Stroke Mimic: A Case of Unilateral Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a condition that results in transient skeletal muscle paralysis secondary to intracellular potassium sequestration. Susceptible individuals often have an underlying channelopathy, which may be exacerbated by lifestyle factors or underlying medical comorbidities such as hyperthyroidism or diarrheal illness. Classically, THPP presents with paralysis of proximal extremity musculature. In this case, we present a rare case of unilateral THPP. Such a presentation is relevant to emergency physicians as it mimics a stroke or transient ischemic attack and should be considered on the differential for unilateral neurologic deficits

Environmental Regulation and Productivity: New Findings on the Porter Analysis

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the relationship between the stringency of environmental regulation and total factor productivity (TFP) growth in the Quebec manufacturing sector. This allows us to investigate more fully the Porter hypothesis in three directions. First, the dynamic aspect of the hypothesis is captured through the use of lagged regulation variables. Second, we argue that the hypothesis is more relevant for more polluting sectors. Third, we argue that the hypothesis is more relevant for sectors which are more exposed to international competition. Our empirical results suggest that: 1) the contemporaneous impact of environmental regulation on productivity is negative, 2) the opposite result is observed with lagged regulation variables and 3) this effect is stronger in a sub-group of industries which are more exposed to international competition. Ce texte présente une analyse empirique de la relation entre l'ampleur de la réglementation environnementale et la productivité totale des facteurs en utilisant des données du secteur manufacturier québécois. Cet exercice nous permet de pousser l'analyse de l'hypothèse porterienne dans trois directions. Premièrement, l'introduction de variables réglementaires retardées nous permet de mieux capter l'aspect dynamique de l'hypothèse. Deuxièmement, nous postulons que l'hypothèse de Porter a plus de chance d'être valide dans les secteurs très polluants. Troisièmement, nous postulons qu'il sera de même dans les secteurs plus exposés à la concurrence extérieure. Nos résultats empiriques suggèrent que: 1) l'impact de la variable contemporaine de réglementation est négatif; 2) le résultat contraire est observé pour les variables de réglementation retardées et 3) cet effet est plus fort dans les secteurs les plus exposés à la concurrence extérieure.Porter hypothesis, environmental regulation, productivity, Hypothèse de Porter, réglementation environnementale, productivité

Jamming transition of a granular pile below the angle of repose

We study experimentally the relaxation towards mechanical equilibrium of a granular pile which has just experienced an avalanche and discuss it in the more general context of the granular jamming transition. Two coexisting dynamics are observed in the surface layer: a short time exponential decay consisting in rapid and independent moves of grains and intermittent bursts consisting in spatially correlated moves lasting for longer time. The competition of both dynamics results in long-lived intermittent transients, the total duration of which can late more than a thousand of seconds. We measure a two-time relaxation function, and relate it via a simple statistical model to a more usual two-time correlation function which exhibits strong similarities with auto-correlation functions found in aging systems. Localized perturbation experiments also allow us to test the pile surface layer receptivity.Comment: 9 pages, 10 figure

Le livre religieux au Québec, 1968-2007 : analyse des données de l’édition

Par la mise en place en 1968 du dépôt légal et la parution de la Bibliographie du Québec, la Bibliothèque nationale du Québec fournissait, sur l’édition en général et sur le livre religieux en particulier, des données fiables. Cette étude veut montrer l’évolution du livre religieux pendant quatre décennies, soit de 1968 à 2007. Encore élevée au tournant des années 1970, l’édition religieuse subit au cours de la décennie 1970 une crise considérable. S’ajustant aux nouvelles réalités, tissant des liens avec les sciences humaines, profitant de la popularité du pape Jean-Paul II, l’édition religieuse amorce dans les années 1980 un redressement qui s’est avéré durable. Cette étude vise aussi à saisir le phénomène de l’édition religieuse en relation avec l’ensemble de l’édition de livres au Québec et à dégager les caractéristiques de ce type d’imprimés.Once the legal deposit and the publication of the Bibliographie du Québec were established in 1968, the Bibliothèque nationale du Québec was able to provide reliable information on publishing in general, and specifically on books of a religious nature. This study traces the evolution of books on religion over four decades, from 1968 to 2007. Although the publication of books on religion was still strong at the beginning of the 1970s, during the decade it underwent a crisis. Closer links between religion and the humanities developed, and pope John Paul II became very popular. Books on religion began adjusting to this new reality, and the adjustment became enduring

Finding “Win-Win” China’s Arctic Policy and what it means for Canada

China is a “Near Arctic State” with national interests in Arctic resources, shipping lanes, and regional governance. That was the message delivered to the world in China’s new Arctic policy. The philosophy espoused in this White Paper is one of cooperation and mutual profit – what the Chinese have dubbed “win-win” polar partnerships. These partnerships have been expanding in recent years. Tens of billions of dollars in Chinese capital has flowed into oil and gas projects in Siberia and the Russian Arctic offshore, new shipping routes are being tested, and state-owned mining companies have acquired rich mineral deposits in Greenland and – to a lesser extent – Canada.  These resources, and the sea lanes that connect them, have been labelled the “Polar Silk Road,” a maritime trade and shipping route supported by Chinese infrastructure spending running through the Northwest Passage and other circumpolar channels. China’s increasingly confident posture in the North represents real opportunities – and challenges – for Canada.  Managed property, Chinese money can support the decades old Canadian dream of developing the Northwest Passage as a useable sea route, decreasing shipping costs, supporting development and improving the quality of life for Arctic residents. Managed incorrectly, Chinese activity might leave the Asian power with a degree of de facto control over the Arctic, damaging Canadian sovereignty and imperiling the country’s ability to manage this increasingly important region on Canadian terms. This new White Paper is as clear a signal as can be sent that China is coming into the Arctic with long-term strategic ambitions. Canada should not fear this development, but it must be prepared for it