uncontrolled economic growth and promoted the environment as a political issue, and because the country was not allowed to participate in many of these UN initiatives owing to its isolation within this world body. Utilizing archival evidence, this article clearly demonstrates that the processes whereby the country decided whether or not to participate in specific UN-organized international environmental initiatives in the 1970s were very complex and conflicting, and in general did not result from a lack of governmental commitment to address the country’s multiple environmental challenges. The main argument of this article is that South Africa’s limited participation in UN-organized international environmental initiatives in the 1970s resulted from two reasons, namely the mutual distrust between the country and the UN, which reached new lows as the 1970s progressed, and the prevailing South African foreign policy strategy of deliberately keeping a low profile in order to avoid confrontation on the international stage.
Artificial Induction of Native Aquaporin-1 Expression in Human Salivary Cells
Authors: Wang Z. , Pradhan-Bhatt S. , Farach-Carson M.C. , Passineau M.J.
Published: January 2017

Gene therapy for dry mouth disorders has transitioned in recent years from theoretical to clinical proof of principle with the publication of a first-in-man phase I/II dose escalation clinical trial in patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. This trial used a prototype adenoviral vector to express aquaporin-1 (AQP1), presumably in the ductal cell layer and/or in surviving acinar cells, to drive transcellular flux of interstitial fluid into the labyrinth of the salivary duct. As the development of this promising gene therapy continues, safety considerations are a high priority, particularly those that remove nonhuman agents (i.e., viral vectors and genetic sequences of bacterial origin). In this study, we applied 2 emerging technologies, artificial transcriptional complexes and epigenetic editing, to explore whether AQP1 expression could be achieved by activating the native gene locus in a human salivary ductal cell line and primary salivary human stem/progenitor cells (hS/PCs), as opposed to the conventional approach of cytomegalovirus promoter-driven expression from an episomal vector. In our first study, we used a cotransfection strategy to express the components of the dCas9-SAM system to create an artificial transcriptional complex at the AQP1 locus in A253 and hS/PCs. We found that AQP1 expression was induced at a magnitude comparable to adenoviral infection, suggesting that AQP1 is primarily silenced through pretranscriptional mechanisms. Because earlier literature suggested that pretranscriptional silencing of AQP1 in salivary glands is mediated by methylation of the promoter, in our second study, we performed global, chemical demethylation of A253 cells and found that demethylation alone induced robust AQP1 expression. These results suggest the potential for success by inducing AQP1 expression in human salivary ductal cells through epigenetic editing of the native promoter.
Subtle Fatal Manual Neck Compression
Authors: Pollanen Michael S
Published: January 2017

A critical analysis of the postmortem diagnostic criteria for asphyxia leads to a difficulty that has significant implications for the forensic pathologist. The difficulty is that there are no universally recognized pathognomic signs of asphyxia, but pathologists frequently make this diagnosis based on observations that individually have indeterminate significance but combined together, in the appropriate context, have diagnostic value. This leads to the question: if asphyxia has no recognizable signs at autopsy how are we able to diagnose this entity in the latter circumstances? This problem can be solved by defining the minimally adequate diagnostic criteria for compressive neck injury. These criteria are potentially well-defined but currently lacking, in part, due to incomplete morphological characterization of the injuries that frequently occur in strangulation. The problem is especially challenging because the signs of strangulation form a spectrum of degree from minimal to marked and there is no consensus as to the minimal number and nature of lesions that is required to make the diagnosis of strangulation. In the present review of lesions that are commonly encountered in strangulation, intracartilaginous laryngeal haemorrhages and laryngeal cartilage microfractures are considered to have unrecognized diagnostic value, and these lesions are described in detail. A triad of haemorrhages (subepithelial laryngeal haemorrhage, intralaryngeal muscular haemorrhage, and intracartilaginous laryngeal haemorrhage) is discussed in the context of developing a definition of strangulation based on morphological criteria in the absence of overt mechanical injuries to the neck. Although definitive criteria for cases with minimal findings are still lacking, several lesions have putative diagnostic value.
‘Arrhythmogenic Left Ventricular Dysplasia’ and Sudden Death
Authors: Shrapnel M , Gilbert JD , Byard RW
Published: January 2017

