bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the convergence of the ACA
Authors: Laviada Jaime , Mittra R. , Pino Marcos R. , Las‐Heras Fernando
Published: July 2009

This article deals with the issue of convergence of the Adaptive Cross Algorithm (ACA) and argues that the stopping criterion used in this algorithm can lead to a premature stop, and yield inaccurate results as a consequence. A multiple restart, which is simple and effective, is proposed to improve the robustness. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2458–2460, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24637
Low power wide‐locking range CMOS quadrature injection‐locked frequency divider
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Chang Chia‐Wei , Yang Sheng‐Ming
Published: July 2009

This letter presents a new low power and wide‐locking range divide‐by‐2 injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD). The ILFD consists of a new 5.35 GHz quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (QVCO) and two NMOS switches, which are in parallel with the QVCO resonators for signal injection. The proposed CMOS ILFD has been implemented with the TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS technology and the core power consumption is 5.72 mW at the supply voltage of 0.8 V. The free‐running frequency of the QILFD is tunable from 5.24 to 5.55 GHz. At the input power of 0 dBm, the divide‐by‐2 locking range is from 8.2 to 13.3 GHz as the tuning voltage is biased at 0.8 V. The phase noise of the locked output spectrum is lower than that of free running ILFD in the divide‐by‐2 mode. The phase deviation of quadrature output is about 1.28°. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2420–2423, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24640
Multiband antenna using +1, −1, and 0 resonant mode of DGS dual composite right/left handed transmission line
Authors: Ryu Young‐Ho , Park Jae‐Hyun , Lee Jeong‐Hae , Tae Heung‐Sik
Published: July 2009

The multiband antenna using defected ground structure (DGS) dual composite right/left handed transmission line (D‐CRLH TL) is proposed. The D‐CRLH TL resonator can provide a multiband using positive, zero, and negative modes without the different length resonators because the D‐CRLH TL has inherent three bands in half periodicity. To design and analyze the proposed antenna, the circuit simulation of the two stage DGS D‐CRLH resonator is executed by the equivalent circuit and the results are compared with those of full wave simulation and experiment. The results show that the presented antenna has such a reasonable radiation characteristics of efficiency, bandwidth, and size that it is suitable for compact multiband antenna. In addition, a theoretically unexpected radiation mode, which is generated by the DGS, is observed in the stop band. This additional mode could be utilized for the multi‐band antenna. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2485–2488, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24649
A load network for Doherty amplifiers using an optimized impedance transformer
Authors: Jung Sung‐Chan , Lim Kyoung‐Hoon , Park Hyun‐Chul , Negra Renato , Kim Min‐Su , Ghannouchi Fadhel M. , Yang Youngoo
Published: July 2009

We propose a load network, consisting of an optimized impedance transformer, for a Doherty amplifier. This load network allows the carrier and peaking amplifiers to have different load impedance. This results in better IM3 cancellation. Using a four‐carrier down‐link WCDMA signal, we achieved 0.95 dB higher output power level and 2.21% higher power‐added efficiency compared to a conventional Doherty amplifier at an ACLR level of −30 dBc. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2502–2504, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24657
Kirschning and Jansen computer‐aided design formulae for the analysis of parallel coupled lines
Authors: Faria J. A. Brandão
Published: July 2009

Among the many computer‐aided design (CAD) formulae used for the calculation of the wave parameters of coupled microstrip lines where fringing field effects occur, the Kirschning and Jansen equations are the most utilized ones, not only because of their high accuracy, but also because of their wide range of application. Here, we show that, despite the aforementioned advantages, such equations may lack physical meaning. We prove, for the first time, that the utilization of these widespread CAD equations can lead to positive valued mutual capacitances, an unacceptable result from the viewpoint of electromagnetic theory. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2466–2470, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24659
Electrostatic capacitances for carbon nanotube interconnects
Authors: Parkash V. , Goel Ashok K.
Published: July 2009

Carbon nanotubes are promising candidates for futuristic nanoelectronic applications. In this article, we present a comprehensive modeling and calculation of electrostatic capacitances for various metallic carbon nanotube systems that can be used to model interconnects in nanotechnology circuits. Capacitance results are provided for single walled, multiwalled and bundles of single‐walled carbon nanotubes as functions of the various design parameters. Numerical computations were performed using the method of moments in conjunction with a Green's function appropriate for the geometry of these interconnects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2374–2378, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24664
Repeatability of innervation zone identification in the external anal sphincter muscle
Authors: Enck Paul , Franz Heiko , Davico Edoardo , Mastrangelo Francesco , Mesin Luca , Merletti Roberto
Published: July 2009

Aims

Knowledge of the distribution of the innervation zones (IZs) of the external anal sphincter (EAS) may be useful for preventing anal sphincter incompetence during vaginal delivery. A method proposed for the automatic estimation of the distribution of IZs of EAS from high‐density surface electromyography (EMG) was evaluated for repeatability in continent volunteers.

