bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 2009–2010 step in atmospheric CO2 interhemispheric difference
Authors: Francey R. J. , Frederiksen J. S.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The annual average CO2 difference between baseline data from Mauna Loa and the Southern Hemisphere increased by  ∼  0.8 µmol mol−1 (0.8 ppm) between 2009 and 2010, a step unprecedented in over 50 years of reliable data. We find no evidence for coinciding, sufficiently large source and sink changes. A statistical anomaly is unlikely due to the highly systematic nature of the variation in observations. An explanation for the step, and the subsequent 5-year stability in this north–south difference, involves interhemispheric atmospheric exchange variation. The selected data describing this episode provide a critical test for studies that employ atmospheric transport models to interpret global carbon budgets and inform management of anthropogenic emissions.
A new radiation infrastructure for the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy, based on version 2.51)
Authors: Dietmüller Simone , Jöckel Patrick , Tost Holger , Kunze Markus , Gellhorn Cathrin , Brinkop Sabine , Frömming Christine , Ponater Michael , Steil Benedikt , Lauer Axel , Hendricks Johannes
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) provides an interface to couple submodels to a basemodel via a highly flexible data management facility (Jöckel et al., 2010). In the present paper we present the four new radiation related submodels RAD, AEROPT, CLOUDOPT and ORBIT. The submodel RAD (with shortwave radiation scheme RAD_FUBRAD) simulates the radiative transfer, the submodel AEROPT calculates the aerosol optical properties, the submodel CLOUDOPT calculates the cloud optical properties, and the submodel ORBIT is responsible for Earth orbit calculations. These submodels are coupled via the standard MESSy infrastructure and are largely based on the original radiation scheme of the general circulation model ECHAM5, however, expanded with additional features. These features comprise, among others, user-friendly and flexibly controllable (by namelists) on-line radiative forcing calculations by multiple diagnostic calls of the radiation routines. With this, it is now possible to calculate radiative forcing (instantaneous as well as stratosphere adjusted) of various greenhouse gases simultaneously in only one simulation, as well as the radiative forcing of cloud perturbations. Examples of on-line radiative forcing calculations in the ECHAM/MESSy Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) model are presented.
In situ unsaturated zone water stable isotope (2H and 18O) measurements in semi-arid environments: a soil water balance
Authors: Gaj Marcel , Beyer Matthias , Koeniger Paul , Wanke Heike , Hamutoko Josefina , Himmelsbach Thomas
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Stable isotopes (deuterium, 2H, and oxygen-18, 18O) of soil water were measured in the field using a liquid water isotope analyzer (tunable off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscope, OA-ICOS, LGR) and commercially available soil gas probes (BGL-30, UMS, Munich) in the semi-arid Cuvelai–Etosha Basin (CEB), Namibia. Results support the applicability of an in situ measurement system for the determination of stable isotopes in soil pore water. High spatial and temporal resolution was achieved in the study area with reasonable accuracy and measurements were in agreement with laboratory-based cryogenic vacuum extraction and subsequent cavity ring-down laser spectroscopic isotope analysis (CRDS, L2120-i, Picarro Inc.). After drift and span correction of the in situ isotope data, precision for over 140 measurements taken during two consecutive field campaigns (June and November 2014) was 1.8 and 0.48 ‰ for δ2H and δ18O, respectively. Mean measurement trueness is determined using quality check standards and was 5 and 0.3 ‰ for δ2H and δ18O, respectively. The isotope depth profiles are used quantitatively to calculate a soil water balance. The contribution of transpiration to total evapotranspiration ranged between 72 and 92 %. Shortly after a rain event, the contribution of transpiration was much lower, at 35 to 50 %. Potential limitations of such an in situ system are related to environmental conditions which could be minimized by using a temperature-controlled chamber for the laser spectrometer. Further, the applicability of the system using previously oven-dried soil material might be limited by physicochemical soil properties (i.e., clay minerals). Uncertainty in the in situ system is suggested to be reduced by improving the calibration procedure and further studying fractionation effects influencing the isotope ratios in the soil water, especially at low water contents. Furthermore, the influence of soil-respired CO2 on isotope values within the root zone could not be deduced from the data.
Variations in water storage in China over recent decades from GRACE observations and GLDAS
Authors: Mo X. , Wu J. J. , Wang Q. , Zhou H.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. We applied Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) Tellus products in combination with Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) simulations and data from reports, to analyze variations in terrestrial water storage (TWS) in China as a whole and eight of its basins from 2003 to 2013. Amplitudes of TWS were well restored after scaling, and showed good correlations with those estimated from models at the basin scale. TWS generally followed variations in annual precipitation; it decreased linearly in the Huai River basin (−0.56 cm yr−1) and increased with fluctuations in the Changjiang River basin (0.35 cm yr−1), Zhujiang basin (0.55 cm yr−1) and southeast rivers basin (0.70 cm yr−1). In the Hai River basin and Yellow River basin, groundwater exploitation may have altered TWS's response to climate, and TWS kept decreasing until 2012. Changes in soil moisture storage contributed over 50 % of variance in TWS in most basins. Precipitation and runoff showed a large impact on TWS, with more explained TWS in the south than in the north. North China and southwest rivers region exhibited long-term TWS depletions. TWS has increased significantly over recent decades in the middle and lower reaches of Changjiang River, southeastern coastal areas, as well as the Hoh Xil, and the headstream region of the Yellow River in the Tibetan Plateau. The findings in this study could be helpful to climate change impact research and disaster mitigation planning.
Managing Data Acquisition, Cleansing and Transformation in an Agriculture Data Warehouse
Authors: Abdullah Ahsan , Bajaber Fuad
Published: February 2016