A 32-year-old man who died suddenly and unexpectedly was found at autopsy to have prominent fatty infiltration of his left ventricle with fibrous scarring, in the presence of normal coronary arteries. The right ventricle was minimally involved. A diagnosis of ventricular dysplasia largely limited to the left ventricle was made. Subsequent family screening identified a brother with clinical manifestations of ventricular dysplasia. This case provides further evidence for the association of left ventricular dysplasia with sudden death, and demonstrates that left ventricular involvement may also be inheritable. Whether predominantly left ventricular dysplasia is a manifestation of right ventricular dysplasia, or is a separate entity, is yet to be determined.
Levels of Aggression among a Group of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users
Authors: Midgley Simon J , Heather Nick , Davies John B
Published: January 2017

There have been numerous case studies and press reports of individuals committing acts of extreme violence while taking large doses of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (AAS). However, research using psychometric measures of aggression has tended to use small numbers of subjects which makes generalizing results difficult. In the current study the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) was administered to 50 AAS users and 40 non AAS-using control subjects. Subjects also underwent a semi-structured interview focusing on AAS's effects on levels of aggression. Results showed that AAS users reported being significantly less in control of their aggression than controls. The semi-structured interview findings showed that elevations in aggression due to AAS use were reported by 60 per cent of AAS users. However, these elevations appeared more related to irritability and bad temper than acts of physical violence. The study also found that more AAS users than controls had worked as doormen/bouncers. This highlights the issue of whether AAS use causes aggression or whether aggressive individuals are attracted to AAS use. Future research should investigate this question.
Some Specific Problems of Secluding Female Patients
Authors: Mason Tom , Whitehead Elizabeth
Published: January 2017

This paper reports on a study of secluded female patients in a special hospital. A random selection of seclusions occurring within one week of initiation were chosen and data were collected by a structured interview, involving nurses who had made the decision to initiate the seclusion. The interview schedule contained 18 items and the analysis utilized chi square test for categorical data and Speraman's rank coefficient for correlation on the scores on two variables. The results indicated that there was an erratic use of alternative approaches attempted prior to the use of seclusion and that the stripping of patients as they are secluded is rationalized as ‘in the interest of their safety’. It is argued that further research is urgently required to interview the female patients concerned and to explore the specific issues pertaining to the seclusion of female patients. We question whether a high security psychiatric hospital is the most appropriate placement for females.
A Psychosocial Approach to Arson — A Case Controlled Study of Female Offenders
Authors: Noblett Stephen , Nelson Belinda
Published: January 2017

Few studies of arsonists have focused specifically on females, many of whom have historically avoided prosecution. This study examines demographic details, psychopathology and personality characteristics of female arsonists and violent offenders in custody and compares them with an age matched group of comparison females. A significantly greater number of arsonists admitted to a history of deliberate self-harm and to sexual abuse as a child. The results emphasize the degree of psychosocial disadvantage in female arsonists and fit the model of displaced aggression in that female arsonists in this study are found to be less assertive and may displace their aggression onto property due to their inability to confront people directly. This channelling of aggression may be seen as an attempt to influence their environment and improve their self-esteem where other means have failed.

Many of the findings match those of a previous study of male Special Hospital arsonists and indicate the need for larger studies within prison and hospital settings. Based on the potential areas for clinical intervention, prospective treatment studies of arsonists offer exciting implications in terms of risk management and may begin to address the needs of this severely disadvantaged group.
Fatal ‘Bhang’ Poisoning
Authors: Gupta B D , Jani C B , Shah P H
Published: January 2017

A young adult male of about 25 years of age consumed a glass (about 300ml) of Bhang on the holy occasion of ShivRatri. The deceased died within 24 hours of consuming the Bhang. The deceased had suffered from rheumatic heart disease with multiple valvular involvements. He had also undergone open-heart surgery in the past. Fatality due to Bhang is extremely rare and therefore the case is presented. An attempt is made to review the literature.

