bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunodysfunction in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Lange Christian M. , Moreau Richard
Published: July 2018

Background: Increasing evidence reveals a close and reciprocal link between acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and immunodysfunction. Methods: A literature search in PubMed and abstract databases of relevant congresses was performed. Results: Important characteristics of liver cirrhosis like tissue hypoxia, cell death, or bacterial translocation maintain a state of chronic inflammation. Precipitating events of ACLF such as infections or alcoholic hepatitis are capable of strongly augmenting cirrhosis-associated systemic inflammation to grades sufficient to induce ACLF-defining organ failures. Chronic systemic inflammation, however, is causally linked to profound immunosuppression. As a consequence, patients with liver cirrhosis and in particular with ACLF are at high risk for severe infections. Promising strategies to ameliorate immunodysfunction, like albumin substitution, administration of recombinant interleukin-22 or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, antibiotic prophylaxis, or anticoagulation, are under development and offer the chance to specifically prevent and treat ACLF. Conclusion: A better understanding of the immunopathology of ACLF will likely translate into the implementation of specific therapeutic modalities to prevent and overcome ACLF.
O Grande sertão nas ruínas da sala de aula: formação histórica periférica e experiência social subjetiva – um diário de trabalho
Authors: Delmanto Ivan
Published: July 2018

Este artigo tem como objeto o processo de criação do espetáculo teatral Grande sertão Grajaú: veredas e ruínas. Investiga as tensas relações entre forma teatral, abordada em suas diversas e contraditórias dramaturgias, e subjetividade. Esse processo de criação tomou como pressuposto a ideia de “formação”, inspirada na obra de Antonio Candido, Formação da literatura brasileira, que define, no campo das letras nacionais, a ambivalência característica do nosso processo de constituição cultural, marcado pelo empréstimo de formas artísticas importadas em desajuste com a realidade histórica local. Procuraremos identificar diversas manifestações de uma certa “dialética trágica” que, não obstante sua diversidade, poderia caracterizar esse processo de formação como capaz de gerar experiências sociais subjetivas tão dilaceradas quanto o seu tecido social correspondente.
Falando sobre experiência estética para pensar o lugar da mediação
Authors: Von Sohsten Arlene
Published: July 2018

Pretende-se, neste artigo, desfiar um entendimento para o que se chama experiência estética na arte a partir de semelhanças encontradas entre a personagem G.H., de Clarice Lispector, e os escritos de Georges Didi-Huberman sobre a relação entre olhante-olhado; bem como explicitar a posição do sujeito na experiência. Por fim, esse lugar encontrado para o sujeito da experiência será também o lugar da mediação.
Teatro de revista: um estudo documental sobre um teatro ignorado
Authors: Sudare Lívia
Published: July 2018

Este artigo faz análise documental de uma das propostas da política cultural do Estado Novo para o teatro. O objetivo é perceber de que maneira o teatro de revista é mencionado nessas fontes. Propõe-se, assim, um estudo sobre teatro de revista alternativo à costumeira análise de textos e imagens revisteiras; não um estudo dos elementos da revista, mas de seu lugar num plano mais amplo: nas discussões institucionais acerca do teatro brasileiro.
Efficacy of MRI in the differential diagnosis of odontogenic keratocyst: literature review
Authors: Ramos Erika Antônia dos Anjos , Alves Fernando Amorim Mendonça , Lascala Cesar Angelo , James Andre Antonio , Aoki Eduardo Massaharu
Published: July 2018

According to the World Health Organization (WHO 2017), the odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is classified as an odon­togenic developmental cyst, with origins from the cellular remnants of the dental lamina. The characteristics of a high rate of cell proliferation, relapse and aggressive growth guide the choice of the type of surgical treatment for the lesion and, consequently, the prognosis. The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the differential diagnosis of odon­togenic lesions does not replace anatomopathological examination, but the types of protocols already described illustra­te the influence of these different protocols on the qualitative and quantitative description of keratocysts. We conclude that magnetic resonance imaging is valid as a tool to aid diagnosis of odontogenic lesions, especially for differential diagnosis studies between odontogenic keratocysts and ameloblastomas.
Global Burden of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in People Living With HIV
Authors: Shah Anoop S.V. , Stelzle Dominik , Lee Kuan Ken , Beck Eduard J. , Alam Shirjel , Clifford Sarah , Longenecker Chris T. , Strachan Fiona , Bagchi Shashwatee , Whiteley William , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Kottilil Shyamasundaran , Nair Harish , Newby David E. , McAllister David A. , Mills Nicholas L.
Published: July 2018

Background:

With advances in antiretroviral therapy, most deaths in people with HIV are now attributable to noncommunicable illnesses, especially cardiovascular disease. We determine the association between HIV and cardiovascular disease, and estimate the national, regional, and global burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to HIV.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review across 5 databases from inception to August 2016 for longitudinal studies of cardiovascular disease in HIV infection. A random-effects meta-analysis across 80 studies was used to derive the pooled rate and risk of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV. We then estimated the temporal changes in the population-attributable fraction and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from HIV-associated cardiovascular disease from 1990 to 2015 at a regional and global level. National cardiovascular DALYs associated with HIV for 2015 were derived for 154 of the 193 United Nations member states. The main outcome measure was the pooled estimate of the rate and risk of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV and the national, regional, and global estimates of DALYs from cardiovascular disease associated with HIV.

