bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of cell tilting on turbulent thermal convection in a rectangular cell
Authors: Guo Shuang-Xi , Zhou Sheng-Qi , Cen Xian-Rong , Qu Ling , Lu Yuan-Zheng , Sun Liang , Shang Xiao-Dong 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this study the influence of cell tilting on flow dynamics and heat transport is explored experimentally within a rectangular cell (aspect ratios ${\it\Gamma}_{x}=1$ and ${\it\Gamma}_{y}=0.25$). The measurements are carried out over a wide range of tilt angles ($0\leqslant {\it\beta}\leqslant {\rm\pi}/2\ \text{rad}$) at a constant Prandtl number ($\mathit{Pr}\simeq 6.3$) and Rayleigh number ($\mathit{Ra}\simeq 4.42\times 10^{9}$). The velocity measurements reveal that the large-scale circulation (LSC) is sensitive to the symmetry of the system. In the level case, the high-velocity band of the LSC concentrates at about a quarter of the cell width from the boundary. As the cell is slightly tilted (${\it\beta}\simeq 0.04\ \text{rad}$), the position of the high-velocity band quickly moves towards the boundary. With increasing ${\it\beta}$, the LSC changes gradually from oblique ellipse-like to square-like, and other more complicated patterns. Oscillations have been found in the temperature and velocity fields for almost all ${\it\beta}$, and are strongest at around ${\it\beta}\simeq 0.48\ \text{rad}$. As ${\it\beta}$ increases, the Reynolds number ($\mathit{Re}$) initially also increases, until it reaches its maximum at the transition angle ${\it\beta}=0.15\ \text{rad}$, after which it gradually decreases. The cell tilting causes a pronounced reduction of the Nusselt number ($\mathit{Nu}$). As ${\it\beta}$ increases from 0 to 0.15, 1.05 and ${\rm\pi}/2\ \text{rad}$, the reduction of $\mathit{Nu}$ is approximately 1.4 %, 5 % and 18 %, respectively. Over the ranges of $0\leqslant {\it\beta}\leqslant 0.15\ \text{rad}$, $0.15\leqslant {\it\beta}\leqslant 1.05\ \text{rad}$ and $1.05\leqslant {\it\beta}\leqslant {\rm\pi}/2\ \text{rad}$, the decay slopes are $8.57\times 10^{-2}$, $3.27\times 10^{-2}$ and $0.24\ \text{rad}^{-1}$, respectively.
THE BINDING FORCE OF AGREEMENTS TO NEGOTIATE IN GOOD FAITH
Authors: Trakman Leon E. , Sharma Kunal 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article evaluates the established judicial proposition that an agreement to negotiate in good faith is antithetical to the principles of the common law. English courts are reluctant to enforce such agreements on the ground that they constitute unenforceable “agreements to agree”. Recently, courts have started to recognise an exception in cases where parties agree to negotiate over a term mandated by an existing agreement, such as to review a price clause or resolve a dispute by undertaking negotiations in good faith. The primary arguments against enforcing an independent agreement to negotiate in good faith are threefold. First, parties engaged in good faith negotiations are assumed to lack a serious legal intention to contract. Second, such an agreement is substantively uncertain in nature and does not promise to produce a contract. Third, the failure of parties to conclude their negotiations does not lead to an easily identifiable loss. In light of these considerations, this article considers the viability of enforcing an agreement to negotiate in good faith in the absence of a pre-existing contract. It argues that the legal obstacles to recognising agreements to negotiate have been overstated. Given the commercial value of enforcing such agreements, it proposes that agreements to negotiate in good faith should be recognised and given legal content by common law courts.
Minocycline Protects Dopaminergic Neurons Against Long-Term Rotenone Toxicity
Authors: Radad Khaled , Moldzio Rudolf , Rausch Wolf-Dieter 
Published: December 2014