Bhang is one of the Indian preparations of Indian hemp ( Cannabis sativa). It is prepared by the wet grinding of the leaves of the plant. The bolus is then consumed in various ways. Water is used as a vehicle. In the present case a bolus of about 1 to 2 gm was mixed in a glass of water.

ShivRatri is a Hindu festival. On this day prayers are offered to Lord Shiva, who is the god of all evils and poisons. Bhang is a special article, which is offered to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day. Then, the devotees consume it as the God.

Gujrat is a dry state (possession, consumption, sale, etc. of alcohol, Bhang, opium and other psychotropic substance, etc. is governed by particular laws), but on the holy occasion of ShivRati, for a day, the law is relaxed for the use of Bhang. In most other parts of the country, particularly, in northern India, it is a common practice to consume various preparations of Indian hemp like Bhang, Charas, Ganja, sweetmeat, etc. The bolus mentioned above is probably the minimum single dose.
The Use of Experts in Medical Malpractice Litigation in Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Noriko , Maeda Shoichi , Ikeda Noriaki , Ishibashi Hiromi , Nobutomo Koichi
Published: January 2017

In medical malpractice litigation, the cooperation of medical experts is important. However, the appointment of experts has become problematic in Japan, apparently because many medical experts refuse to act in this capacity. However, this supposition has not until now been supported by quantitative evidence, since the fact that so few judgments in Japan are published made it impossible to investigate the situation. Therefore, we aim to show the state of the use of experts in medical malpractice litigation using objective data.

Over the last ten years, the rate of the use of experts has averaged only 22.5%, varying according to region. Experts were used in 24.5% of cases involving an attorney on the patient's side, and in only 3.4% of cases where no attorney was used. The success rate of patients was higher when experts were adopted (39.1%) than when they were not (29.9%). The length of litigation involving experts was 4.0 years, and 2.7 years when no expert was involved.

This research suggested the necessity of establishing a formal cooperation system as soon as possible in Japan with no regional maldistribution.
Case History of Co-Morbid Asperger's Syndrome and Paraphilic Behaviour
Authors: Milton John , Duggan Conor , Latham Andy , Egan Vincent , Tantam Digby
Published: January 2017

We report a case of a man with Asperger's syndrome, paraphilic behaviour and convictions for sexual offences. We describe his assessment within a secure mental health setting to determine issues of diagnosis, treatment and risk. We also highlight the difficulty in reducing the risk of further offending because of the apparent ineffectiveness of interventions for the small group with Asperger's syndrome and an offending history. Consequently, they are likely to face long periods in institutional settings.
The Application of Infra-Red Spectroscopy to the Identification and Comparison of Petrols
Authors: Jones Kenneth , Tippett Colin Francis
Published: January 2017

The comparison of petrols is important in cases of larceny from parked vehicles and from bulk supplies. In the past it was rarely possible to identify the brand of petrol. This article shows that the use of infra-red techniques allows the immediate identification of a petrol to a Commercial, Premium or Super grade. In the case of the Premium and Super grades a petrol can be accurately identified; a Commercial grade petrol may be identified or limited to one of two possibilities. The effects on spectra of mixtures of petrols is discussed.
The Effect of the Post-Mortem Interval on the Level of Creatine in Vitreous Humour
Authors: Piette M.
Published: January 2017