Pakistan is the world’s fourth largest cotton producer. The country relies heavily on cotton yield to sustain and enhance its export and economic growth. Several state run organizations have been monitoring the cotton crop for decades through pest-scouting, agriculture and meteorological data-gathering processes. This non-digitized and non-standardized dirty data is of little use for strategic analysis and decision support. This paper is based on the data collection and cleansing issues of that cotton pest-scouting data consisting of approximately 15,000 sheets from 20 cotton-growing districts of Punjab province. Various real-life agriculture data management and data quality problems are discussed and explained in this paper using several real examples.
Pest Complex of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with Special Reference to Management of White Grub in Northern Districts of Kashmir Valley
Authors: Munib Mohmmad , Wani Abdul Rouf , Khan Shabir Hussain , Abbas Arshad
Published: February 2016

The investigations entitled “Pest complex of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) with special reference to management of white grub in northern districts of Kashmir Valley” were undertaken at Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora districts for two cropping seasons 2011 and 2012. A total of 12 pests were recorded on the cropright from sowing upto harvest which were Flea beetle (Chaetocnema spp.), Semilooper (Thysanoplusia orichalcea), Aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae), Cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon), White grub (Brahmina coriacea and B. poonensis), Wireworm (Melanotus horticornis), Earwig (Euborellia annulipes), Stunt nematode (Tylenchorlynctus kashmiriensis Mahajan), Lens nematode (Basirolaimus indicus Shamsi), Spiral nematode (Helicotylenchus dihystera Sher. and H . indicus Siddiqi), Root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus spp.) and Dagger nematode (Xiphinema basiri Siddiqi). In vivo observation revealed that Imidacloprid (70WS) as seed treatment registered 97.33, 96.66 and 96.66 per cent good tubers at Kunzer, Budnambal and Ajas, respectively followed by Bacillus thuringiensis, Metarrhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana. Whereas, Mustard cake as soil amendment recorded lowest good tubers of 76.00, 76.66 and 76.66 per cent at Kunzer, Budnambal and Ajas against 74.66, 75.33 and 74.66 per cent in control, respectively. The overall performances in descending order of different pesticides/cultural practices on the basis of per cent good tuber were Imidacloprid (96.88%) > Bacillus thuringiensis (93.55%) > Metarrhizium anisopliae (91.10%) > Beauveria bassiana (89.33%) > Cultural practices (81.33%) > Azadirachta indica (80.66%) > Phalada-111C1(77.10%) > Brassica species (76.44%) against control (74.88%).
Analysis of Namibian Main Grain Crops Annual Production, Consumption and Trade—Maize and Pearl Millet
Authors: Shifiona Theresia Kaulinawa , Dongyang Wang , Zhiquan Hu
Published: February 2016

Cereal grains are the most important source of the world’s total food and staple food for most developing countries. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the Namibian cereal grains by examining trends in annual output, imports and exports as well as consumption volumes for over the period of fifteen years. Due to a variety number of grains being produced and consumed, the main focus is on maize and pearl millet. Data were collected from the Namibian Agronomic Board and from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation Statistical yearbooks for various years. A combination of descriptive statistics has been applied as the method of analysis of the collected data, providing concise summaries about the observations that have been made. The findings show that the production of both maize and pearl millet has increased over the year reviewed due to relative increase in area harvested and yield. Consumption of pearl millet represents one fifth (20%) of the national cereal consumption, while maize represents one third (33%). On average the per capita consumption of maize is around 44kg per year while millet is about 29kg per year. The consumption of both maize and pearl millet rose at an average annual rate higher than the production rate, particularly for maize. To cover deficits between consumption and production, imports become a viable option, especially for maize.
Skill Development: A Way to Leverage the Demographic Dividend in India
Authors: Misra Sushendra Kumar
Published: February 2016