Results:

In 793 635 people living with HIV and a total follow-up of 3.5 million person-years, the crude rate of cardiovascular disease was 61.8 (95% CI, 45.8–83.4) per 10 000 person-years. In comparison with individuals without HIV, the risk ratio for cardiovascular disease was 2.16 (95% CI, 1.68–2.77). Over the past 26 years, the global population–attributable fraction from cardiovascular disease attributable to HIV increased from 0.36% (95% CI, 0.21%–0.56%) to 0.92% (95% CI, 0.55%–1.41%), and DALYs increased from 0.74 (95% CI, 0.44–1.16) to 2.57 (95% CI, 1.53–3.92) million. There was marked regional variation with most DALYs lost in sub-Saharan Africa (0.87 million, 95% CI, 0.43–1.70) and the Asia Pacific (0.39 million, 95% CI, 0.23–0.62) regions. The highest population-attributable fraction and burden were observed in Swaziland, Botswana, and Lesotho.

Conclusions:

People living with HIV are twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The global burden of HIV-associated cardiovascular disease has tripled over the past 2 decades and is now responsible for 2.6 million DALYs per annum with the greatest impact in sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia Pacific regions.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero
. Unique identifier: CRD42016048257.
Bans and Restrictions on Religious Broadcasting: A Review of the Arguments and Counter-Arguments
Authors: Powell Fernando Méndez
Published: July 2018

The ownership of broadcast stations by religious groups, the establishment of broadcast stations exclusively devoted to religious content and the inclusion of content of a religious nature within the programming of regular commercial, public or community stations are all practices that are common throughout the world. However, several countries have implemented bans or restrictions on the dissemination of religious content through broadcasting or the ownership of broadcast stations by religious groups. The present article aims to assess whether such bans and restrictions are compatible with the rights to freedom of religion and freedom of expression as recognized under international human rights law. For these purposes, the most common arguments in favour and against restrictions on religious broadcasting are explained and weighed against each other.
Nine new species of Hymenasplenium (Aspleniaceae) from Asia
Authors: XU KE-WANG , ZHANG LIANG , LU NGAN THI , ZHOU XIN-MAO , HE HAI , LUONG THIEN TAM , KNAPP RALF , LIAO WEN-BO , ZHANG LI-BING
Published: July 2018

Nine new species of Hymenasplenium (Aspleniaceae) from Asia are here described based on both morphology and our recent molecular phylogenetics of the genus. Of the nine new species, H. chingii, H. denticulatum, H. sinense, H. speluncicola, and H. wangpeishanii are from southern China, whereas H. distans, H. ngheanense, H. phamhoanghoi, and H. quangnamense are from Vietnam. These new species are morphologically similar to but distinguishable from those of the H. unilaterale s.l. group (H. apogamum, H. hondoense, and H. murakami-hatanakae). All except one new species were included in a recent phylogenetic analysis and were well supported as distinct lineages based on molecular data. All new species are illustrated and the information on their distributions, habitats, and major distinguishing characters is provided.
New taxa of pygmephoroid mites (Acari: Pygmephoroidea: Pygmephoridae, Neopygmephoridae) phoretic on Enoplotrupes sharpi (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) from Thailand
Authors: KHAUSTOV ALEXANDER A. , FROLOV ANDREY V.
Published: July 2018

The new species Spatulaphorus enoplotruporum sp. nov. (Acari: Pygmephoridae) and a new monotypic genus and the species Nasutidania orientalis gen., sp. nov. (Acari: Neopygmephoridae) are described phoretic on Enoplotrupes sharpi Rothschild and Jordan (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) from Thailand. A key to the world species of the genus Spatulaphorus is also provided.
Flight Microangiopathy in Medium-to Long-Distance Flights: Prevention of Edema and Microcirculation Alterations with Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella asiatica
Authors: Cesarone M. R. , Incandela L. , De Sanctis M. T. , Belcaro G. , Geroulakos G. , Griffin M. , Lennox A. , Di Renzo A. , Cacchio M. , Bucci M.
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was the evaluation of microcirculatory alterations associated with edema in passengers travelling for more than 3 hours and the study of the effects of TTFCA (total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica) on the development of microcirculation alterations and edema, in a prospective, randomized study. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2, rate of ankle swelling (RAS) were used. Subjects were randomized after informed consent into two groups: one control group (no drug or other treatment), and a treatment group (TTFCA 60 mg thrice daily for 2 days before the flight, the day of the flight, and for another day after the flight). Inclusion criteria were age range between 30 and 50, mild-moderate superficial venous disease with varicose veins. Subjects traveled in economy class. In controls there was a progressive increase in CO2, RAS, and edema score and a progressive decrease in flux (RF) and venoarteriolar response with flying time. The variations in all parameters were milder (p > 0.05) in the TTFCA group. RAS and edema were significantly lower in the TTFCA-treated group (p < 0.025). The progressive increase in RAS, PCO2, and the decrease in VAR and O2 were linearly associated with flight time (up to 10 hours). These results are very interesting and indicate an option for patients prone to edema and microcirculation disturbances during long flights.
Evaluation of Treatment of Diabetic Microangiopathy with Total Triterpenic Fraction of Centella asiatica: A Clinical Prospective Randomized Trial with a Microcirculatory Model
Authors: Cesarone M. R. , Incandela L. , De Sanctis M. T. , Belcaro G. , Bavera P. , Bucci M. , Ippolito E.
Published: July 2018

