bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deconstructing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: What We Know and Do Not Know About Function, Material Properties, and Injury Mechanics
Authors: McLean Scott G. , Mallett Kaitlyn F. , Arruda Ellen M.
Published: December 2014

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common and potentially catastrophic knee joint injury, afflicting a large number of males and particularly females annually. Apart from the obvious acute injury events, it also presents with significant long-term morbidities, in which osteoarthritis (OA) is a frequent and debilitative outcome. With these facts in mind, a vast amount of research has been undertaken over the past five decades geared toward characterizing the structural and mechanical behaviors of the native ACL tissue under various external load applications. While these efforts have afforded important insights, both in terms of understanding treating and rehabilitating ACL injuries; injury rates, their well-established sex-based disparity, and long-term sequelae have endured. In reviewing the expanse of literature conducted to date in this area, this paper identifies important knowledge gaps that contribute directly to this long-standing clinical dilemma. In particular, the following limitations remain. First, minimal data exist that accurately describe native ACL mechanics under the extreme loading rates synonymous with actual injury. Second, current ACL mechanical data are typically derived from isolated and oversimplified strain estimates that fail to adequately capture the true 3D mechanical response of this anatomically complex structure. Third, graft tissues commonly chosen to reconstruct the ruptured ACL are mechanically suboptimal, being overdesigned for stiffness compared to the native tissue. The net result is an increased risk of rerupture and a modified and potentially hazardous habitual joint contact profile. These major limitations appear to warrant explicit research attention moving forward in order to successfully maintain/restore optimal knee joint function and long-term life quality in a large number of otherwise healthy individuals.
Model-based failure detection for cylindrical shells from noisy vibration measurements
Authors: Candy J. V. , Fisher K. A. , Guidry B. L. , Chambers D. H.
Published: December 2014

Model-based processing is a theoretically sound methodology to address difficult objectives in complex physical problems involving multi-channel sensor measurement systems. It involves the incorporation of analytical models of both physical phenomenology (complex vibrating structures, noisy operating environment, etc.) and the measurement processes (sensor networks and including noise) into the processor to extract the desired information. In this paper, a model-based methodology is developed to accomplish the task of online failure monitoring of a vibrating cylindrical shell externally excited by controlled excitations. A model-based processor is formulated to monitor system performance and detect potential failure conditions. The objective of this paper is to develop a real-time, model-based monitoring scheme for online diagnostics in a representative structural vibrational system based on controlled experimental data.
The influence of surface roughness on ultrasonic thickness measurements
Authors: Benstock Daniel , Cegla Frederic , Stone Mark
Published: December 2014

In corrosion assessment, ultrasonic wall-thickness measurements are often presented in the form of a color map. However, this gives little quantitative information on the distribution of the thickness measurements. The collected data can be used to form an empirical cumulative distribution function (ECDF), which provides information on the fraction of the surface with less than a certain thickness. It has been speculated that the ECDF could be used to draw conclusions about larger areas, from inspection data of smaller sub-sections. A detailed understanding of the errors introduced by such an approach is required to be confident in its predictions. There are two major sources of error: the actual thickness variation due to the morphology of the surface and the interaction of the signal processing algorithm with the recorded ultrasonic signals. Parallel experimental and computational studies were performed using three surfaces, generated with Gaussian height distributions. The surfaces were machined onto mild steel plates and ultrasonic C-scans were performed, while the distributed point source method was used to perform equivalent simulations. ECDFs corresponding to each of these surfaces (for both the experimental and computational data) are presented and their variation with changing surface roughness and different timing algorithms is discussed.
Estimation of inferior-superior vocal fold kinematics from high-speed stereo endoscopic data in vivo
Authors: Sommer David E. , Tokuda Isao T. , Peterson Sean D. , Sakakibara Ken-Ichi , Imagawa Hiroshi , Yamauchi Akihito , Nito Takaharu , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Tayama Niro
Published: December 2014