The world’s population is ageing fast and it is estimated that the global population aged 65 and above shall reach to 1.3 billion by 2040, which will be more than double of 530 million in 2010. Rapidly ageing population shall result in severe labor shortage across in the global market. The world’s largest economies like Germany, France and US are expected to suffer due to the acute shortage of skilled workers. According to a global study, presently India is one of the largest labor-surplus countries in terms of its working age group (15-64 years) populations worldwide. India is in demographic dividend phase and can generate skilled manpower for employment through effective use of vocational and skill development training. The present study is to examine how to create skilled labor force through effective use of schemes of Government of India, run by different ministries to facilitate its skill development mission target to train 500 million people by 2022.
Immobilization of nitrilase on bioinspired silica for efficient synthesis of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid from 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanenitrile
Authors: Jin Li-Qun , Guo Dong-Jing , Li Zong-Tong , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a simple and effective method using sodium metasilicate as precursor and amine as additive was first reported to immobilize recombinant nitrilase, for efficient production of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid from 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanenitrile. High immobilization recovery of enzyme activity (above 90 %) was achieved. The immobilized enzyme displayed better thermal stability, pH stability and shelf life compared to free nitrilase. Moreover, it showed excellent reusability and could be recycled up to 16 batches without significant loss in activity. 200 mM 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanenitrile was completely converted by the immobilized enzyme within 30 min, and the accumulation amount of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid reached 130 mmol/g of immobilized beads after 16 batches. These encouraging results demonstrated the efficiency of the new technology for nitrilase immobilization, which has great potential in preparation of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid.
Electoral Governance: More than Just Electoral Administration
Authors: Luis Eduardo Medina Torres  , Edwin Cuitláhuac Ramírez Díaz
Published: February 2016

The meaning of “electoral governance” is often equated with “electoral administration”. The process, however, can be divided into three distinct stages: 1) formation of regulatory bodies and norms; 2) implementation of these norms; and 3) dispute resolution. Given these three parts, electoral governance amounts to much more than just administration. In this article we explain why many academic studies of electoral governance have neglected the role of conflict resolution, focusing instead on the first two elements. In this way, electoral governance is mistakenly conceived as merely a mechanism for establishing regulatory bodies and rules. Our second goal is to show readers that electoral governance is a process that starts with the enactment of legislation, continues with administrative enforcement and judicial response, and concludes when the process returns to the beginning, either through judicial interpretation or recommendation by a legislative body. Our preliminary conclusion is that a proper understanding of electoral governance must take into account the role of conflict resolution, especially for disputed elections. Lastly, consideration must be given to a final phase which incorporates a cyclical conception explaining the returning process to the legislative dimension.
Self-Focused Cognition in Social Anxiety: A Review of the Theoretical and Empirical Literature
Authors: Norton Alice R. , Abbott Maree J.
Published: February 2016

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterised by a marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations. Cognitive models suggest that self-focused cognitive processes play a crucial role in generating and maintaining social anxiety, and that self-focused cognition occurs prior to, during, and following social situations (Clark & Wells, 1995; Rapee & Heimberg, 1997). There is a substantial body of empirical evidence demonstrating that socially anxious individuals engage in self-focused cognition during and following a social or performance situation. A smaller but growing body literature suggests that a similar process occurs prior to such situations, and that these three processes are interdependent. Furthermore, the vast majority of research to date indicates that self-focused cognitive processes are detrimental, and that they generate and maintain social anxiety in a variety of ways. However, there remains considerable scope for research to further explicate the role of these processes in the maintenance of SAD, and to enhance interventions designed to ameliorate their negative effects.
Contamination on AMS Sample Targets by Modern Carbon is Inevitable
Authors: Paul Dipayan , Been Henk A , Aerts-Bijma Anita Th , Meijer Harro A J
Published: February 2016

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurements of the radiocarbon content in very old samples are often challenging and carry large relative uncertainties due to possible contaminations acquired during the preparation and storage steps. In case of such old samples, the natural surrounding levels of 14C from gases in the atmosphere, which may well be the source of contamination among others, are 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than the samples themselves. Hence, serious efforts are taken during the preparation steps to have the samples pristine until measurements are performed. As samples often have to be temporarily stored until AMS measurements can be performed, storage conditions also become extremely crucial. Here we describe an assessment of this process of contamination in background AMS samples. Samples, both as pressed graphite (on AMS targets) and graphite powder, were stored in various storage conditions (CO2-spiked air) to investigate the extent of contamination. The experiments clearly show that the pressed targets are more vulnerable to contamination than the unpressed graphite. Experiments conducted with enriched CO2-spiked laboratory air also reveal that the contaminating carbon is not only limited to the target surface but also penetrates into the matrix. A combination of measurements on understanding the chemical nature of the graphitization product, combined with long-available knowledge on “adventitious carbon” from the surface science community, brought us to the conclusion that contamination is to a certain extent inevitable. However, it can be minimized, and should be dealt with by sputter-cleaning the samples individually before the actual measurement.
The Extent of Similarity Required Between the Content of the Contract and its Performance
Authors: Zamir Eyal
Published: February 2016