Fifty patients with diabetic microangiopathy were studied by laser Doppler flowmetry (measuring skin blood flow at rest) (RF) and the venoarteriolar response (VAR), by transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 measurements, and by capillary permeability evaluation (rate of ankle swelling [RAS]). Thirty of these patients were treated for 6 months with total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiatica (TTFCA) (60 mg twice daily), a drug active on microcirculation and capillary permeability. A control group of ten patients was treated with placebo and another group of ten patients was left without treatment thus acting as a second control group. After six months there were no significant changes in the two control groups. There was a significant improvement of microcirculatory parameter in patients treated with TTFCA. RF (abnormally increased at the beginning of the treatment) decreased, and the VAR (impaired at the beginning of the study) improved. PO2 increased and PCO2 decreased the abnormally increased capillary permeability was also improved (decreased). According to these data, TTFCA is useful in diabetic microangiopathy by improving microcirculation and decreasing capillary permeability. Also TTFCA protects against the deterioration of microcirculation due to diabetic microangiopathy.
Health-Related Internet Use Among Otolaryngology Patients
Authors: Pagedar Nitin A , Schularick Nathan M , Lee Phillip C , Karnell Lucy H
Published: July 2018

Objective:

The association between online health resources use in specific otolaryngology patients is poorly understood. To better understand health-related Internet use by otolaryngology patients, we surveyed first-visit patients at academic and private practice clinics in Iowa.

Methods:

Data on socioeconomic status, access, and utilization of online resources were collected. Age distributions were compared by t test, and categorical variables were compared by chi-square analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for association between independent variables (age, sex, educational attainment, otolaryngology subspecialty, etc).

Results:

Data showed that 8.7% lacked Internet access; an additional 5.4% reported access only in a public place or at work. Younger, more educated, and more urban patients reported higher rates of Internet access. Among university patients, patients seeing head and neck oncologists were most likely to report no Internet access (10.9%). Just over one-third of patients used the Internet to research their health condition prior to their appointment.

Conclusions:

Internet access was far from universal among this large cohort of otolaryngology outpatients. Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients report the least online access among all otolaryngology subspecialties. Providers should consider nonelectronic patient resources for older, more rural, less educated, and HNC patient populations as online/electronic methods of communication may not be accessible to these groups.
The effects of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on high-density lipoprotein functions: implications for coronary artery disease
Authors: Chen Hong-Ying , Li Shi-Cheng , Chen Lian-Feng , Wang Wei , Wang Yu , Yan Xiao-Wei
Published: July 2018

Background

Smoking cessation was associated with improved prognosis of coronary artery disease. This study was designed to investigate the effect of smoking cessation on high-density lipoprotein functionality in coronary artery disease patients.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized and parallel controlled study, coronary artery disease smokers ( n = 28) and healthy smokers ( n = 30) were divided into smoking cessation group and continuous smoking group, respectively. Blood samples were collected before and after three-month smoking cessation. Plasma high-density lipoprotein was isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The ability of high-density lipoprotein against copper-induced oxidation of lipoprotein was determined to evaluate the antioxidative property of high-density lipoprotein, and the macrophage migration inhibited by high-density lipoprotein was tested to identify the antichemotactic property of high-density lipoprotein. High-density lipoprotein-induced macrophage cholesterol efflux was measured by fluorescence spectrometry using NBD cholesterol analogue. Healthy non-smoking volunteers were enrolled as the baseline control.

Results

The baseline antioxidative, antichemotactic ability of high-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein-induced cellular cholesterol efflux in coronary artery disease smokers and healthy smokers were significantly attenuated when compared with those in healthy non-smokers. After three-month smoking cessation, both the antioxidative ability and antichemotactic ability of high-density lipoprotein were improved significantly in coronary artery disease smokers. However, high-density lipoprotein-induced cellular cholesterol efflux was not increased by smoking cessation. In in vitro experiments, carbon monoxide reduced the antioxidative ability and nicotine enhanced the antichemotactic ability of high-density lipoprotein.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation is an effective measure to improve high-density lipoprotein functions in coronary artery disease smokers. Our study re-emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease.
Preventing Emergency Vehicle Crashes: Status and Challenges of Human Factors Issues
Authors: Hsiao Hongwei , Chang Joonho , Simeonov Peter
Published: July 2018

Objective:

This study reports current status of knowledge and challenges associated with the emergency vehicle (police car, fire truck, and ambulance) crashes, with respect to the major contributing risk factors.