Methods

In 13 healthy female subjects (age: 35 ± 11 years) surface EMG signals were acquired using an anal probe with three circumferential electrode arrays (of 16 contacts each) at different depths within the anal canal (15 mm distance between the centers of adjacent arrays), during four independent experimental sessions. Three maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) of 10 sec were performed for each session for a total of 12 contractions per subject. Repeatability of the estimation of the distribution of IZ was tested by evaluating the coefficient of multiple correlations (CMC) between the IZ distributions estimated from the signals recorded from each subject.

Results

A high repeatability (CMC > 0.8) was found comparing IZ distributions estimated from signals recorded by each array within the same session. A slightly lower value was obtained considering signals recorded during different sessions (CMC > 0.7), but a higher value (CMC > 0.8) was obtained after aligning the estimated IZ distributions. The realignment compensates for the operator's error in repositioning the probe in the same position during different sessions.

Conclusion

This result justifies clinical studies using high‐density surface EMG in routine examinations, providing information about IZs of EAS and assessing the possibilities of preventing neuronal trauma during vaginal delivery. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:449–457, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Uniform stability analysis of Austin, Manteuffel and McCormick finite elements and fast and robust iterative methods for the Stokes‐like equations
Authors: Lee Young‐Ju
Published: July 2009

In this paper, we discuss uniformly stable discretizations and fast solvers for the steady and semi‐discrete time‐dependent Stokes equations, which will be called the Stokes‐like equations. We study two pairs of conforming finite elements that are uniformly accurate with respect to all relevant parameters in the equations, one of which is the Scott–Vogelius (RAIRO Modél. Math. Anal. Numér. 1985; 19:111–143) element and the other of which is the finite element pair by Austin et al. (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 2004; 11:115–140). We prove that the finite element pair by Austin, Manteuffel and McCormick is uniformly accurate and we design and analyze the fast and robust solution techniques for the linear algebraic systems arising from the discretizations of the Stokes‐like equations as well. Our method is based on the augmented Lagrangian Uzawa iterative methods (Augmented Lagrangian Methods. North‐Holland: Amsterdam, 1983) and the multigrid methods designed by Austin et al. (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 2004; 11:115–140) for the linear algebraic equations from the discretizations of the differential operator ρ2I−κ2Δ−µ2∇div. We prove our methods are robust with respect to all relevant parameters that appear in the equations and also the mesh size, thereby, achieve the fast and robust methods for the solutions to the Stokes‐like equations. In particular, the convergence analysis for the multigrid methods designed by Austin et al., has been posed as an open question (Numer. Linear Algebra Appl. 2004; 11:115–140), which is resolved in this paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decentralization in Kerala: Panchayat government discretion and accountability
Authors: Venugopal Varsha , Yilmaz Serdar
Published: July 2009

Kerala is regarded as one of the most decentralized states in India. Through a ‘big bang’ approach, Kerala implemented a significant fiscal decentralization program and then built the capacity of its local governments. We employ a diagnostic framework to analyze its local government discretion and accountability in political, administrative and fiscal domains. We find that Kerala's local governments have a very high degree of discretionary power accompanied by a high degree of accountability towards citizens. But the areas of administrative accountability and financial management need to be strengthened. Also there may have been excessive focus and investment on social accountability mechanisms at the cost of local government discretion and formal public sector accountability mechanisms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of sample preparation methods for the analysis of papaya leaf proteins through two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis
Authors: Rodrigues Silas Pessini , Ventura José Aires , Zingali R. B. , Fernandes P. M. B.
Published: July 2009

Introduction – A variety of sample preparation protocols for plant proteomic analysis using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) have been reported. However, they usually have to be adapted and further optimised for the analysis of plant species not previously studied.

Objective – This work aimed to evaluate different sample preparation protocols for analysing Carica papaya L. leaf proteins through 2‐DE.

Methodology – Four sample preparation methods were tested: (1) phenol extraction and methanol–ammonium acetate precipitation; (2) no precipitation fractionation; and the traditional trichloroacetic acid–acetone precipitation either (3) with or (4) without protein fractionation. The samples were analysed for their compatibility with SDS–PAGE (1‐DE) and 2‐DE. Fifteen selected protein spots were trypsinised and analysed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS), followed by a protein search using the NCBInr database to accurately identify all proteins.

Results – Methods number 3 and 4 resulted in large quantities of protein with good 1‐DE separation and were chosen for 2‐DE analysis. However, only the TCA method without fractionation (no. 4) proved to be useful. Spot number and resolution advances were achieved, which included having an additional solubilisation step in the conventional TCA method. Moreover, most of the theoretical and experimental protein molecular weight and pI data had similar values, suggesting good focusing and, most importantly, limited protein degradation.