Section 2 of the Contracts (Remedies for Breach of Contract) Law, 1970 defines a breach as “an act or omission contrary to the contract”. This general definition applies to any obligation in any contract, and to every form of its breach. Thus, a seller who has undertaken to deliver certain property at an agreed time and place is in breach of his obligation whether he delivers a different property than the agreed or a defective one, whether he makes the delivery after the agreed time or at a wrong place, and so forth. This abstraction of the notion of breach, and the application of similar rules to all kinds of breach (subject to some specific rules in specific Laws and in the Remedies Law itself), are prominent features of the law of contractual remedies and of contract law in general under Israeli legislation. This abstraction enables one to deal generally with subjects, that in other legal systems in various contexts are treated separately. The question discussed in this article refers to the degree of similarity required between the content of the contract and its actual performance. In other words, the question is whether a slight or trivial deviation from the contract's content is to be considered a breach.
Criminal Desert, Harm and Fairness
Authors: Davis Michael
Published: February 2016

This paper has two parts. The first (sections I-III) compares retributive theories measuring criminal desert largely by the harm the criminal did or risked, with a theory measuring it by the unfair advantage the criminal necessarily took, what I shall call “the fairness theory”. This part of the paper summarizes arguments I have made elsewhere. The second part (sections IV-V) defends the fairness theory against five objections recently made against it by two important theorists, Andrew von Hirsch and Hyman Gross. The objections are variations on the charge that the fairness theory of criminal desert is implausible, incoherent, or otherwise fundamentally flawed. Each objection collapses almost as soon as one or another standard distinction is made. I conclude the paper wondering why theorists have not noticed how weak these objections are.
Alternatives to Punishment — The Abolitionist Case
Authors: Steinert  , Hulsman  , Cohen Stanley
Published: February 2016

Heinz Steinert and Louk Hulsman represent “abolitionism” — a stream of critical thinking about criminology, crime, criminal law and punishment that has been developing in Western Europe (mainly Holland, Germany, Austria and Norway) over the past two decades. Given that the participants to this Conference are mainly Anglo-American and Israeli academics or lawyers who have been quite insulated from this intellectual movement, it seemed to me that my most useful task as commentator would be to place these ideas in their wider intellectual context. After this, I will select a few general themes from these papers and compare them to the papers by Abel and Galanter in the related session on “Alternatives to Punishment”.

My own position towards abolitionism is that of a sympathetic, but critical fellow traveller: I agree with much, want to believe more but am skeptical about some.
Affirmative Action and Access to Higher Education in Brazil: The Significance of Race and Other Social Factors
Authors: MENDES JUNIOR ALVARO ALBERTO FERREIRA , DE MELLO E SOUZA ALBERTO , WALTENBERG FÁBIO DOMINGUES
Published: February 2016

Using recent data, this study examines the affirmative action programme of the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), the first Brazilian university to implement admissions quotas. The article analyses admissions records and finds that both the ratio of applications per place and minimum admission scores are considerably lower among quota students; scores in the admissions test are associated principally with socio-economic factors rather than racial ones; preparatory courses for the university's admissions tests do not appear to be a substitute for the quota system in terms of improving access; few quota applicants would be admitted in the absence of the system; and the applicants who displace others come from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. The article concludes that it is necessary to improve the quality of basic education in Brazil in order to enable disadvantaged applicants to compete.
What can Neighbourhood Density effects tell us about word learning? Insights from a connectionist model of vocabulary development
Authors: TAKAC MARTIN , KNOTT ALISTAIR , STOKES STEPHANIE
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we investigate the effect of neighbourhood density (ND) on vocabulary size in a computational model of vocabulary development. A word has a high ND if there are many words phonologically similar to it. High ND words are more easily learned by infants of all abilities (e.g. Storkel, 2009; Stokes, 2014). We present a neural network model that learns general phonotactic patterns in the exposure language, as well as specific word forms and, crucially, mappings between word meanings and word forms. The network is faster at learning frequent words, and words containing high-probability phoneme sequences, as human word learners are, but, independently of this, the network is also faster at learning words with high ND, and, when its capacity is reduced, it learns high ND words in preference to other words, similarly to late talkers. We analyze the model and propose a novel explanation of the ND effect, in which word meanings play an important role in generating word-specific biases on general phonological trajectories. This explanation leads to a new prediction about the origin of the ND effect in infants.
Antiepileptic Drugs – Current Use
Authors: Wilder B.J.
Published: February 2016

In the last few years a number of new antiepileptic drugs ahve been introduced for the treatment of epilepsy. In addition to the standard antiepileptic drugs, clobazam, vigabatrin, gabapentin, and lamotrigine have been introduced. The choice of the best antiepileptic drug for an individual patient has become more complex. In this review the clinical benefits of the standard and the new antiepileptic drugs are presented.
Responses in Skin Microcirculation to Vestibular Stimulation Before and During Motion Sickness
Authors: Kolev Ognyan I. , Möller Claes , Nilsson Gert , Tibbling Lita
Published: February 2016

Background:

Observation of physiological changes during motion sickness is required to quantify the degree of sickness. The review of the literature does not show unifying results. An objective symptom of motion sickness is facial pallor. It reflects changes in skin microcirculation which have not been measured so far.