By means of 103 medico-legal autopsies it was established that a rise in the creatine level occurs in the vitreous humour after death. In view of the satisfactory correlation between the post-mortem interval and the creatine level in the vitreous humour (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) investigations were undertaken as to whether the creatine level in vitreous humour can serve in current medico-legal practice as an indication for the post-mortem interval, especially for the later period (more than three days). On balance this creatine determination is only useful when combined with all other medico-legal parameters that establish the time of death, remembering that the confidence-interval in the investigations was rather wide.
Coronary Aneurysms in a Young Adult: Report of a Case Suspected of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Murai T. , Kuroda N. , Shinozuka T. , Kurihara K. , Yanagida J. , Watanabe H. , Saito K. , Maurai N. , Imai M.
Published: January 2017

An autopsy case of coronary aneurysm was reported. The patient, a 23-year-old Japanese man, suddenly fell unconscious during a karate match and died an hour later. The autopsy revealed coronary aneurysms, one of which was accompanied by thrombosis. Histologically, the aneurysmal walls showed marked scar formation and intimal thickening and the state was regarded as healed arteritis. By taking a precise history from his parents. Kawasaki disease was thought to be the probable cause of the coronary aneurysms.
Small Coronary Vessel Disease and Sudden Coronary Death
Authors: Vanhorn Elizabeth J. , Gallagher Patrick J.
Published: January 2017

In an attempt to determine the importance of atherosclerosis in medium-sized coronary arteries, the hearts of 20 patients dying of cardiac disease, within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, were compared with 19 controls. Post-mortem coronary angiograms were performed and the coronary arteries dissected in detail. Severe stenoses, or complete occlusions, were present in 34 of 80 major coronary arteries in the sudden cardiac death (SCD) group and 5 of 76 in the controls. Medium-sized branch vessels were severely stenosed or occluded in 20.5 per cent (37 of 180 vessels) in the SCD group and 6.4 per cent (11 of 171 vessels) in the controls. Forty of the 48 diseased branch vessels arose from the left anterior descending artery.

In the SCD group. IS patients died from major coronary artery atheroma, one from hypertensive heart disease and only one from disease of a branch vessel. We conclude that, in most cases of SCD. careful macroscopic examination of the major coronary vessels will provide an adequate explanation for death. Detailed dissection of all medium-sized branch vessels is unlikely to be of value as a routine procedure but, at the very least, pathologists should identify and dissect the first septal and diagonal branches of the left anterior descending artery in every post-mortem.
The Application of Control Charts in Breath Alcohol Measurement Systems
Authors: Gullberg R G
Published: January 2017

Measurement provides numerical information, usually to assist in some decision process. Quality control is fundamental to the measurement process if the results are to provide confidence to the decision maker. The degree of quality control required depends on the context and purpose of the measurements. Quality control is particularly important in the forensic measurement of breath alcohol in light of the significant consequences involved.

Control charts are an important and widely used tool in quality control for both measuring and manufacturing processes. They help evaluate measurement variability and provide a visual assessment of the system's state of statistical control. Control charts can be developed and applied in a variety of different ways. Several examples are illustrated that apply control charts to breath alcohol measuring systems. Application of these methods should result in improved process monitoring in addition to improved confidence for forensic purposes.
Detection of Bromisovalum from the Bone Marrow of Skeletonized Human Remains: A Case Report with a Comparison between Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS)
Authors: Maeda H , Oritani S , Nagai K , Tanaka T , Tanaka N
Published: January 2017

We report a case of totally skeletonized human remains in which a considerable amount of a hypnotic, bromisovalum (bromovalerylurea), was detected from the bone marrow. The unknown skeletal remains were found in a bush, together with empty vials of bromisovalum and a water bottle. The body was identified as a 46-year-old male, who had died about seven months previously. There was no evidence of trauma. The dried bone marrow of both femurs was separately collected and toxicologically analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Bromisovalum was identified from the femurs. The concentration along with the circumstantial evidence suggested possible contribution of bromisovalum to the fatality. However, a considerable quantitative difference was observed between the left and right femur, showing significant post-mortem interference to toxicological evidence. The result showed that multiple sampling at least would be required for quantitative evaluation of post-mortem toxicological evidence. Moreover, the diagnostic value should also be considered with caution in relation to the blood to bone marrow ratio of each drug concentration.
1. Unusual Presentation of Colloid Cyst of the Third Ventricle
Authors: Williams David J , Tannenberg Anthony E G
Published: January 2017