Conclusion – The described sample preparation method allows the proteomic analysis of papaya leaves by 2‐DE and mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS/MS). The methods presented can be a starting point for the optimisation of sample preparation protocols for other plant species. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increase in lipid‐lowering treatment rates among TRICARE beneficiaries: a population‐based study
Authors: Devine Joshua , Linton Andrea , Mistry Harsha , Napier Josh , Trice Shana , Bacon Thomas
Published: July 2009

Purpose

To evaluate the use of lipid‐lowering treatment (LLT) among patients at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the US Military Health System (MHS).

Methods

The study examined healthcare service and prescription records among beneficiaries ≥18 years for calendar years 2002, 2004, and 2006. Patients were categorized based on cardiovascular (CV) risk, with exposure to LLT defined as one or more prescriptions for lipid‐lowering medication. Logistic regression models estimated odds of treatment in 2004 and 2006 relative to 2002 after adjustment for age, gender, and CV risk.

Results

The yearly unadjusted population prevalence of LLT increased from 9.3% in 2002 to 14.7% in 2006. Among subjects with the highest CV risk, established coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral vascular disease (PVD), those receiving LLT increased from 55% in 2002 to 65% in 2006 (adjusted OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.48, 1.52, p < 0.00). Treatment rates among diabetic patients with no coded CAD or PVD showed the largest relative increase from 47% in 2002 to 66% in 2006 (adjusted OR = 2.30, 95% CI 2.26, 2.332, p < 0.00). LLT growth was lowest among those with only 1 coded CV risk factor (adjusted OR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.31, 1.34, p < 0.00).

Conclusions

The MHS experienced a significant increase in LLT among patients at greatest risk for cardiovascular disease. However, treatment may still be underutilized as approximately one‐third of high‐risk patients did not receive lipid‐lowering medication. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of MAFbx as a myogenin‐engaged F‐box protein in SCF ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Jogo Misako , Shiraishi Seiji , Tamura Taka-aki
Published: July 2009

MINT‐7222760: Myogenin (uniprotkb:P12979) physically interacts (MI:0914) with Ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62991) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)
Conflict of laws in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Anderson J. N. D.
Published: July 2009

Two recent judgments in Northern Nigeria have focussed attention on one of the many essential differences between the type of homicide for which the death penalty can properly be imposed under the Islamic law of the Maliki school and the crime of murder under the Criminal Code, and have thrown into bold relief the conflict of opinion which still prevails in that Region regarding the legislation which was intended to resolve some of these differences. These two judgments are of such intrinsic interest and importance that some discussion of their principles and implications seems appropriate to this Journal.
The Recording of Customary Law in France during the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries and the Recording of African Customary Laws
Authors: Vanderlinden J.
Published: July 2009

Dans le cadre d'une étude comparative des différentes rédactions de droits coutumiers, et en vue d'apporter ainsi une contribution à l'étude des problèmes posés par la rédaction des droits coutumiers africains, ce brefessai est consacré à la rédaction des coutumes en France aux XVème et XVIème siècles.
Native Tribunals In The Gold Coast 1844—1927
Authors: Allott A. N.
Published: July 2009

Throughout British Africa today the future of the native courts (otherwise called African, customary, or local courts) is in the melting-pot, and is the subject of much discussion and deep concern. Considerable legislative and administrative changes affecting these courts are already being made, especially in West Africa. What are to be the relations between the superior courts of a territory, predominantly administering English law, and the native courts whose primary law remains African customary law? How are the law, practice and procedure followed by native courts to be moulded and modified to adapt them to the conditions of today and tomorrow? In the study of these important questions a backward glance at history does not come amiss, and may indeed help to illumine the problems of the present.
Kaguru Justice and the Concept of Legal Fictions
Authors: Beidelman T. O.
Published: July 2009

This paper has two purposes: (1) to consider certain aspects of the concept of “legal fiction”; (2) to indicate some of the means by which a local African court avoids the potential conflict between African customary law and European law.
Land Redemption Among the Fort Hall Kikuyu
Authors: Simmance A. J. F.
Published: July 2009

Provision for the redemption of alienated land exists in the customary law of many African tribes. Nor is it confined to Africa. Rattray, in discussing land redemption among the Ashanti, quotes the Levitical law of the Old Testament:

“The land shall not be sold for ever for the land is mine … if thy brother be waxen poor and has sold away some of his possessions and if any of his kin come to redeem then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.”
The Jury System in British Colonial Africa
Authors: Knox-Mawer R.
Published: July 2009

A heartening impetus has been given in recent years to the study of the “reception” into the dependent and formerly dependent territories of English legal concepts and institutions. One such institution, the “reception” of which appears, so far, to have received little academic attention, is the English jury system.
Legal Development in Nigeria, 1957–67: a Practising Lawyer’s View
Authors: Williams F. R. A.
Published: July 2009