Methods:

Eleven healthy volunteers susceptible to motion sickness were subjected to eccentric vertical axis rotation. The dynamics and the correspondence of the changes in skin blood flow in two segments, forehead and finger, were measured by laser Doppler flowmeter.

Results and Conclusions:

The difference in the microcirculatory skin blood flow across the phases of motion sickness is significant for the forehead but not for the fingertip; the established dynamics of the forehead blood flow during motion sickness will be of benefit in quantifying the degree of sickness; there is no correlation between the blood flow changes in both measured areas; the rhythmic blood flow fluctuation increases during motion sickness; there is a difference between the blood flow responses to vestibular stimulation before the appearance of motion sickness and in the course of the sickness. Laser Doppler flowmetry is a reliable method in quantifying the degree of motion sickness.
Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations: the University of Toronto Experience
Authors: Young C. , Summerfield R. , Schwartz M. , O'Brien P. , Ramani R.
Published: February 2016

Background:

From July 1989 to February 1996, 130 patients underwent sterotactic radiosurgery. We report the results of the first 50 patients eligible for a minimum of three years of follow-up.

Methods:

Twenty women and 30 men, (mean age: 37.5 years) were treated by dynamic rotation on a 6 MV linear accelerator. Prior treatment was embolization in seventeen, surgery in three and embolization and surgery in six. All had DSA and enhanced CT scanning, while some had MRI. Forty-seven treatments used a single isodose. Restricting eloquent normal tissue to 15 Gy, margin doses (at 50 - 90% isodose) were 12 Gy (one patient); 15 Gy (sixteen patients); 20 Gy (31 patients); 25 Gy (two patients). Maximum diameters were: <1.5 cm (12 patients); < 2.0 cm (nine patients); < 2.5 cm (twelve patients); < 3.0 cm (thirteen patients; 3.0 cm (four patients).

Results:

Forty-five patients were evaluable at three years, with thirty-nine having angiography. Twenty-five had angiographically confirmed obliterations; two had parenchymal AVMs obliterated but with residual dural components; four had MRI evidence of obliteration (refused angiography). One patient acutely had a seizure; one patient (with hemorrhages, resection, and embolizations preceding two applications of radiosurgery, separated by 3.5 years) had worsening of memory.

Conclusions:

Our uncorrected (five patients unevaluable at three years) and corrected angiographically confirmed obliteration rates are 54% and 60% respectively. Our follow-up (98% accounting of cohort; 78% angiographic rate) and explicit derivation of denominators help delineate the efficacy of radiosurgery at these doses.
Symptoms Experienced by Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Gupta Sanjoy K. , Benstead Timothy J.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) sometimes report sensory symptoms outside the median nerve distribution. This study was designed to provide a more detailed assessment of these symptoms.

Methods:

Patients with clinical suspicion of upper limb neuromuscular lesions were divided into those with electrodiagnostic (EDX) evidence of CTS, and those without. CTS patients with superimposed nerve abnormalities were excluded. Motor and sensory symptoms were assessed in the exclusive CTS patients.

Results:

Over 50% of patients with exclusive CTS reported tingling or numbness over the whole hand, ulnar or radial nerve distributions. Some patients reported symptoms proximal to the wrist. Sensory signs did not extend beyond the median nerve distribution. Numbness and nocturnal pain were predictive of positive EDX evidence of CTS.

Conclusions:

Sensory symptoms outside the distribution of the median nerve are common in CTS. For enhanced sensitivity in diagnosis it is useful to be aware of these “atypical” symptoms. Reports of numbness and nocturnal pain are strong indicators of CTS.
Prevalence of Cerebral Palsy in Alberta
Authors: Robertson Charlene M.T. , Svenson Lawrence W. , Joffres Michel R.
Published: February 2016

Background:

In spite of scattered reports to the contrary, concern is continually expressed that the frequency of cerebral palsy has not decreased with modern perinatal/neonatal care. Overall, epidemiological information on cerebral palsy is scant. The generally accepted prevalence is 2 to 2.5 per thousand school-age children.

Methods:

A population-based record linkage study of a presently living cohort of 96,359 children born from April, 1985 through March, 1988 and followed over an eight-year tracking period captured the diagnostic codes for all fee-for-service physician claims, all hospital separations and individual birth data from the Department of Vital Statistics of the Government of Alberta. The ICD-9 code "343" was used to identify subjects. The childhood prevalence and frequency by birthweight- specific sub-groups of cerebral palsy were determined.

Results:

Two hundred and forty-eight living children with confirmed cerebral palsy after age three years (congenital, 229 [92.3%]; probable acquired 19 [7.7%]) were identified giving an overall prevalence of 2.57 per 1000. Seventy percent were diagnosed before their third birthday. Cohort prevalence of cerebral palsy for low birthweight children (< 2500 grams) was 17.7, very low birthweight (< 1500 grams), 78.5; and extremely low birthweight (< 1000 grams), 98.4. Low birthweight children made up just over one-third of cases in this study.