Background:

Emergency vehicle crashes are a serious nationwide problem, causing injury and death to emergency responders and citizens. Understanding the underlying causes of these crashes is critical for establishing effective strategies for reducing the occurrence of similar incidents.

Method:

We reviewed the broader literature associated with the contributing factors for emergency vehicle crashes: peer-reviewed journal papers; and reports, policies, and manuals published by government agencies, universities, and research institutes.

Results:

Major risk factors for emergency vehicle crashes identified in this study were organized into four categories: driver, task, vehicle, and environmental factors. Also, current countermeasures and interventions to mitigate the hazards of emergency vehicle crashes were discussed, and new ideas for future studies were suggested.

Conclusion:

Risk factors, control measures, and knowledge gaps relevant to emergency vehicle crashes were presented. Six research concepts are offered for the human factors community to address. Among the topics are emergency vehicle driver risky behavior carryover between emergency response and return from a call, distraction in emergency vehicle driving, in-vehicle driver assistance technologies, vehicle red light running, and pedestrian crash control.

Application:

This information is helpful for emergency vehicle drivers, safety practitioners, public safety agencies, and research communities to mitigate crash risks. It also offers ideas for researchers to advance technologies and strategies to further emergency vehicle safety on the road.
A portable sensor for cell optical density measurement in microfluidic chips
Authors: Zainal Alam Muhd Nazrul Hisham , Jaya Kumar Jayanth , John Whyte Daniel , Doeven Egan H , Kouzani Abbas
Published: July 2018

This paper presents the development of a smartphone-controlled wireless device for cell optical density sensing in microfluidic chips. The footprint of the device is very compact relative to a classical laboratory spectrophotometer, making it a portable device. The cell optical density sensing device consists of an embedded microcontroller, optical sensing components, and a wireless transceiver performing cell optical density measurements in disposable microfluidic chips fabricated from poly(methylmethacrylate) polymers. The device is controlled by an Android application allowing for true portability and the possibility of remote or field operation of the device. The use of microfluidic chips as the sample carrier for optical density detection instead of a plastic cuvette allows users the flexibility to explore and/or conduct a variety of micro-scale chemical analysis using the device which would be difficult in a cuvette-based system. The function of the device is validated through a series of off-line and online optical density measurements using Saccharomyces cerevisae yeast cultures. The device is low cost, small enough to fit in most laboratory flow hood cabinets, and can be easily integrated into miniature bioreactor systems. Moreover, wireless communication enables the user to operate the device using smartphones or rapidly transfer the measured data to an online repository for analysis or storage.
Genetic Algorithm-based thermal uniformity–aware X-filling to reduce peak temperature during testing
Authors: Azhaganantham Arulmurugan , Govindasamy Murugesan
Published: July 2018

High temperature occurs in testing of complex System-on-Chip designs and it may become a critical concern to be carefully taken into account with continual development in Very Large Scale Integration technology. Peak temperature significantly affects the reliability and the performance of the chip. So it is essential to minimize the peak temperature of the chip. Heat generation by power consumption and heat dissipation to the surrounding blocks are the two prominent factors for the peak temperature. Power consumption can be minimized by a careful mapping of don’t cares in precomputed test set. However, it does not provide the solution to peak temperature minimization because the non-uniformity in spatial power distribution may create localized heating event called “hotspot.” The peak temperature on the hotspot is minimized by Genetic Algorithm–based don’t care filling technique that reduces the non-uniformity in spatial power distribution within the circuit under test while maintaining the overall power consumption at a lower level. Experimental results on ISCAS89 benchmark circuits demonstrate that 6%–28% peak temperature reduction can be achieved.
Track allocation optimization in high-speed railway stations from infrastructure management and service perspectives
Authors: Zhang Qin , Zhu Xiaoning , Wang Li
Published: July 2018

Background:

The high-speed railway has been developed rapidly, making track allocation optimization in high-speed railway stations one of the most important problems for traffic control.

Methods:

This paper proposes a 0-1 nonlinear integer programming model from both infrastructure management and service perspectives to solve this problem at the tactical level. The goal is to balance the track occupation time and at the same time to minimize the total walking distance between the entrance hall and the platforms for all passengers. A pre-calculation technique of time points considering the preparation of the route and a line group method are firstly studied. In order to solve the programming, the simulated annealing algorithm is applied.

Results:

A case of a China high-speed railway station is used to verify the effectiveness of this model. The optimized result is much better than the original plan in some key indicators. A comparison between the proposed algorithm and an accurate method, the branch-and-bound, is demonstrated. The simulated annealing algorithm obtains almost the same result as the accurate method in a much shorter time.