Despite being an indispensable tool for both researchers and clinicians, traditional endoscopic imaging of the human vocal folds is limited in that it cannot capture their inferior-superior motion. A three-dimensional reconstruction technique using high-speed video imaging of the vocal folds in stereo is explored in an effort to estimate the inferior-superior motion of the medial-most edge of the vocal folds under normal muscle activation in vivo. Traditional stereo-matching algorithms from the field of computer vision are considered and modified to suit the specific challenges of the in vivo application. Inferior-superior motion of the medial vocal fold surface of three healthy speakers is reconstructed over one glottal cycle. The inferior-superior amplitude of the mucosal wave is found to be approximately 13 mm for normal modal voice, reducing to approximately 3 mm for strained falsetto voice, with uncertainty estimated at σ ≈ 2 mm and σ ≈ 1 mm, respectively. Sources of error, and their relative effects on the estimation of the inferior-superior motion, are considered and recommendations are made to improve the technique.
Auditory brainstem and middle latency responses recorded at fast rates with randomized stimulation
Authors: Valderrama Joaquin T. , de la Torre Angel , Alvarez Isaac M. , Segura Jose C. , Thornton A. Roger D. , Sainz Manuel , Vargas Jose L.
Published: December 2014

Randomized stimulation and averaging (RSA) allows auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) to be recorded at high stimulation rates. This method does not perform deconvolution and must therefore deal with interference derived from overlapping transient evoked responses. This paper analyzes the effects of this interference on auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and middle latency responses (MLRs) recorded at rates of up to 300 and 125 Hz, respectively, with randomized stimulation sequences of a jitter both greater and shorter than the dominant period of the ABR/MLR components. Additionally, this paper presents an advanced approach for RSA [iterative-randomized stimulation and averaging (I-RSA)], which includes the removal of the interference associated with overlapping responses through an iterative process in the time domain. Experimental results show that (a) RSA can be efficiently used in the recording of AEPs when the jitter of the stimulation sequence is greater than the dominant period of the AEP components, and (b) I-RSA maintains all the advantages of RSA and is not constrained by the restriction of a minimum jitter. The significance of the results of this study is discussed.
The old man and the disease
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: December 2014

In Liberia's Ebola outbreak, star statistician Hans Rosling is facing the intellectual challenge of a lifetime.
Scientists protest funding bonanza for brain campus
Authors: Underwood Emily
Published: December 2014

$100 million grant came as a surprise to many.
A target for pharmacological intervention in an untreatable human disease
Authors: Johnson Simon C.
Published: December 2014

Yeast and mouse studies identify the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) as a target for treatment of a mitochondrial disease.
New Tricks from an Old Cow: Infective Endocarditis Caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae
Authors: Jordal Stina , Glambek Marte , Oppegaard Oddvar , Kittang Bård Reiakvam
Published: December 2014

We present a case of infective endocarditis caused by
Streptococcus dysgalactiae
subsp.
dysgalactiae
, a major cause of bovine mastitis and previously thought to be an animal-restricted pathogen. The patient reported no direct contact with animals, and the clinical course was severe and complicated.
Novel Mechanism of Regulation of Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus Replication by Cellular WW-Domain Proteins
Authors: Barajas Daniel , Kovalev Nikolay , Qin Jun , Nagy Peter D.
Published: December 2014

Replication of (+)RNA viruses depends on several co-opted host proteins but is also under the control of cell-intrinsic restriction factors (CIRFs). By using tombusviruses, small model viruses of plants, we dissect the mechanism of inhibition of viral replication by cellular WW-domain-containing proteins, which act as CIRFs. By using fusion proteins between the WW domain and the p33 replication protein, we show that the WW domain inhibits the ability of p33 to bind to the viral RNA and to other p33 and p92 replication proteins leading to inhibition of viral replication in yeast and in a cell extract. Overexpression of WW-domain protein in yeast also leads to reduction of several co-opted host factors in the viral replicase complex (VRC). These host proteins, such as eEF1A, Cdc34 E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, and ESCRT proteins (Bro1p and Vps4p), are known to be involved in VRC assembly. Simultaneous coexpression of proviral cellular factors with WW-domain protein partly neutralizes the inhibitory effect of the WW-domain protein. We propose that cellular WW-domain proteins act as CIRFs and also as regulators of tombusvirus replication by inhibiting the assembly of new membrane-bound VRCs at the late stage of infection. We suggest that tombusviruses could sense the status of the infected cells via the availability of cellular susceptibility factors versus WW-domain proteins for binding to p33 replication protein that ultimately controls the formation of new VRCs. This regulatory mechanism might explain how tombusviruses could adjust the efficiency of RNA replication to the limiting resources of the host cells during infections.