Conclusions:

Cerebral palsy continues to affect a significant number of children suggesting the prevalence of cerebral palsy has not decreased. The proportion of affected children with low birthweight in this study is less than that reported in the literature.
Identification of Six Novel SOD1 Gene Mutations in Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Boukaftane Y. , Khoris J. , Moulard B. , Salachas F. , Meininger V. , Malafosse A. , Camu W. , Rouleau G.A.
Published: February 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the premature death of motor neurons. In approximately 10% of the cases the disease is inherited as autosomal dominant trait (FALS). It has been found that mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene (SODl) are responsible for approximately 15% of FALS kindreds. We screened affected individuals from 70 unrelated FALS kindreds and identified 10 mutations, 6 of which are novel. Surprisingly, we have found a mutation in exon 3, which includes most of the active site loop and Zn2+binding sites, a region where no previous SOD1 mutations have been found. Our data increase the number of different SODl mutations causing FALS to 55, a significant fraction of the 154 amino acids of this relatively small protein.
Management of Status Epilepticus
Authors: Aminoff Michael J.
Published: February 2016

The pharmacologic management of major motor status epilepticus is summarized. When general anesthesia is required, the electroencephalogram (EEG) is used for monitoring the adequacy of treatment. The EEG findings may also be important in recognizing status epilepticus and monitoring its response to treatment when this is clinically difficult, as when it occurs in comatose or pharmacologically paralyzed patients or in the context of severe brain damage. Finally, the EEG helps to clarify the nature of motor activities of uncertain basis in patients in the intensive care unit and has indicated that non-convulsive seizures or status are more common than clinically suspected in such patients.
Continuous EEG Monitoring in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kay John
Published: February 2016

Background:

Electroencephalography (EEG) is playing an increasingly important role in the management of comatose patients in the intensive care unit.

Methods:

The techniques of EEG monitoring are reviewed. Initially, standard, discontinuous recordings were performed in intensive care units (ICUs). Later, continuous displays of “raw EEG” (CEEG) were used. More recently, the addition of quantitative techniques allowed for more effective reading.

Results and Conclusions:

Applications of continuous EEG to clinical problems are discussed. The most useful role of CEEG appears to be the detection and management of nonconvulsive seizures. There is a need for controlled studies to assess the role for CEEG in neuro-ICUs and general ICUs.
Women's Issues in the Treatment of Epilepsy
Authors: Bruni J.
Published: February 2016

Background:

The management of women with epilepsy involves a number of important issues including conception control, sexual dysfunction and fertility, the effect of seizures on the fetus, possible changes in seizure frequency during pregnancy, potential teratogenic effects of antiepileptic drugs and management issues during pregnancy. The primary goal in the treatment of women with epilepsy remains optimal seizure control in the absence of unacceptable adverse effects. The advantages and disadvantages of the new antiepileptic drugs in women remain to be fully established but these new agents allow a wider choice for improved seizure control
Consequences of Epilepsy: Why do We Treat Seizures?
Authors: Jones Michael W.
Published: February 2016

Improving health-related quality of life in epileptic patients, rather than simply reducing seizures, has become the principal goal in epilepsy management. Reducing seizure frequency is one of the main factors contributing to improved quality of life. Evidence for and risk of the following potential adverse effects of seizures is reviewed: brain damage from seizures, sudden unexpected death, status epilepticus, kindling, falls or injury and psychosocial consequences. Although the evidence for seizure frequency influencing some of these factors is not clear-cut, as a whole, they offer a strong impetus toward an aggressive approach to controlling recurrent seizures in most cases.
Malignant Rhabdoid Tlimor of Brain: An Aggressive Clinical Entity
Authors: Fisher B.J. , Siddiqui J. , MacDonald D. , Cairney A.E. , Ramsey D. , Munoz D. , Del Maestro R.
Published: February 2016

Objective: We report three patients with malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) of the brain, two children and an adult. There were three purposes to this report: to describe the clinical course in an adult with MRT; to describe the interesting histopathological metamorphosis of one of the tumors; and to report the outcome of the treatment regimens we used in order to help guide future treatment. Since these tumors are quite rare it is important to continue to try new regimens in the search for effective therapy rather than to repeat ineffective ones.Method: Report of three patients.Results: The clinical course in all three patients was typical of these aggressive neoplasms in that chemotherapy and radiotherapy were ineffective in modifying the rapid deterioration leading to death.Conclusions: MRT can occur in adults. Autopsy in one patient showed that the tumor seemed to undergo an evolution in appearance when compared with the original pathology specimen from craniotomy. Administration of systemic therapy should be prompt and include intrathecal chemotherapy.
Neurology and the Community
Authors: Murray T.J.
Published: February 2016