Background:In Parkinson's disease, most of current therapies only provide symptomatic treatment and so far there is no drug which directly affects the disease process.Objectives:To investigate the neuroprotective effects of minocycline against long-term rotenone toxicity in primary dopaminergic cell cultures.Methods:Embryonic mice of 14-days-old were used for preparation of primary dopaminergic cell cultures. On the 6th dayin vitro, prepared cultures were treated both with minocycline alone (1, 5, 10 and 20 μM) and concomitantly with rotenone (5 and 20 nM) and minocycline. Cultures were incubated at 37°C for six consecutive days. On Day 12in vitroculture medium was aspirated and used for measuring lactate dehydrogenase. Cultured cells were fixed in 4% paraformaldhyde and stained immunohistochemically against tyrosine hydroxylase.Results:Treatment of cultures with 5 and 20 nM of rotenone significantly decreased the survival of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons by 27 and 31% and increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the culture medium by 31 and 236%, respectively compared to untreated controls. Minocycline (1, 5, 10 μM) significantly protected tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons by 17, 15 and 19% and 13, 22 and 23% against 5 and 20 nM of rotenone, respectively compared to rotenone-treated cultures. Minocycline (only at 10 μM) significantly decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase by 79% and 133% against 5 and 20 nM of rotenone, respectively.Conclusion:Minocycline has neuroprotective potential against the progressive loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive neurons induced by long-term rotenone toxicity in primary dopaminergic cultures.
Non Ruptured MCA Aneurysms Presenting with Insular Related Symptoms
Authors: Malak Ramez , Nguyen Dank Khoa , Bojanowski Michel W. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:To present a new semiological description of unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms.Methods:We present a series of three MCA aneurysms presenting with progressive or paroxystic somatosensory symptoms in combination with visceral, motor, language or autonomic symptoms.Results:A surgical approach was proposed for two aneurysms, and both patients experienced complete resolution of their symptoms. The third aneurysm was successfully excluded by endovascular coiling but the symptoms persisted.Conclusions:To our knowledge this is the first description of unruptured aneurysms presenting with insular-related symptoms.
Quercetin Administration After Spinal Cord Trauma Changes S-100β Levels
Authors: Schültke E. , Griebel R. W. , Juurlink B. H. J. 
Published: December 2014

Background:It has been shown previously that S-100β levels in serum correspond with the severity of central nervous system (CNS) trauma. It also has been suggested that S-100β in CNS tissue is involved in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. We have previously shown that administration of quercetin results in improved motor function in an animal model of spinal cord trauma.Methods:Mid-thoracic spinal cord compression injury was produced in adult maleWistar rats. Serum and tissue samples were acquired from quercetin-treated animals (25 μmol / kg) and saline controls at 6, 12 and 24 hours after the trauma. S-100β levels were measured using a luminometric assay in the damaged tissue and in the serum of the animals.Results:The increase in serum S-100β levels seen in saline controls after spinal cord trauma was ameliorated in the quercetin-treated animals at all time points, although the difference to saline controls became statistically significant only at 24 hrs after the trauma. Compared to tissue S-100β levels in healthy animals, values were significantly decreased in saline controls at all three time points, while they were decreased at 6 hrs and increased at both 12 and 24 hrs in quercetin-treated animals. At all three time points tissue S-100β levels were significantly higher in quercetin-treated animals than in saline controls.Conclusions:Administration of quercetin results in modification of S-100β levels in the setting of experimental spinal cord trauma. The kinetic patterns of the S-100β fluctuations in serum and tissue suggest that post-traumatic administration of quercetin decreases the extent of CNS injury.
Secondary Stroke Prevention: Practice Patterns in a Tertiary Care Stroke Service
Authors: Fan Janice C. , Mysak Tania M. , Jeerakathil Thomas J. , Pearson Glen J. 
Published: December 2014