Conclusions:

The proposed model is practicable for the the high-speed railway stations.
La Statistique en Turquie
Authors: Djélal Mehmet
Published: July 2018

Premiers travaux, 425; Première centralisation des services de statistique, 426; Travaux de l'organisme central, 426; Création d'un Office central de statistique, 428; Loi statistique du 2 février 1930: a) centralisation de la statistique officielle, 429; b) contrôle des méthodes et des publications, 429; c) attributions de l'Office, 430; d) pénalités, interdictions, 431; e) personnel de l'Office, 432; f) Conseil consultatif, 432; g) dépouillement, outillage, budget, 432; Statistique municipale et enseignement de la Statistique, 432; Statistique privée, 433.
The Science and Teaching of Public Administration
Authors: Langrod Georges
Published: July 2018

by Georges Langrod,

International Centre of Scientific Research, Paris.

The author, who is not altogether unknown of our readers, first acknowledges the sorry fact that, to date, there is no such thing as an organised, coherent, science of administration. This is the more important in that it leaves a gap in our social set-up, and indeed a gap of special significance because Administration, as a fact, tends to become all-embracing.

The whole of this thoroughly documented essay is an outcry against sloth, against the comfortable adherence to fixed, « time-proven » practices, for there is no real opposition against the organised study of Administration as a science. The only obstacle seems to be inertia, a lack of methodical thought.

On the other hand, a systematic study of Administration would fill a dangerous gap in our organised knowledge, it would prevent the threatening dispersion of thought and take away from juridical, economic and other « auxiliary » sciences the burden of haphazard administrative phenomena which properly belong to a separate discipline. Positively speaking, such a study will enable co-ordinated thought in matters administrative, by laying down general, universally applicable principles, and so lead to more fruitful exchanges of views and generally acceptable methods.

The author, however, does not let himself be carried away by his subject, and is aware that such an organised science can never take the place of experience. He merely believes that it may and shall throw light on the accumulated experience and will enable administrators to co-ordinate the results of a daily contact with the facts of administration.
Limitations to the Competence of Civil Servants in Denmark
Authors: Harder Erik
Published: July 2018

by Erik Harder

It is a generally admitted principle that no person taking part in deliberations on any administrative matter should have a personal interest in their outcome, and the various systems of Administrative Law provide appropriate safeguards. But it is easier to formulate principles than to state precisely when officials should be precluded from acting.

The mere possibility of bias is insufficient to compel an official to step aside, since the advantage of keeping to normal procedures may outweigh the risk involved. Administrative practice provides for particular interests to be represented in some cases. In other terms, an elected or nominated official is not deemed incompetent to defend the interests he represents. The method of replacing one official by another is used even more widely than necessary, and the possibility of conflicting interests thus practically eliminated. But administrative practice is not a sufficient guide for deducing legal rules.

Incompetence should be invoked only when insuperable difficulties arise, for it should be kept in mind that no rule can be purely negative. The problem is entirely one of ensuring impartial treatment, but it is not always administratively feasible to refer a matter to an alternative agency. In practice, when a case of personal incompetence occurs, the problem is often solved by reference to the immediately superior authority. A prerequisite for an appeal on the ground of incompetence is consequently that the availability of an alternative method of deciding the case should be demonstrated.

A number of instances are quoted, illustrating principles and practice, and varying in each case with the degree and nature of the conflicting interest. The problem of preconceived opinion in a matter sub judice is also examined.
Some Points of the Civil Service Law of Switzerland
Authors: Steiner Ernest
Published: July 2018

by Dr. Ernest Steiner, Barrister-at-Law

Due to the federal character of the Swiss State, there is a notable diversity in the administrative structures of the Central Authority, the several cantons and the municipalities.

A number of traits are noteworthy, particularly by students from abroad.

In small cantons (such as Uri and Schwyz) members of the State Council follow some external profession or trade, and devote only part of their time to the conduct of public affairs. This is also true of Geneva, where some of the councillors are practising lawyers. The Prefects of some cantons (such as Lucerne) are in the same position. In the lower and the cantonal courts, some of the asessors, or assistant judges, are farmers, skilled workmen or common labourers, some Benches even being filled exclusively with non-jurists.

Some of the Swiss offices are elective. The higher office-holders of the Confederation, the Federal Councillors, the Federal Chancellor, and the Federal Judges, are chosen by the Federal Assembly (Parliament) both Houses sitting together. The Federal civil servants are appointed by the Federal Council, or by delegation of its powers.

In the cantons, members of the Government are elected by popular vote. The Grand Council appoints the members of the Cantonal Courts. Prefects (whose office is not found in every canton) are elected popularly, or by the State Council. Presidents and judges of the lower courts are elected either popularly or by the Cantonal Court.

Municipal councillorship is elective. Lower local officials are appointed by the Municipal Council. In some cantons, even elementary schoolmasters are elected by popular vote, though elsewhere this is the responsibility of the Municipal Council assisted by the board of governors.

The Federal Authorities work on the principle of periodic reelection of civil servants, none of whom is theoretically appointed on a permanent basis. The tenure of office is habitually of four years in theory, but in practice re-appointment is almost certain.