This case report describes a death in a young male, six months after an assault. The death was caused by a colloid cyst, a rare but important malformation in the brain. The possible relationship between the assault and the cyst is discussed.
Mourning and Grief on Facebook: An Examination of Motivations for Interacting With the Deceased
Authors: Willis Erin , Ferrucci Patrick
Published: January 2017

Facebook not only changed the way we communicate but also the way we mourn and express grief. The social networking site allows users to interact with deceased users’ walls after death. This study utilized textual analysis to categorize Facebook posts ( N = 122) on 30 deceased users’ walls according to uses and gratifications theory. Most posts were found to be motivated by entertainment, followed by integration and social interaction. Facebook users posted memories, condolences, and interacted with friends and family members in the deceased user’s network. Implications and potential future research are discussed.
Consultants Workload Due to Alcohol Related Conditions in Acute Medical Receiving Gastroenterology and Endocrinology
Authors: Butler S. R. , Hislop W. S. , Fisher B. M. , McPeake J. R.
Published: January 2017

A four-week survey was performed into the incidence of alcohol related problems in the acute medical receiving unit, and the prevalence of alcohol related cases in a ward shared between two gastroenterologists and an endocrinologist. Alcohol related conditions were the commonest reason for acute admission (19%). Gastroenterologists, in contrast to their colleagues have a substantial workload related to alcohol, especially chronic liver disease. These patients have longer lengths of stay with higher morbidity and mortality than those without alcohol related conditions. The reason for these differences and the implications for service planning are discussed.
The Scottish Heart and Arterial Risk Prevention (SHARP) Survey of Cardiovascular Risk: Regional Differences
Authors: McEwan S. R. , Daly F. , Forbes C. D. , Belch J. J. F.
Published: January 2017

The objective was to explore variation in cardiovascular risk profiles within the Scottish workforce over different regions of Scotland by a planned review of survey data of workplaces throughout Scotland, surveyed between December 1991 and March 1996. The subjects sampled were 19,400 men and women aged between 18 and 70, who were in work and apparently healthy at the time of screening. The results showed that the regions of Scotland may be distinguished through particular risk factors and also by using a single summary score (the SHARP risk score). Overall the Perth and Kinross region tops the league for cardiovascular risk (with the main contributing factors being smoking and high blood pressure); regions of least risk are Inverness-shire and Edinburgh. There are statistically significant differences to be discerned in the regional distribution of cardiovascular risk within the working population of Scotland.
Is There Scope for Checking Serum Biochemistry in the Epilepsy Clinic?
Authors: Farrugia M. E.
Published: January 2017

We often request blood investigations, almost as a knee-jerk reaction, without asking ourselves why and what we expect to exclude or confirm by doing the test. We often fail to put the patient s presentation into clinical perspective. Here, we present a scenario where routine blood tests were unexpectedly abnormal. A patient presents to the First Fit clinic, having sustained two generalised tonic-clonic epileptic seizures. She was commenced on anti-epileptic medication by her GP prior to being seen by the neurologists. Routine blood investigations taken in the clinic revealed significant hypocalcaemia. She was investigated for the cause of this biochemical derangement and started on 1 -alphahydroxycholecaliferol. Her antiepileptic drug was discontinued once her serum calcium was corrected since she was considered to have symptomatic seizures. The discussion deals with the causesof hypocalcaemia, which is less commonly encountered than hypercalcaemia, and the relevance of checking a patient s biochemistry in the First Fit clinic. In view of the latter point, there is no clear answer and its use fails to be justified by any strong evidence.
Haemoglobin Level in Scottish Intensive Care Patients — A National One Day Survey
Authors: Garrioch M.A. , Fletcher G. C. , Holmes A.P
Published: January 2017

Objectives were to determine haemoglobin (Hb) levels present in patients and blood ordering habits of clinicians within Scottish Intensive Care Units (ICUs) on one typical day. A questionnaire survey (February 29 2000) was sent to all adult Scottish ICUs. All patients present in the responding adult ICUs in Scotland on the above date were included.