Background:Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) have a high personal and financial cost to society and prevention is critical. Outside of registries in Ontario, there has been little effort to determine whether care gaps exist for secondary preventative care within Canada. The objective of this study was to evaluate inpatient medical team compliance to four secondary stroke prevention interventions: antithrombotic therapy, antihypertensive therapy, lipid lowering therapy and smoking cessation.Methods:Adults admitted to the University of Alberta Hospital stroke service with a diagnosis of stroke or TIA between August 1st, 2005 and July 31st, 2006 were identified using International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) codes. Two hundred charts were randomly selected for retrospective review. Compliance, defined as achievement of therapeutic targets or appropriate therapy for subtherapeutic targets, was assessed.Results:Among 190 eligible patients (mean age 67 years, 55 % male), 147 (77.4%) had a non-cardioembolic cerebral event while 43 (22.6%) had a cardioembolic cerebral event. We found high compliance for antithrombotic (92% [174/190]) and antihypertensive (95% [136/143]) agents, but suboptimal compliance for lipid lowering agents (68% [107/158]) and smoking cessation (27% [17/64]).Conclusions:There is room for improvement in early risk factor management for secondary prevention, even in specialized stroke centres. To optimize stroke preventative care, more interdisciplinary collaboration, investigation of reasons for suboptimal care, development of strategies to minimize care gaps and ongoing stroke care audits for quality improvement are needed.
Familial Occurrence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Shirani Peyman , Jawaid Ali , Moretti Paolo , Lahijani Elham , Salamone Alicia R. , Schulz Paul E. , Edmondson Everton A. 
Published: December 2014

Background:The etiology of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is unknown. Different environmental and genetic factors have been postulated to contribute to CRPS.Methods:We reviewed the clinical data from a cohort of 69 patients with CRPS. Four families were identified with two or more members affected with CRPS yielding a total of nine patients. Six more patients reported the presence of pain symptoms in their family members, however; this could not be clinically confirmed.Results:The case histories of the nine individuals with ‘familial’ CRPS suggested a younger age at onset and more frequent history of migraine versus the non-familial patients. A pattern of inheritance could not be ascertained.Conclusion:This data supports the hypothesis that CRPS can be familial and hence may have a genetic basis in some families. Larger studies will be needed to ascertain clearer patterns of inheritance and to determine whether the clinical features of ‘familial’ CRPS are the same as the sporadic form.
Consensus Statement: The Development of a National Canadian Migraine Strategy
Authors: Becker W J , Christie S N , Mackie G , Cooper P 
Published: December 2014

Background:Migraine is a significant cause of suffering and disability in the Canadian population, and imposes a major cost on Canadian Society. Based on current medical science, much more could be done to provide better comprehensive medical care to the millions of individuals with migraine in Canada.Objective:To propose and design a national Canadian Migraine Strategy which could be implemented to reduce migraine related disability in Canada.Methods:A multidisciplinary task force of the Canadian Headache Society met for a Canadian Migraine Summit Meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia in June, 2009. Pertinent literature was reviewed and a consensus document was produced based upon the round table discussion at the meeting.Results:The outline of a national Canadian Migraine Strategy was created. This strategy is based on the chronic disease management model, and would include: an outline of what constitutes appropriate migraine care for Canadians, educational programs (for health care professionals, individuals with migraine, and the general public), research programs, and the development of the necessary organizations and partnerships to develop further and implement the Canadian Migraine Strategy.Conclusions:Based upon the medical literature and expert discussion at the meeting, a national Canadian Migraine Strategy with a patient self-management focus has the potential to improve patient care and reduce headache related disability in Canada.
A Survey on the Impact of the Menstrual Cycle on Movement Disorders Severity
Authors: Castrioto Anna , Hulliger Sara , Poon Yu-Yan , Lang Anthony E. , Moro Elena 
Published: December 2014