Federal Civil Servants are ineligible to the Federal Legislature. This is, however, not generally so at the canton level, and they may stand for election to most Cantonal Councils.
Anti-Terrorism Laws in the Maghreb Countries: The Mirror of a Democratic Transition that Never Was
Authors: Tamburini Francesco
Published: July 2018

This article sheds light on the counter-terrorism measures enacted by the Maghreb countries, with a comparative approach of the laws in Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Carried out by comparing the Arabic and French original versions, the analysis revealed a common attitude that tended to preserve national security at the expenses of civil freedoms and human rights. In almost all cases, anti-terrorism laws strayed away from their supposed initial finality – fighting terrorism – tackling other issues such as the maintenance of public order or indirectly the control of dissidence and political opposition, with no or scarce legal checks and balances that could restrict possible police or judiciary abuses towards civil and political rights. The legal measures significantly delayed both the first transition to democracy in the region in the 2000s as well as the promising development after the ‘Arab spring’.
Biased, Therefore Unhappy: Disentangling the Collectivism-Happiness Relationship Globally
Authors: Jasielska Dorota , Stolarski Maciej , Bilewicz Michał
Published: July 2018

A relationship between individualism and happiness has been observed in many studies, with collectivist cultures having lower indices of happiness. It is often argued that this effect arises because people in individualist countries have greater independence and more freedom to pursue personal goals. It appears, however, that the association is much more complex than this as many collectivist countries suffer from more basic problems, such as social conflicts, discrimination, and prejudice. We hypothesized that global differences in happiness could be the result of ingroup bias and its consequences, rather than of collectivism itself. To test our hypotheses, we applied a country-level design, where a country is considered a unit of analysis. We found that individualism predicted various aspects of a country’s aggregated level of happiness, but was only a marginal predictor of happiness when ingroup favoritism and group-focused enmity were controlled for. We discuss the implications of these findings from evolutionary and social psychological perspectives.
An in sita Model for Simultaneous Assessment of Inhibition of Demineralization and Enhancement of Remineralization
Authors: Featherstone J.D.B. , Zero D.T.
Published: July 2018

In situ models to assess the ability of oral care products or food components to enhance remineralization and/or inhibit demineralization of tooth enamel or roots must be very carefully designed to minimize the confounding effects of the many variables involved. Controlling these variables as closely as possible is essential if meaningful answers are to be obtained from the models. We have developed an in situ model which combines the experience of several groups. Detailed screening of subjects is essential. Selection criteria should include good general health, good dental health, mandibular partial denture, at least eight natural teeth, no active caries lesions, known fluoride history, normal salivary function, and no medications that affect salivary function. Each subject carries a sound enamel slab and an enamel slab with a pre-formed caries-like lesion (demineralized in vitro) in his/her denture on each side of the mouth for test periods of two or four weeks. The demineralization challenge is controlled by extra-oral immersion of the appliances in sucrose daily. Daily product exposure or daily food component exposure is used as desired. Compliance indicators and a diet diary are included. Whole saliva flow rate (unstimulated), plaque acidogenicity, and salivary fluoride are monitored during the test periods. At the end of the test period, the test slabs are assessed for mineral change, after being sectioned, by means of cross-sectional microhardness or microradiography. The mineral loss or gain (ΔM, μm × vol%), compared with adjacent control sections retained in the lab, is calculated as change in ΔZ (μm × vol%), namely, ΔM = ΔZTEST - ΔZ.CONTROL. In this model, demineralization occurs in sound enamel and in the pre-formed lesions in the absence of fluoride or other protective agents. The model has the potential to be able to differentiate among fluoride delivery systems and to assess the caries-protective effects of agents other than fluoride by use of small groups of subjects.
An in situ Enamel Section Model for Assessment of Enamel Re/Demineralization Potential
Authors: Stephen K.W. , Damato F.A. , Strang R.
Published: July 2018

An enamel-section-carrying intra-oral appliance to predict the results of double-blind anti-caries studies has been developed. Initial validation was against the F concentration effect attained in a clinical trial where three sodium monofluorophosphate (SMFP) dentifrices were used. Original appliance-based work showed significant differences in remineralization between non-F and F dentifrices, but not between different F dentifrices. However, it was shown later that acidified gel-prepared lesions were not as responsive as solution-prepared lesions to de- and remineralizing processes, and lesion remineralization rates were found to be dependent on initial lesion size. An in situ cross-over study was then repeated with use of acid-solution-created lesions, and seven volunteers completed the project. Each brushed twice daily × 2 min with either 0,1000, or 2500 ppm F, as SMFP dentifrice. After a two-week wash-out, subjects wore the appliances for four weeks. Enamel mineral content was assessed at 0, two, and four weeks via microradiography/microdensitometry, and a statistically significant dose-response was obtained between non-F and F as well as between 1000 and 2500 ppm F pastes, i.e., as per the three-year clinical trial data. Hence, the model's suitability for pre-clinical screening was confirmed. It has also been used in caries microbiological studies, in root caries investigations, and currently in chewing gum cariogenicity experiments.
Reduction of Intra-oral Demineralization of Enamel after Single Exposures to Sodium Fluoride
Authors: Kashket S. , Lopez L.R.
Published: July 2018