Measurements and main results: Nineteen (73%) of the 26 Scottish Adult Intensive Care Units (ICUs) responded to the questionnaire. Data were received from 78 patients, 8 (10%) received blood. Mean initial Hb was 102 g/l (range 63–138). Modal transfusion trigger haemoglobin was 80 g/l in 38% of subjects at first trigger, 100 g/l in 24% of cases. No intensive care unit allowed haemoglobin to fall below 70 g/l and no patients were transfused when measured Hb was greater than 100 g/l. The presence of ischaemic heart disease was the second most important trigger to transfuse after haemoglobin level. Modal transfusion was 2 units (n=7). Only one patient received a single unit transfusion.

Conclusions: Scottish ICUs maintain Hb between 70 and 100 g/l but clinicians are currently not consistent when ordering blood. More investigation is required to determine the optimal haemoglobin in our ICU population.
Not Modern-Day Body-Snatching: The Response of the Public
Authors: Lee K. , McDonald S. W.
Published: January 2017

At recent presentations on the history of anatomy in the West of Scotland, our group has been asked whether we would regard the revelations of 1999 – 2001 about organ retention as a modern form of body-snatching. We have compared newspaper reports of the Glasgow Herald from 1823 to 1832, the decade prior to the Anatomy Act of 1832, and the Herald, Sunday Herald and Evening Times from 1999 to 2001. Clearly body-snatchers appropriated whole corpses while the recent troubles concerned individual organs. Body-snatching was illegal while the crisis over organ retention arose from differing expectations between the medical profession and the public. Both practices caused huge public concern and distress to relatives. There are, however, interesting differences between the two sets of reports. The public had been aware of body-snatching for many years prior to the Anatomy Act, which regulated the supply of cadavers, whereas revelations about organ retention came as a shock. In the organ retention crisis, the parents of the children were more organised in supporting each other and in campaigning for change than were the public in the days of the resurrectionists.
Improving Documentation of Head Injured Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department Ward
Authors: Ragoo M A , McNaughton G W
Published: January 2017

Objective: Well-written and factually accurate medical records are one of the cornerstones of Emergency Medicine. This audit aimed to assess whether documentation could be improved for head injured patients admitted to the Emergency Department observation ward using a pre-printed proforma. Methods: In the first phase the notes of a consecutive series of forty patients admitted for observation to an Emergency Department ward after sustaining a head injury were prospectively audited. A data collection instrument was designed to measure the presence or absence of documentation of mechanism of injury, specific symptoms, signs, medications, investigations and treatment considered essential for gold standard head injury management. In the second phase a specially designed proforma was introduced for all patients being admitted for observation. The notes of a second consecutive series of forty patients were then audited using the same data collection instrument. Results: The first phase of the audit revealed inadequate documentation with regard to many of the measured variables. Significant Improvements were noted in all measured variables after the introduction of the proforma. Conclusions: Documentation of all important positive and negative signs in head injured patients can be time consuming and often a challenge for doctors working in busy Emergency Departments. Accurate documentation is however important from both a clinical and a medico-legal position and this audit have shown that the introduction of a customized proforma can improve the quality of documentation. In addition clinical management of head injured patients may improve as the proforma also acts as a prompt for their subsequent investigation and treatment.
Problem-Based, Peer-Facilitated Education about Antibiotic Prescribing
Authors: Morrison J , Johnson N , McConnachie A , Power A , Redding P , Corcoran D
Published: January 2017