In this brief note, I have attempted a general survey of legal development in Nigeria between the years 1957 and 1967. The period covered is three years before independence and some seven years after.
The Treatment Of Exemption Clauses By The Sudan Courts: I
Authors: Mustafa Zaki
Published: July 2009

The object of this paper is to throw some light on the attitude of the courts to exemption clauses and to find out whether the difference between the Sudan and England in some of the relevant factors such as economic conditions, literacy and business awareness had led to results different from those achieved in England. The case-law available does not permit a comprehensive study of this interesting area of the law.
From Customary Law to Popular Justice
Authors: de Sousa Santos Boaventura
Published: July 2009

The Portuguese-speaking countries represent rather varied socio-political realities and are going through very different internal developments. They share, however, some fundamental similarities within the contemporary African context. I will distinguish two characteristics of particular significance for the topic I propose to treat here.
Redefining “Property”: The Constitutional Battle over Land Redistribution in Zimbabwe
Authors: Horn Alison Van
Published: July 2009

This article is about the appropriate role of the judiciary in the constitutional debate over land redistribution in Zimbabwe. The possession of land in Zimbabwe has been the most volatile political issue since the war for independence. White ownership of the most productive land fuelled the war against Rhodesia. A constitutional settlement in 1979 resulted in a cease-fire, but the Declaration of Rights prohibited the new government from acquiring land for resettlement purposes except on a “willing seller, willing buyer” basis. With the expiration of the decade-long entrenchment of the Declaration of Rights in 1990, President Robert Mugabe declared his intention to honour a promise made eleven years before: to resettle peasant farmers on previously white-owned land. Since then, Parliament has amended the Constitution of Zimbabwe three times to allow the state to acquire property for resettlement and to give Parliament the power to fix the amount of compensation without judicial review.
Refugee Movements in Africa and the OAU Convention on Refugees
Authors: Opoku Awuku Emmanuel
Published: July 2009

“There is no doubt that once, twice or even several times in your life, you have had to stop for a moment in a street or as you enter into a village, to express sorrow over the lot of a man, a woman or a child looking haggard, badly dressed, underfed and not knowing where to go. Then, you were overwhelmed with a feeling of compassion and a sigh of sadness gripping you by the throat. You could not help but felt concerned and said to yourself it was your duty to ‘make a gesture’ thus listening to the dictate of your conscience.”

Dr Peter Onu, OAU Assistant Secretary General
La Participation des Facultés et Institutions de Recherche Européennes au Développement Juridique Africain.
Authors: Vanderlinden J.
Published: July 2009

There are two aspects to this subject. On the one hand, one may investigate the background of the students for whom this teaching is intended. Some persons think that one must be concerned with courses aimed principally at Africans who are unable to attend university in their countries of origin; others think that such courses should be open to all who are interested in comparative law and should place African legal systems on the same level as those of the common law countries or Soviet law.

On the other hand, experts in this field are divided on the question of the place which African law should occupy in the general structure of university curricula; in some people's view it is useful to distinguish the traditional law from the modern law, associating the former with the social sciences and the latter with law proper. Other specialists think that it is not possible to teach African law without first giving the student a solid grounding in the sociology, politics, and economics of the African continent.
Garanties Constitutionnelles Relatives a L'individu Face à la Justice dans les États D'afrique Francophone
Authors: Verhelst Thierry
Published: July 2009

Francophone African constitutions generally make provision for fundamental rights. In criminal proceedings, the principle nulla poena sine lege is expressly incorporated in some, but not all, the constitutions. All the constitutions legislate against arbitrary arrest and detention; some legislate against brutality and torture. But these rights are subject to numerous exceptions and limitations.

African countries generally distinguish between constitutional provisions and ordinary laws; the former are supreme, and may only be amended by special procedures. Constitutionality of legislation is generally judged in the francophone states by the Supreme Court or a special tribunal (this procedure differs from that in the parent French and Belgian constitutions). Within each Supreme Court there are normally several chambers or divisions: judicial review of the constitutionality of legislation is generally the business of a constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court. There is often a political element in the nomination of the persons to serve on such a special constitutional court.
Loans to Agriculture in Kenya
Authors: Hayanga C. A.
Published: July 2009

In Kenya there are no restrictions as to where a farmer may borrow money for the development of his farm and almost all institutions which lend money give considerable financial assistance to farmers. Kenya's economy is based largely on agriculture and the government has always supported agricultural industries in every way possible; one of these ways has been to make money available to farmers. To carry out this function, the government set up various institutions for the lending of money for agricultural purposes. Most of those institutions have now been dissolved and a few of those remaining are no longer actively engaged in the lending of money. At the present time, the main government credit institution is the Agricultural Finance Corporation.
Marriage, Divorce and Succession Laws in Kenya: Is Integration or Unification Possible?
Authors: Cotran Eugene
Published: July 2009