Studies demonstrated the effects of single rinses with low concentrations of NaF on the intra-oral demineralization of enamel. Blocks of bovine enamel were covered with Streptococcus mutans IB1600, mounted in palatal appliances, and worn in the mouths of volunteers for specified times. Subjects rinsed with solutions of NaF, with or without sucrose. Demineralization was determined as changes in iodide penetrability (delta Ip) of the enamel, while the pH and F of the streptococcal plaque, and enamel F, were determined with ion-specific electrodes. Delta Ip was reduced by about 80% (from 14.5 ± 2.7 to 2.8 ± 2.3 units) when 250 μg F/mL was added to the sucrose rinse. Corresponding plaque pH's were 4.1 ± 0.5 and 4.2 ± 0.3, consistent with a lack of effect on bacterial acidogenesis. Protection against mineral loss was concentration-dependent. Administration of sucrose at different times after NaF revealed that the effect of F persisted for at least 60 min. Analyses of plaque F demonstrated an initial elevation and concentration within the cells, followed by a drop to stable, baseline values. Enamel F increased slowly to almost 500 μg/g enamel after 105 min. The protective effect of F appeared to be manifested in two stages, the first related to a high plaque F and the second to F that became incorporated into the enamel. Analysis of the data suggested that F was transferred from plaque to enamel during the experimental period.
Importance of Model Parameters in the Assessment of Intra-oral Remineralization
Authors: Ten Cate J.M. , Van De Plassche-Simons Y.M. , Van Strijp A.J.P.
Published: July 2018

Since the introduction of the Intra-oral Cariogenicity Test by Koulourides et al. (1974), many groups around the world have been developing and using intra-oral models to test new caries-preventive products, as well as to study physiological processes in the oral cavity. In spite of the large numbers of papers reporting these methods, very little research has been done to determine the importance of the many variable parameters which influence the performance of these models. Among these, the following can be identified: (a) panelist criteria, (b) the use of sound vs. pre-demineralized enamel of human or bovine origin, (c) the use of gauze or a recess to accumulate plaque, (d) the method to create incipient lesions, (e) the duration of the experiment, (f) the number of panelists required for statistical significance to be obtained, (g) the assessment techniques for mineral and/or fluoride uptake/loss, and (h) the choice of contralateral, ‘cross-over’, or ‘monadic’ experimental designs. Our results, supported by data from the literature, indicate that the choices made with respect to these parameters are of paramount importance in determination of the outcome of the respective study.
Hard-tissue Substrates for Evaluation of Cariogenic and Anti-cariogenic Activity in situ
Authors: Mellberg J.R.
Published: July 2018

Hard-tissue substrates include primarily human and bovine enamel and human dentin. They have been used for in situ studies in a natural or sound condition, as well as flattened or containing an in vitro-formed caries-like lesion. Human enamel and dentin are generally the substrates of choice for studies of coronal and root-surface caries, respectively, but bovine enamel appears to offer a suitable alternative for many studies of enamel caries. Substrates with caries-like lesions will respond more rapidly to changes in the intra-oral mineral equilibrium and will allow both demineralization and remineralization to be determined. Findings from some studies suggest that caries-like lesions may respond somewhat differently, depending upon the degree of mineralization of the surface layer. Because in vitro findings with dentin show it to be significantly more soluble in acid than enamel, results from a study that used dentin may not be directly applicable to enamel. Both enamel and dentin substrates can be used in thin-section models.

Hard-tissue substrates can also differ, depending upon their intra-oral location. Locations that result in the accumulation of plaque will behave differently from those that are plaque-free. So that plaque would accumulate, substrates have been placed approximally, beneath a fabric or steel mesh, in a protected trough, beneath a metal band or within a depression on the buccal surface.

For studies requiring a determination of both demineralization and remineralization, human enamel or dentin containing a surface-softened caries-like lesion and covered with a uniform natural plaque are the substrates of choice.
Intra-oral Models: Comparison of in situ Substrates
Authors: øgaard B. , Rølla G.
Published: July 2018

Numerous intra-oral caries models have been designed for clinical and mechanistic purposes. Several factors—such as human vs. bovine enamel, sound vs. demineralized tissues, lesion type, dentin vs. enamel, the severity of the cariogenic challenge, and the microflora—may influence the reactivity of the hard tissue and hence lesion development and progression. Some models use unextracted teeth and are true in vivo models, whereas in situ models are based on hard-tissue substrates in the form of slabs or sections. Models producing a moderate cariogenic challenge usually show a fluoride dose response. However, caries is increasingly becoming a problem limited to some high-risk patients and to lesions located to areas where severe challenges exist (e.g., fissures and pits). There is thus need for models that could mimic such situations. One of the requirements for intra-oral models producing severe cariogenic challenge conditions should probably be that it should be able to demineralize fluorapatite. A challenge for future caries research is to develop agents that have a better clinical effect in fissures and pits than those presently available. Because, in the past, much emphasis has been placed on remineralization of artificial lesions, more research on the demineralization process should be performed in the future, since this may give improved clinical effects. Ideally, an intra-oral caries model should take into account as many of the natural oral conditions as possible and minimize the degree of artificiality.
Demineralization and Remineralization Evaluation Techniques
Authors: Arends J. , ten Bosch J.J.
Published: July 2018