Background:A possible influence of estrogens on the dopaminergic system has been hypothesized and investigated by several studies, and fluctuations in motor symptoms related to the menstrual cycle have been reported in some movement disorders patients. We designed a survey to quantify how frequently female patients with various movement disorders are affected by this phenomenon and its impact on symptom severity.Methods:A questionnaire was sent to 104 women between 18- and 60-years-old diagnosed with movement disorders and regularly followed at our centre.Results:From a total of 65 subjects who completed the questionnaire, 54 women reported the onset of their movement disorders before menopause. Twenty of them (37%) experienced changes in their movement disorders during the menstrual cycle. In particular, there was a significant worsening of symptom severity before (p=0.0005) and during menses (p=0.0004).Conclusions:The possible role of such changes should be taken into account when evaluating the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions in movement disorder patients.
Carotid Stenting in Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis: The Calgary Experience
Authors: Shobha N. , Almekhlafi M. A. , Pandya A. , Couillard P. L. , Morrish W. F. , Wong J. H. , Hill M. D. 
Published: December 2014

Background:Although carotid endarterectomy is considered the ‘gold standard’ for standard risk symptomatic patients, the treatment of choice for asymptomatic patients remains controversial. Carotid stenting has demonstrated real-world outcomes consistent with established guidelines for carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic high-surgical risk patients in recent prospective multicenter trials. We describe our experience with asymptomatic patients who underwent carotid stenting at our center in a routine clinical setting.Methods:This is a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of patients who underwent carotid angioplasty and stenting at the Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, Canada between 1997 and 2007. The qualifying events were categorized as symptomatic and asymptomatic. The procedures were performed by four experienced neurointerventionists. The primary outcome was stroke or death at 30-day follow- up.Results:243 patients underwent 255 carotid stenting procedures. Their ages ranged from 50 to 83 years; the mean age was 72.0 ± 9.3 years; 67(26.3%) were women. Forty one patients (16.1%) were asymptomatic; 214 patients (83.9%) were symptomatic. The patients in the asymptomatic group were significantly younger - 66.0 ± 8.8 years compared to patients in the symptomatic group 73.2 ± 8.9 years (p<0.0001). Intraprocedurally one minor stroke (2.4%) occurred in the asymptomatic group. At 30-day follow-up, no deaths or further strokes were noted in the asymptomatic group; while eight deaths, six major and seven minor strokes occurred in the symptomatic group (p=0.22).Conclusion:Carotid stenting appears to be a safe procedure in asymptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis in routine clinical settings as witnessed in this single center study.
Sources of Error in Neuropathology Intraoperative Diagnosis
Authors: Meyer Matthew , Keith-Rokosh Julia , Reddy Hasini , Megyesi Joseph , Hammond Robert R. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:The goal of this study was to optimize intraoperative neuropathology consultations by studying trends and sources of diagnostic error. We hypothesized that errors in intraoperative diagnoses would have sampling, technical, and interpretive sources. The study also audited diagnostic strengths, weaknesses and trends associated with increasing experience. We hypothesized that errors would decline and that the accuracy of “qualified” diagnoses would improve with experience.Methods:The pathologist's first 100 cases (P1), second 100 (P2), and most recent 100 (P3, after ten years in practice) formed the data set. Intraoperative diagnoses were scored as correct, minor error or major error using the final diagnosis as the gold-standard. Incorrect diagnoses were re-examined by two reviewers to identify sources of error.Results:Among the 300 cases there were 22 errors with 11 in P1, 9 in P2 and 2 in P3. Sampling contributed to 17 errors (77%), technical factors to 7 (32%) and interpretive factors to 16 (73%). Improvement in diagnostic accuracy between P1 and P2 (p=0.8143), or P2 and P3 (p=0.0582) did not reach significance. However, significant improvement was found between P1 and P3 (p=0.0184).Conclusion:The present study was a practical and informative audit for the pathologist and trainees. It reaffirmed the accuracy of intraoperative neuropathology diagnoses and informed our understanding of sources of error. Most errors were due to a combination of sampling, technical and interpretive factors. A significant improvement in diagnostic proficiency was observed with increasing experience.
Environmental and Familial Risk Factors of Parkinsons Disease: Case-Control Study
Authors: Sanyal Jaya , Chakraborty D. P. , Sarkar Biswanath , Banerjee Tapas Kumar , Mukherjee Subhash Chandra , Ray Bidhan Chandra , Rao V. R. 
Published: December 2014