It gives me great pleasure to contribute to this liber amicorum for my colleague and friend James Read. I wish him a happy retirement though I suspect that his hunger for research and discovery into African law will continue. I met Jim some 36 years ago when I joined the School of Oriental and African Studies as a research officer in African law attached to the Restatement of African Law Project of which Tony Allott was the Director. Like me, Jim was then a young student of African law, being taught and coached by the pioneer of the subject, Tony Allott. Again, like me, Jim also specialized in East Africa and in the early 1960s we exchanged notes and ideas and collaborated on research into the customary and other laws of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Naturally Jim took a special interest in my Restatement of African Law in Kenya and I am forever grateful for his encouragement and enthusiasm during the research and afterwards, when the Kenya Government decided to go further than the Restatement and integrate its marriage, divorce and succession laws. This article tells the story of the establishment of the two Kenya Commissions on the subject and asks whether such unification or integration is possible.
The Limits of Judicial Enterprise: Judicial Powers in the Process of Political Change in Tanzania
Authors: Mwaikusa J. T.
Published: July 2009

In the past few years the High Court of Tanzania has produced some bold decisions demonstrating an impressively firm stand by the judiciary in its role of dispensing justice without fear of executive threat or intimidation. Most of these decisions came after the Bill of Rights, enacted into the Constitution in 1984, became justiciable in 1989 and widened the scope of judicial control of executive powers.
Oil Spill Compensation Claims in Nigeria: Principles, Guidelines and Criteria
Authors: Adewale Ombolaji
Published: July 2009

In recent times, compensation arising from oil spills has assumed a significant role in the Nigerian oil industry. The significance stems from the fact that, with petroleum operations spillage is inevitable. Oil spills have various effects on the health of the populace as well as the economic and scenic value of the environment. Thus there is the need to minimise the effect of the occurrence of oil spill. One way of achieving this objective is through compensation. The essence of compensation is to make amends for the loss suffered by the victims. In making these amends, the loss experienced by the victim must be recompensed otherwise the compensation cannot be said to be adequate or equivalent to the compulsory sacrifice.

Victims of oil spill have claimed that the compensation paid to them is unreasonable and cannot be said to be recompense for their loss. Oil companies on the other hand claim that the compensation paid to the victims is adequate and that they operate within the parameter approved by the Inspectorate Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation or the State Ministry of Lands. Apart from this, many claims made by the communities are not honoured by the oil companies on the grounds that they are spurious and speculative. Even when the claims are genuine the oil companies may not pay if the spillage occurred as a result of acts of sabotage.
The End of Pledges in Ghana?
Authors: Dankwa E. V. O.
Published: July 2009

A pledge is a customary law transaction where the pledgor (borrower) surrenders possession of his property to the pledgee (creditor) “to hold and use until the debt due is paid, an article borrowed is returned or replaced, or obligation is discharged”. Like other customary transactions, pledges have not remained static: social and economic changes in Ghana as well as statutory intervention (which in itself is generally the result of such changes) have contributed to their development. In some respects, pledges are similar to the common law transaction known as mortgages but there are essential differences between the two. However, now the same law would seem to govern both transactions because by virtue of the Mortgages (Amendment) Decree, 1979 (A.F.R.C.D. 37):

Every customary loan transaction in respect of which any farm-land is given
Private Prosecution in Nigeria: Recent Developments and Some Proposals
Authors: Okagbue Isabella
Published: July 2009

In most modern legal systems the prosecution of offences is conducted by government-employed or appointed officials on behalf of the State. Nevertheless it is generally recognised that private individuals also have an important, if somewhat diminished, role to play in this process. Recent legislation introduced into one of the 21 states of Nigeria has however partially abolished the right of private prosecution except in relation to the offence of perjury. This and the additional controversy surrounding one man's attempts to prosecute two government security agents for the murder of his friend has generated a surge of interest in a topic which has for the most part been largely ignored.

This article traces from an historical perspective the role of the private prosecutor in Nigerian traditional society and under its present legal system. An attempt is then made to examine the powers, obligations and importance of the private prosecutor in Nigeria today, and to identify and suggest the checks and balances that are needed to preserve the right of the citizen to seek judicial redress by private prosecution when otherwise justice would be denied.
Marriage, Divorce and Legitimacy in Lesotho
Authors: Poulter Sebastian
Published: July 2009

This paper seeks to explore some of the cardinal principles of Sesotho law in relation to marriage, divorce and the legitimacy of children and to consider how far these have been subjected to change during the course of the present century. The method chosen to illustrate this process is a detailed examination of a single unreported case which came before the Lesotho courts during 1971–4, but in which the crucial events which required legal interpretation had occurred some sixty years earlier.
Islamic Law in Africa
Authors: Anderson Norman
Published: July 2009