This paper compares the experimental techniques utilized to assess the de- or remineralization of enamel or dentin in intra-oral studies. In in situ studies, it is important for one to know how much mineral has been lost or gained, and where the loss or gain occurred. The main emphasis in this paper is on techniques suitable for direct or indirect mineral quantification. The measuring techniques considered are microradiography, iodine absorptiometry, various microhardness tests, polarized light, light-scattering, iodide permeability, and wet chemical analysis. The various techniques are compared concerning suitability for the determination of mineral content in vol% (or wt%), mineral changes in vol% μm (or kg.m–2), and mineral distributions. Furthermore, sample preparation, the importance of protein penetration, nominal mineral loss range, the estimated mineral loss threshold, and the applicability to dentin are compared and considered. It is concluded that, although more than ten techniques are available for the measurement of changes after de- or remineralization in situ, transverse microradiography is the most practical technique for the direct and quantitative measurement of mineral content, mineral changes, and mineral distributions. Cross-sectional microhardness testing and light-scattering are also practical indirect techniques for quantitative mineral loss (or gain) determinations in intra-oral studies.
Intra-oral Models to Assess Cariogenicity: Evaluation of Oral Fluoride and pH
Authors: Duckworth R.M. , Gilbert R.J.
Published: July 2018

The main purpose of this paper is to review the various methods used for evaluation of fluoride retention in saliva, plaque, and enamel following application of topical anti-caries treatments such as F dentifrices and F mouthwashes. Such methods monitor delivery of fluoride to the site of action, the mouth, and so can be regarded as assessing potential for treatment action.

It is concluded that intra-oral fluoride measurements are appropriate to support bioequivalence claims for anti-caries treatments, provided that particular chosen methods have been calibrated against clinical data. Studies purporting to show superiority are of interest mechanistically, but links to caries are not sufficiently understood to define superiority claims.

A wide variety of methods has been used for determination of the fluoride content of enamel. Of these, well-established methods such as the micro-drill and acid-etch procedures are appropriate for routine comparative testing, whereas sophisticated instrumental techniques such as SIMS are more appropriate for detailed mechanistic studies.

Intra-oral pH measurements are also relevant to many topical treatments. Single-site determinations in plaque are preferred, but for comparative studies non-specific determinations may be adequate.
Interim Report of the ad hoc Committee for the Consideration of Statistical Concerns Related to the Use of Intra-oral Models in Submissions for Product Claims Approval to the American Dental Association
Authors: Proskin H.M. , Chilton N.W. , Kingman A.
Published: July 2018

Subsequent to the American Dental Association Symposium on Intra-oral Studies, held in Chicago in September, 1990, the Council on Dental Therapeutics decided that further consideration should be given to statistical issues relating to intra-oral models. The authors accepted the request of Council staff to assist in the development of Guidelines concerning the validity, reliability, and combinability of data obtained from these models. The ensuing work in this area, which began in the fall of 1990 and has continued to date, has thus far focused on the issue of validity. The purpose of the present paper is to provide the interested community at large with an update on the progress made thus far, and to provide some perspective as to where all of the work in this area may eventually be leading. It is anticipated that a more comprehensive and definitive report will be produced at the completion of this process.
Effect of Practice on Expansion of Peripheral Vision
Authors: Sailor A. Louise
Published: July 2018

This study was designed to test the effect of practice on the expansion of peripheral vision. 24 college speed reading students were tested for a measure of peripheral vision with a Lafayette Color Perimeter. Half of the Ss practiced detection of a white stimulus object for a period of 6 wk. Ss serving as controls assisted by moving the carrier into the visual field of an experimental partner. Analysis of variance showed significant increase in visual fields for all Ss, experimental and control. Attention factors and equipment used in the speed reading classes appear to account for these results.
Temporal Characteristics of Interstimulus Interval in Serial Choice Reaction Time,
Authors: Fishburne Robert P. , Waag Wayne L.
Published: July 2018

The present study investigated the effects of presentation schedule and interstimulus interval duration in a serial choice reaction-time task. 45 Ss were randomly assigned to fixed, patterned, and random schedules having durations of interstimulus intervals of 2, 3, and 4 sec. As the regularity of the presentation schedule decreased, reaction time increased. For fixed-interval presentation, reaction time increased as a function of duration while the quickest reaction times occurred at the mean interstimulus interval for random-interval presentation. Reaction times remained the same under the patterned-interval presentation schedule.