IMPORTANCE
Replication of positive-stranded RNA viruses, which are major pathogens of plants, animals, and humans, is inhibited by several cell-intrinsic restriction factors (CIRFs) in infected cells. We define here the inhibitory roles of the cellular Rsp5 ubiquitin ligase and its WW domain in plant-infecting tombusvirus replication in yeast cells and
in vitro
using purified components. The WW domain of Rsp5 binds to the viral RNA-binding sites of p33 and p92 replication proteins and blocks the ability of these viral proteins to use the viral RNA for replication. The WW domain also interferes with the interaction (oligomerization) of p33 and p92 that is needed for the assembly of the viral replicase. Moreover, WW domain also inhibits the subversion of several cellular proteins into the viral replicase, which otherwise play proviral roles in replication. Altogether, Rsp5 is a CIRF against a tombusvirus, and it possibly has a regulatory function during viral replication in infected cells.
Generation and Evaluation of Clade C Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Challenge Stocks
Authors: Chang Hui-Wen , Tartaglia Lawrence J. , Whitney James B. , Lim So-Yon , Sanisetty Srisowmya , Lavine Christy L. , Seaman Michael S. , Rademeyer Cecelia , Williamson Carolyn , Ellingson-Strouss Katharine , Stamatatos Leonidas , Kublin James , Barouch Dan H.
Published: December 2014

The development of a panel of mucosally transmissible simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) challenge stocks from multiple virus clades would facilitate preclinical evaluation of candidate HIV-1 vaccines and therapeutics. The majority of SHIV stocks that have been generated to date have been derived from clade B HIV-1
env
sequences from viruses isolated during chronic infection and typically required serial animal-to-animal adaptation for establishing mucosal transmissibility and pathogenicity. To capture essential features of mucosal transmission of clade C viruses, we produced a series of SHIVs with early clade C HIV-1
env
sequences from acutely HIV-1-infected individuals from South Africa. SHIV-327c and SHIV-327cRM expressed
env
sequences that were 99.7 to 100% identical to the original HIV-1 isolate and did not require
in vivo
passaging for mucosal infectivity. These challenge stocks infected rhesus monkeys efficiently by both intrarectal and intravaginal routes, replicated to high levels during acute infection, and established chronic setpoint viremia in 13 of 17 (76%) infected animals. The SHIV-327cRM challenge stock was also titrated for both single, high-dose intrarectal challenges and repetitive, low-dose intrarectal challenges in rhesus monkeys. These SHIV challenge stocks should facilitate the preclinical evaluation of vaccines and other interventions aimed at preventing clade C HIV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE
We describe the development of two related clade C SHIV challenge stocks. These challenge stocks should prove useful for preclinical testing of vaccines and other interventions aimed at preventing clade C HIV-1 infection.
Impact of California firearms sales laws and dealer regulations on the illegal diversion of guns
Authors: Pierce Glenn L , Braga Anthony A , Wintemute Garen J
Published: December 2014

Objective

The available evidence suggests that more restrictive state firearm sales laws can reduce criminal access to guns. California has firearm-related laws that are more stringent than many other states and regulates its retail firearms dealers to a unique degree. This research seeks to examine the effect of more restrictive state gun laws and regulations on the illegal diversion of guns to criminals.

Design

Survival analyses are used to determine whether state firearm sales laws, particularly California's legal context and regulatory regime, impact the distribution of time-to-crime of recovered firearms in that state relative to other US states.

Setting

USA.

Subjects

225 392 traced firearms, where the first retail purchasers and the gun possessors were different individuals, recovered by law enforcement agencies between 2003 and 2006.