During the last two or three decades there have been a number of significant developments in the application of Islamic law in Africa. Most of these are discussed in some detail in my recent book, Law Reform in the Muslim World, so I will confine myself here to the barest summary.
The Separation of Powers in Local Government in Nigeria
Authors: Ebeku K. S. A.
Published: July 2009

In a democratic nation, local government is the government of the people, by the people and for the people at the grassroots levels. That is, the government nearest or closest to the people. It is at the level of local government that community action in respect of community development programmes is most effective; it is also the level where democratic processes and decision-making by consensus are traditionally entrenched; where rivalries and tensions are reduced to a minimum; where local resources and patriotism are easily called to the service of the community; and, very importantly, where the people are normally confident of effective control of their own government.
Awarding Exemplary Damages in Tort Cases: The Dilemma of Nigerian Courts
Authors: Ogunniran Hakeem
Published: July 2009

The basic rule of the common law is that damages in civil actions are awarded as compensation for injury and not as punishment for wrongdoing. The object is reparation; and the applicable principle isrestitutio in integrum. Thus, the ultimate aim of the award is to restore the plaintiff, as far as money can do, to the position he would have been if the wrong had not been committed. In tort actions where the plaintiff's injury can be measured by some material loss, this principle will apply without much difficulty; however, in cases where the damages are “at large”—in that it involves a substantial subjective element, the viability of the principle ofrestitutio in integrumbecomes doubtful. Moreover, the award of damages may sometimes look to the punishment of the defendant, instead of compensating the plaintiff; such damages are called “exemplary” damages.
Human rights and discrimination: Zambia's constitutional amendment, 1996
Authors: Mbao Melvin L. M.
Published: July 2009

In the leading South African case ofThe Statev.Makwanyane and Mchunu, Ishmail Mohamed, J., (as he then was) with his characteristic eloquence observed that

“all Constitutions seek to articulate, with differing degrees of intensity and detail, the shared aspirations of a nation; the values which bind its people, and which discipline its government and its national institutions, the basic premises upon which judicial, legislative and executive power is to be wielded; the Constitutional limits and the conditions upon which that power is to be exercised, the national ethos which defines and regulates that exercise, and the moral and ethical direction which the nation has identified for its future” (at para. 262).
Compensation of victims of motor vehicle accidents in Botswana: an appraisal of the MVA Fund Act scheme
Authors: Fombad Charles Manga
Published: July 2009

In Botswana, which has one of the fastest growing economies in the world, motor vehicle accidents have become a serious economic and social problem. The waste of human and material resources caused by the resulting deaths, bodily injuries and damage to property has for long been a matter of concern t o the government. This is particularly so because not only are financial resources diverted away from more productive purposes, but members of the public live in fear of being killed, maimed or suffering property damage with no certainty of compensation. Even motor vehicle owners are also adversely affected by the damage to their vehicles and the financially crippling risk of having to pay enormous amounts as damages.
Les Résultats de la Coopération Économique
Authors: Borella François
Published: July 2009

L'appréciation des résultats de la coopérations économique reléve normalement de la compétence des économistes. Ici, il s'agit de montrer quels résultants juridiques ont été obtenus par la coopération économique inter-africaine.

Le juriste est en effet amené; à s'interroger sur ce point afin de savoir si les résultats juridiques obtenus sont de bons moyens d'atteindre un but quiest purement économique.
The Chilot Jurisdiction of the Emperor of Ethiopia
Authors: Sedler Robert Allen
Published: July 2009

A nation's legal institutions must be established and maintained with a view not only toward administrative convenience, but also in accordance with the deep-rooted traditions of the people. Legal institutions superimposed upon a people without regard to their traditions and needs will never have the confidence of the people. Because of Ethiopia's status as an independent nation it has been possible for its legal institutions to be established and developed in accordance with the needs and desires of the Ethiopian people. A rich legal tradition, distinctly Ethiopian in character, has emerged. Ethiopia does not have the common law tradition, which was imposed upon nations of Africa that formerly were British colonies; it does not have that kind of civil law tradition that was imposed upon nations of Africa that formerly were colonies of continental states. The significance of law in Ethiopia and the importance of justice to the Ethiopian people have long been recognized by many scholars.1
La Responsabilité Extra-Contractuelle en Droit Zaïrois
Authors: Kalongo-Mbikayi
Published: July 2009

Civil liability can be defined as “the obligation attaching to an individual or his group to make good damage caused to another by himself, by persons related to him, or by animals or things of which he has the ownership or custody”. In the first place liability is objective, for which the only requisite is to prove the harm suffered by the victim. Fault, or rather the mental state of the person liable, does not enter into the matter except at the stage when it becomes necessary to determine the measure of damages: damages will vary in accordance with the degree of “wrongful intent” of the defendant. While it does not take fault into consideration, customary law, on the contrary, considerably extends the notion of actionable damage: harm of any kind whatever can give rise to a right to compensation. In the result, there is no question of the chain of causation between the damage suffered and its author; the only question is to decide who shall pay the compensation payable in respect of such damage.
Changing the Courts in Zimbabwe: The Customary Law and Primary Courts Act
Authors: Ladley Andrew
Published: July 2009