Background:While the cause of Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unknown, evidence suggests certain environmental factors, such as well water drinking, herbicides, pesticides exposure and neurotoxins, may trigger the chain of oxidative reactions culminating in the death of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra to cause Parkinsonism. To investigate the possible impact of environmental risk factors for idiopathic PD, a case-control study was performed in the Eastern India.Methods:During the period from January 1st, 2006 and December 10th, 2009, 175 PD patients (140 men, 35 women) and 350 non-Parkinson age-sex matched controls were included in the study. Subjects were given a structured neurological examination and completed an administered questionnaire which elicited detailed information on demographic data, pesticides, herbicides family history, occupation, dietary and smoking habits.Results:The multivariate analysis revealed that family history of PD, pesticide exposure, exposure to toxins other than pesticides and herbicides, rural living and previous history of depression were associated with increased risk of PD, whereas, smoking appeared to be a protective factor. Well water drinking for at least five years, though a significant risk factor on univariate analysis (OR=4.5, 95% CI=2.1-9.9), could not be proved significant in multivariate analysis. Head trauma, vegetarian dietary habit, occupation involving physical exertion and exposure to domestic pets were not as significant risk factors.Conclusion:Results of our study support the hypothesis of multifactorial etiology of PD with environmental factors acting on a genetically susceptible host.
Use of Tissue Glues in Endoscopic Pituitary Surgery: A Cost Comparison
Authors: Kus Lukas H. , Rotenberg Brian W. , Duggal Neil 
Published: December 2014

Background:Post-operative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are a common complication of endoscopic pituitary surgery and account for a significant proportion of hospital costs associated with this procedure. Tisseel® is a tissue glue commonly used as an adjunct in dural repair but is not optimal for this purpose. DuraSeal® has several properties advantageous for dural repair but is not widely accepted in Canada partly due to its increased cost.Objective:A cost analysis of DuraSeal® versus Tisseel® in endoscopic pituitary surgery.Methods:A cost analysis was performed based on typical endoscopic pituitary surgery cases performed at our tertiary care institution. Operating room, hospital admission, and surgical sealant costs were obtained directly while estimates of patient recovery time and post-operative CSF leak rates were based on consensus values reported in the literature. Outcomes were reported for various possible clinical scenarios of sealant use.Results:In a model where surgical sealant is employed only in high-risk cases, use of DuraSeal® allows for a yearly cost savings of at least $4486.72. If surgical sealant is used in all cases, regular use of DuraSeal® versus Tisseel® either marginally reduces yearly costs or increases them by a maximum of $7619.25, depending on the case volume and estimated post-operative CSF leak rate.Conclusion:In most clinical scenarios, use of DuraSeal® in endoscopic pituitary surgery may reduce overall yearly hospital costs compared to Tisseel®.
The Significance of Frontal Intermittent Rhythmic Delta Activity in Children
Authors: Menascu Shay , Mohamed Ismail , Tshechmer Shany M. , Shroff Manohar , Cortez Miguel A. 
Published: December 2014

Objective:To determine the correlation between frontal intermittent rhythmic delta activity (FIRDA) and the clinical and radiological correlates in children.Methods:Retrospective review of the EEG and imaging studies of 37 children with documented FIRDA.Results:FIRDA was associated with multiple neurological conditions and not necessarily with midline lesions. Patients with abnormal neurological exam had a longer FIRDA duration (average 9.5 seconds) compared to children with no reported abnormal examination (average of 6.5 seconds). FIRDA ranged from 2 to 2.5 Hz (n=15), 3 Hz (n=17) and from 1.5 to 3 Hz (n=5) and there was a significant association between the duration of FIRDA and abnormal laboratory tests (p. < 0.05, Student's T test).Conclusion:FIRDA was not correlated with midline brain lesions in children. FIRDA may be a non specific oscillation of an unhealthy pediatric brain with or without seizures.