Neurology has a proud tradition, built on the established principles of medicine, the scientific method of the 17th century and the clinical approach of the French and later the English schools of neurology in the 19th century and the first half of this century. In the post World War II era neurology was advanced by the development of neurological training centers, the discovery of new pharmacological and neurosurgical therapies, and most recently by in the exciting advances in neurogenetics. These changes have broadened and advanced the scope of our discipline by focusing on the disease processes that affect the nervous system. I would like to suggest an additional conceptual framework to broaden it further. That concept is a population health perspective that should place our various approaches in closer relationship to the communities they serve.
Addison’s Disease Presenting with Cerebral Edema
Authors: Geenen Caroline , Tein Ingrid , Ehrlich Robert M.
Published: February 2016

Background: Increased intracranial pressure with encephalopathy has rarely been reported in Addison’s disease. Method: Case Study. Results: A 16-year-old female who presented with cerebral edema of unknown etiology was eventually diagnosed as having Addison’s disease. She had early morning headaches, fatiguability, diarrhea and deterioration in school performance. She was hyponatremic with a serum sodium of 128 mmol/L and hyperkalemic with a serum potassium of 5.9 mmol/L. She had a low serum osmolality (264 mosm), high urine osmolality (533 mosm) and high urine sodium (87 mosm). She had a postural drop in blood pressure and diffuse hyperpigmentation. An ACTH stimulation test revealed a low baseline Cortisol and no response to ACTH. Plasma renin activity was increased. Serum ACTH was elevated. She responded well to intravenous fluids and solu-cortef and was discharged on hydrocortisone and florinef. She remains well 18 months after the acute episode with no neurologic complaints or findings. Conclusion: Addison’s Disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of symptomatic cerebral edema and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Vagal Nerve Complex in Normal Development and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Becker L.E. , Zhang W.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Although the pathogenesis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is not understood, one of the major hypotheses is that a subtle defect in respiratory circuitry is an important underlying factor. The vagus nerve is a critical component of respiratory control, but its neuroanatomic complexity has limited its investigation in human disease.

Methods:

Correlating developmental studies on different parts of the vagus nerve allows a more comprehensive assessment of its maturation process. Comparison of the normal developing vagus nerve with nerves examined in SIDS patients suggests alterations in the nucleus tractus solitarius and dorsal vagal nucleus as well as in the peripheral vagus nerve.

Results and Conclusions:

The persistence of dendritic spines and lack of appropriate axonal growth implies delays in vagal maturation. Since nodose ganglia can be examined in vitro from autopsy material, perturbation to this system can be explored to evaluate further the mechanism involved in terminal vagal maturation. Although the reason for the delayed vagal maturation in SIDS is not apparent, the presence of astrogliosis in the region of the vagal nuclei is consistent with an exposure to hypoxic-ischemic events some time before death.
Acute Hydrocephalus Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Mehta V. , Holness R. O. , Connolly K. , Walling S. , Hall R.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Acute hydrocephalus is a potentially treatable cause of early neurological deterioration after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (§AH).

Methods:

A retrospective study of 105 consecutive cases of aneurysmal SAH was undertaken to determine those factors significantly related to the development of acute hydrocephalus. Acute hydrocephalus was diagnosed when the bicaudate index was greater than the 95,h percentile for age on a CT scan within 72 hours of the ictus.

Results:

Thirty-one percent of the patients developed acute hydrocephalus. Grade of SAH was a significant factor for the development of acute hydrocephalus on univariate analysis as 87% of patients with acute hydrocephalus (29/32) presented with at least grade 3 (Hunt-Hess) SAH (p < 0.05). In addition, posterior circulation aneurysms on univariate analysis were associated with acute hydrocephalus (p < 0.05). Both premorbid hypertension and intraventricular blood (p < 0.05) were predictors for acute hydrocephalus, whereas intracisternal blood, age and sex were not. On multivariate linear regression analysis, factors found to be significantly associated with acute hydrocephalus were premorbid hypertension, intraventricular blood, CSF diversion and definitive shunt procedures. External ventricular drainage was not associated with any instances of rebleeding. Thirty-seven percent (10/27) of patients with acute hydrocephalus who survived were improved by pre-operative external ventricular drainage.

Conclusions:

Patients with acute hydrocephalus following SAH can be safely treated with external ventricular drainage. Multiple factors can be identified to predict those patients who will develop acute hydrocephalus post aneurysmal rupture. Approximately 30% of those patients with acute hydrocephalus will require definitive shunt placement. Acute hydrocephalus occurred in 31% of aneurysmal SAH patients in this series.
Mechanisms Underlying Functional Recovery Following Stroke
Authors: Lee Robert G. , Donkelaar Paul van
Published: February 2016

This article reviews recent evidence from animal experiments indicating that there is considerable potential for reorganization of representations and functions in sensory and motor cortex following localized lesions or various manipulations of peripheral target structures. Three major mechanisms for this plastic reorganization are considered: unmasking of existing but functionally inactive pathways, sprouting of fibers from surviving neurons and formation of new synapses, and redundancy of CNS circuitry allowing alternative pathways to take over functions. Studies using positron emission tomography or transcranial magnetic stimulation suggest that similar forms of neuroplasticity may occur in the human brain and could contribute to functional recovery following stroke. The potential therapeutic implications are discussed.
Isolated Suprascapular Nerve Palsy: a Review of Nine Cases
Authors: Berry Henry , Kong Kester , Hudson Alan R. , Moulton Richard J.
Published: February 2016

Background

In nine patients, suprascapular nerve palsy followed serious accidents associated with fractures of the cervical vertebrae, clavicle or scapula and after weight lifting, wrestling and a fall on the elbow or shoulder.