In February, 1981, the Customary Law and Primary Courts Bill was “celebrated” into law by the Parliament of Zimbabwe. It was swept into being with the reforming fervour which the new government brought to an independent Zimbabwe. The debating chambers, and loudspeakers at country-wide mass rallies, echoed with condemnations of the previous customary court structures and with the promise of popular justice and people's courts. Whether the legislation was “revolutionary” is arguable, but the atmosphere of its birth is an important indicator of its nature—a people's government was providing for a people's law. This article is mainly concerned with the changes in court structure and jurisdiction brought about by the Customary Law and Primary Courts Act. However, some observations on the early life of the primary courts, and on other matters of law reform in Zimbabwe, are necessary in order to breathe life into the legislative discussion. Many of these observations are personal—gleaned from field research into the primary courts in Zimbabwe between April, 1982, and February, 1983.
Euler characteristic of primitiveT-hypersurfaces and maximal surfaces
Authors: Bertrand Benoit
Published: July 2009

Viro method plays an important role in the study of topology of real algebraic hypersurfaces. TheT-primitive hypersurfaces we study here appear as the result of Viro's combinatorial patchworking when one starts with a primitive triangulation. We show that the Euler characteristic of the real part of such a hypersurface of even dimension is equal to the signature of its complex part. We explain how this can be understood in tropical geometry. We use this result to prove the existence of maximal surfaces in some three-dimensional toric varieties, namely those corresponding to Nakajima polytopes.
Structural and tectonic evolution of the Acatlán Complex, southern Mexico: Its role in the collisional history of Laurentia and Gondwana
Authors: Vega‐Granillo Ricardo , Calmus Thierry , Meza‐Figueroa Diana , Ruiz Joaquín , Talavera‐Mendoza Oscar , López‐Martínez Margarita
Published: July 2009

Correlation of deformational phases and thermal events in the Acatlán Complex permits definition of nine major tectonic events. Seven events are related to the evolution of the Iapetus and Rheic oceans. By the Early Ordovician, the Xayacatlán suite of Laurentian affinity was metamorphosed to eclogite facies and exhumed before colliding with the El Rodeo suite. From the Late Ordovician to Silurian, the Upper Ordovician Ixcamilpa suite with peri‐Gondwanan affinity was metamorphosed to blueschist facies, exhumed, and subsequently was overthrust by the Xayacatlán–El Rodeo block. Part of the Esperanza suite is an Early Silurian intra‐Iapetian continental arc that collided with and subducted beneath continental crust, generating a Silurian eclogitic event. By the Late Devonian, collision of the three high P/T suites closed the Iapetus Ocean. The resulting composite terrain was thrust over the Gondwana‐bordering Cosoltepec suite to close the Rheic Ocean. During the earliest Mississippian, the collision of the Acatlán Complex and the Oaxaca terrane uplifted and deformed the composite terrane. By the Early Permian, deposition of the Chazumba suite occurred in a pull‐apart basin. A latest Early Permian event produced thrust shear zones with N–S directed shortening. During the Middle Jurassic, plume rise caused regional doming, magmatism and amphibolite facies metamorphism. During the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene, folds and thrust faults overprint the Acatlán Complex. Most events in the Acatlán Complex correlate with events in the Appalachian chain, suggesting that the Acatlán Complex was located near the Appalachians until the Jurassic when it was displaced by the Gulf of Mexico opening.
Verification of moisture budgets during drifting snow conditions in a cold wind tunnel
Authors: Wever N. , Lehning M. , Clifton A. , Rüedi J.‐D. , Nishimura K. , Nemoto M. , Yamaguchi S. , Sato A.
Published: July 2009

Experiments in a cold wind tunnel were used to verify drifting snow sublimation models. A layer of drifting snow particles was formed over a sintered snow surface. Sublimation and drifting snow flux were estimated from two vertically resolved profile measurements separated along the flow path and were compared to a simple, one‐dimensional diffusion model of drift and drifting snow sublimation. The experiments show an increase in water vapor content of the air from drifting snow sublimation. The measured drifting snow sublimation appeared to be consistent with albeit somewhat larger than theoretical values found in the model study. Under wind tunnel conditions, particle number density appears to be the most important controlling factor on the sublimation rate. For experiments with external solar radiative forcing, the increase of the sublimation rate was also larger than theoretical predictions. The experiments suggest that irregular snow crystals and solar radiation might increase sublimation rates more than described by many drifting snow models.
Apolipoprotein A5 and Lipoprotein Lipase Interact to Modulate Anthropometric Measures in Hispanics of Caribbean Origin
Authors: Smith Caren E. , Tucker Katherine L. , Lai Chao‐Qiang , Parnell Laurence D. , Lee Yu‐Chi , Ordovás José M.
Published: July 2009

Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) proteins interact functionally to regulate lipid metabolism, and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for each gene have also been associated independently with obesity risk. Evaluating gene combinations may be more effective than single SNP analyses in identifying genetic risk, but insufficient minor allele frequency (MAF) often limits evaluations of potential epistatic relationships. Populations with multiple ancestral admixtures may provide unique opportunities for evaluating genetic interactions. We examined relationships between LPL m107 (rs1800590) and APOA5 S19W (rs3135506) and lipid and anthropometric measures in Caribbean origin Hispanics (n = 1,019, aged 45–75 years) living in the Boston metropolitan area. Significant interaction terms between LPL m107 and APOA5 S19W were observed for BMI (P = 0.003) and waist circumference (P = 0.019). Higher BMI (P = 0.001), waist (P = 0.011) and hip (P = 0.026) circumference were observed in minor allele (G) carriers for LPL m107 who also carried the APOA5 S19W minor allele (G). Additionally, extreme obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) risk was higher (odds ratio = 4.02; 95% confidence interval: 1.81–8.91; global P = 0.008) for minor allele carriers for both SNPs (LPL TG+GG, APOA5 CG+GG) compared to major allele carriers for both SNPs. In summary, we identified significant interactions for APOA5 S19W and LPL m107 for obesity in Caribbean Hispanics. Population‐specific MAFs increase the difficulties of replicating gene–gene interactions, but may support the hypothesis that combinations of frequencies in selected genes could heighten obesity susceptibility in a given population. Analyses of gene–gene interactions may improve understanding of genetically based obesity risk, and underscore the need for further study of groups with multiple ancestral admixtures.
Impact of Variation Near MC4R on Whole‐body Fat Distribution, Liver Fat, and Weight Loss
Authors: Haupt Axel , Thamer Claus , Heni Martin , Tschritter Otto , Machann Jürgen , Schick Fritz , Machicao Fausto , Häring Hans‐Ulrich , Staiger Harald , Fritsche Andreas
Published: July 2009

Polymorphisms near the melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) gene locus are associated with body weight. Recent studies have shown that they influence insulin sensitivity and incidence of the metabolic syndrome. Thus, we hypothesized that the candidate single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs17782313 near MC4R additionally influences body fat distribution and its change during lifestyle intervention. To test this, 343 German subjects were genotyped for SNP rs17782313. Body composition was assessed using magnetic resonance technique. Subjects were characterized by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A subgroup of 242 subjects participated in a 9‐month lifestyle intervention. In the overall cohort, the C allele was associated with a higher BMI (P = 0.0013), but had no impact on glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity (all P ≥ 0.10). There was an effect of the SNP on total body fat (P = 0.022) and nonvisceral fat (P = 0.017), but not on liver fat and visceral fat (all P ≥ 0.33). In the subgroup undergoing lifestyle intervention, SNP rs17782313 had no impact on changes in body weight or fat distribution. Despite an association with BMI and nonvisceral adipose tissue, the SNP rs17782313 did not influence visceral adipose tissue. Thus, this candidate SNP for human obesity may preferentially affect the accumulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Furthermore, the variation near MC4R has no effect on success of weight loss during lifestyle intervention.
Evolution of primate orphan proteins
Authors: Toll-Riera Macarena , Castelo Robert , Bellora Nicolás , Albà M. Mar
Published: July 2009

Genomes contain a large number of genes that do not have recognizable homologues in other species. These genes, found in only one or a few closely related species, are known as orphan genes. Their limited distribution implies that many of them are probably involved in lineage-specific adaptive processes. One important question that has remained elusive to date is how orphan genes originate. It has been proposed that they might have arisen by gene duplication followed by a period of very rapid sequence divergence, which would have erased any traces of similarity to other evolutionarily related genes. However, this explanation does not seem plausible for genes lacking homologues in very closely related species. In the present article, we review recent efforts to identify the mechanisms of formation of primate orphan genes. These studies reveal an unexpected important role of transposable elements in the formation of novel protein-coding genes in the genomes of primates.
Understanding the role of aneuploidy in tumorigenesis
Authors: Bannon John H. , Mc Gee Margaret M.
Published: July 2009

The role of aneuploidy in tumorigenesis remains poorly understood, although the two have been known to be linked for more than 100 years. Recent studies indicate that aneuploidy can promote tumour cell growth and cell death and that the cellular outcome is dependent on the extent of aneuploidy induced. The mitotic checkpoint plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of genome stability and has been the focus of work investigating the distinct outcomes of aneuploidy. In the present article, we review the molecular mechanisms involved and discuss the potential of the mitotic checkpoint as a therapeutic target in cancer therapy.