Aims: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a problem-based, peer-facilitated educational workshop about antibiotic prescribing for GPs. Method: Participants: All 39 GPs working in an average sized Local Health Care Co-operative (LHCC) in Glasgow. Intervention: Prospective collection of information about 10 prescriptions for antibiotics to assess learning needs in relation to antibiotic prescribing. Two and a half hour workshop involving problem-based group work based on the needs assessment and discussions with a consultant microbiologist, prescribing adviser and academic GP. Evaluation: Written feedback about the process of the educational intervention immediately after the workshop and outcome feedback collected after four weeks. Telephone interviews with non-participants. Results: Twenty-four GPs agreed to participate in the study. 19 of these completed the Needs Assessment and 14 of these completed the workshop. The method of learning needs assessment and the educational workshop were highly acceptable. “No time, too busy” was the main reason given for not taking part in the study. Conclusion: Some GPs are unable to participate as fully as they would like in continuing professional learning activities due to competing workload pressures. Turther research is required to investigate the necessary type and balance of learning activities and the barriers to engagement to ensure the most effective use of clinician time available for continuing educational activities.
Normoglycaemia in Acute Renal Failure-A Difficult Diagnosis of Diabetes
Authors: Mukhopadhyay B. , Geddes J. , Fisher M.
Published: January 2017

We report diagnostic difficulties in a case of diabetes mellitus presenting as acute on chronic renal failure with normoglycaemia. A renal biopsy indicated diabetic nephropathy; she developed hyperglycaemia following the institution of haemodialysis. It is important to remember that diabetic patients may have normal blood glucose concentrations in renal failure. In a patient with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus presenting with acute on chronic renal failure, choice of diagnostic biochemical test for diabetes may be difficult.
Serum Transaminase Levels after Closed Mitral Valvotomy
Authors: Namdaran Fashid , Turner M. A.
Published: January 2017

Elevated serum transaminase levels after surgery may confirm the clinical and electrocardiographic (ECG) diagnosis of myocardial infarction. This useful aid to accurate diagnosis is even more important if the cardiac muscle has been the focal point of the operation when the ECG changes may not be as reliable as in other post-operative surgical cases. Similarly in the clinical evaluation the pain of myocardial origin may be confused with wound pain. If the serum transaminase does not rise more than 50 units per ml. after closed cardiac surgery, it may be considered that myocardial infarction has not occurred and that low cardiac output or severe chest pain probably has another cause. In this clinical investigation no significant difference was found between the post-operative serum transaminase levels of closed mitral valvotomy and a control thoracotomy series.
Sulphamethoxazole-Trimethoprim Therapy in Urinary Tract Infection with Reference to its Hematological Effects
Authors: Allison M. E. M. , Kennedy A. C. , McGeachie J. , McDonald G. A.
Published: January 2017

The bacteriological and haematological effects of 7 days' treatment with trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole in a combination of 1 : 5 (13 patients) or 1 : 10 (12 patients) has been investigated in 25 women with significant urinary tract infection. The organisms were Escherichia col***l (23 patients), Klebsiella aerogenes (1 patient) and Proteus mirabilis (1 patient). All 18 primary isolates tested were sensitive to the drug combination in vitro although 3 were resistant to sulphatriad. Twenty-four out of 25 (96%) had sterile urine at 5 days and 80 per cent remained sterile 7 days after therapy. At least 30 per cent recurred within 6 weeks. No significant change was seen in haemoglobin levels, platelet counts or in the percentage of neutrophil polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Sixty-five per cent of patients had low serum folate levels prior to therapy, a finding which may be related to the presence of significant bacteriuria. Following treatment, however, there was a reduction in serum folate levels in both groups which was significant at the 5 per cent level 3 to 7 days after treatment with the 1 : 10 regime and 3 days after treatment with the 1 : 5 regime. It is suggested that it might be advisable in any patient in whom the drug is given on a long-term basis to consider the possibility of haematological side effects.