Method

All patients were examined as to muscle wasting, weakness and shoulder fixation. EMG examination was done in all cases and six patients underwent surgical exploration.

Results

The palsy was incomplete on clinical and EMG examination in all patients. On exploration, scarring, entrapment, tethering or kinking at the suprascapular notch was found in four and two had post-traumatic neuromas.

Conclusions

In contrast to published studies, none of our patients presented with shoulder pain, a spontaneous onset nor with involvement limited to the infraspinatus muscle. The differential diagnosis should include C5 root lesion, brachial plexus neuritis, frozen shoulder and tear of the rotator cuff.
Sudden ‘Stroke-Like’ Onset of Hemiparesis Due to Herpetic Encephalitis
Authors: AbdulJabbar Mohammad , Ghozi Ibrahim , Haq Anwar , Korner Hanz
Published: February 2016

Background/Objective

Herpes simplex encephalitis usually has a progressive cause. Sudden neurological deficits are unusual.

Method

Case study.

Results

A 17-year-old girl presented with an acute onset focal neurological deficit followed one week later by the more classical feature of altered level of consciousness, fever and focal seizures. The diagnosis of hepetic encephalitis was made by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and by the significant increase in cerebrospinal fluid titres of antibodies against herpes simplex type I.

Conclusion

Herpetic encephalitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute stroke in young patients even in the absence of encephalitic features, if common etiological factors such as embolization and intracerebral bleed are excluded.
An Open Trial of Pyridostigmine in Post-poliomyelitis Syndrome
Authors: Trojan Daria A. , Cashman Neil R.
Published: February 2016

Background

One of the major symptoms of postpoliomyelitis syndrome (PPS) is disabling generalized fatigue. Subjects with PPS also report muscle fatiguability and display electrophysiologic evidence of anticholinesterase-responsive neuromuscular junction transmission defects, suggesting that anticholinesterase therapy may be useful in the management of disabling fatigue.

Methods

We initiated an open trial of the oral anticholinesterase pyridostigmine, up to 180 mg per day, in 27 PPS patients with generalized fatigue and muscle fatiguability. Response to pyridostigmine was assessed with the Hare fatigue scale, the modified Barthel index for activities of daily living, and a modified Klingman mobility index.

Results

Two patients could not tolerate the medication. After one month of therapy, 16 patients (64%) reported a reduction in fatigue on the Hare fatigue scale; three of 16 showed improvement on the modified Barthel index for activities of daily living, and two of 16 experienced improvement on a modified Klingman mobility index. Pyridostigmine responders were significantly more fatigued than non-responders on the pre-treatment Hare score, but were not significantly different with regard to age, sex, age at acute poliomyelitis, or severity of acute poliomyelitis.

Conclusions

Pyridostigmine may be useful in the management of fatigue in selected patients with PPS. Response to pyridostigmine may be predicted by severity of pre-treatment fatigue.
β-Endorphin in Multiple Trauma Victims
Authors: Guieu R. , Devaux C. , Albanese J. , Martin C. , Juin M. , Rochat H.
Published: February 2016

Background:

In animals and in humans, stress is known to be accompanied by increased β-endorphin secretion.

Methods:

Blood samples from 47 patients in a state of stress induced by multiple trauma were assessed for β-endorphin concentration by radioimmunoassays.

Results:

We show that there is a clearcut correlation (Spearman’s R = 0.72, P = 2.1 x 10”-6) between the level of consciousness evaluated with the Glasgow score and levels of circulating β-endorphin. In addition, β-endorphin levels are higher than normal in patients with Glasgow coma with scores higher than seven, and lower than normal in those with Glasgow coma scores of seven or less. Finally, in the complete absence of stress (shown by the lack of brain activity in six irreversible coma patients), there is a severe drop in the level of circulating β-endorphin.

Conclusion:

β-endorphin serum levels correlate with the state of consciousness of multiple trauma patients.
Antiepileptic Drug Selection and Adverse Effects: An Overview
Authors: Bruni J.
Published: February 2016

In choosing an antiepileptic drug, not only efficacy but also potential adverse effects have to be considered. Adverse effects that have to be taken into account include acute and chronic systemic toxicity, cognitive side effects, and teratogenesis. Acute toxicity may be dose-related, allergic or an idiosyncratic reaction. Chronic toxicity may involve the nervous system or other organs. In determining the role of new antiepileptic drugs such as lamotrigine, vigabatrin, felbamate, and gabapentin a proper evaluation of both efficacy and adverse effects is required.