Results

The increased stringency of state-level firearms laws and regulations leads to consistently older firearms being recovered. California was associated with the oldest recovered crime guns compared with guns associated with other states. These patterns persisted regardless of whether firearms were first purchased within the recovery state or in another state.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that more restrictive gun sales laws and gun dealer regulations do make it more difficult for criminals to acquire new guns first purchased at retail outlets.
An investigation of nuclear properties of even–even natural 92–100Mo isotopes
Authors: Artun Ozan , Aytekin Çağlar , Aytekin Hüseyin
Published: December 2014

In this study, we have calculated the basic nuclear properties such as binding energies, root mean square (rms) charge radii, and neutron and proton densities of the even–even natural 92–100 Mo isotopes. Investigations were performed using the Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov (HFB) method with different Skyrme-like forces. Separation energies, which have an important role in nuclear structure, of neutron, proton, deuteron, triton, helium-3 and alpha were also investigated with TALYS 1.4 code. The calculated results were discussed and compared with experimental results.
Mosaic number of knots
Authors: Lee Hwa Jeong , Hong Kyungpyo , Lee Ho , Oh Seungsang
Published: December 2014

Lomonaco and Kauffman developed knot mosaics to give a definition of a quantum knot system. This definition is intended to represent an actual physical quantum system. A knot n-mosaic is an n × n matrix of 11 kinds of specific mosaic tiles representing a knot or a link. The mosaic number m(K) of a knot K is the smallest integer n for which K is representable as a knot n-mosaic. In this paper, we establish an upper bound on the mosaic number of a knot or a link K in terms of the crossing number c(K). Let K be a nontrivial knot or a non-split link except the Hopf link. Then m(K) ≤ c(K) + 1. Moreover if K is prime and non-alternating except [Formula: see text] link, then m(K) ≤ c(K) - 1.
PEOPLE WATCH
Authors: Lau Amy
Published: December 2014

Tackling Resistance with RNA.
A Robust Edge-Based Corner Detector (EBCD)
Authors: Al Nachar Rabih , Inaty Elie , Bonnin Patrick J. , Alayli Yasser
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a novel and robust edge-based corner detector (EBCD) which finds corners that are considered stable interest points in the framework of 2D object recognition especially for robot navigation. Using the EBCD, the corners are defined as intersection points of non-collinear straight image edges. The straight edge detector plus the corner detector will localize the corner positions. The detected corners have special features which are their angles and their sides length ratios. These features are invariant parameters which make the corners perfect for 2D object recognition. In addition, these corners are shown to be very robust against various image transformations like image scaling, rotation, translation and viewpoint illumination changes. Some updates are applied on the linking edge step in order to extract edges and their intersections that in turn construct the searched corners. Experiments conducted on synthetic and real images show that the proposed EBCD is able to achieve a very good performance in terms of accuracy, stability and especially computational efficiency in comparison with existing algorithms on interest points.
On certain methods of studying ideals in group rings of abelian groups of finite rank
Authors: Tushev A. V.
Published: December 2014

Over the last ten years a deep theory of structure of group rings of abelian groups of finite ring was developed mostly due to techniques based on valuation theory of fields. However, as it becomes clear in the beginning of the century, there are strong restrictions for applying such techniques. We considered certain new methods available for studying group rings of abelian groups of finite rank.
Fast and simple method for pricing exotic options using Gauss–Hermite quadrature on a cubic spline interpolation
Authors: Luo Xiaolin , Shevchenko Pavel V.
Published: December 2014

There is a vast literature on numerical valuation of exotic options using Monte Carlo (MC), binomial and trinomial trees, and finite difference methods. When transition density of the underlying asset or its moments are known in closed form, it can be convenient and more efficient to utilize direct integration methods to calculate the required option price expectations in a backward time-stepping algorithm. This paper presents a simple, robust and efficient algorithm that can be applied for pricing many exotic options by computing the expectations using Gauss–Hermite integration quadrature applied on a cubic spline interpolation. The algorithm is fully explicit but does not suffer the inherent instability of the explicit finite difference counterpart. A "free" bonus of the algorithm is that it already contains the function for fast and accurate interpolation of multiple solutions required by many discretely monitored path dependent options. For illustrations, we present examples of pricing a series of American options with either Bermudan or continuous exercise features, and a series of exotic path-dependent options of target accumulation redemption note (TARN). Results of the new method are compared with MC and finite difference methods, including some of the most advanced or best known finite difference algorithms in the literature. The comparison shows that, despite its simplicity, the new method can rival with some of the best finite difference algorithms in accuracy and at the same time it is significantly faster. Virtually the same algorithm can be applied to price other path-dependent financial contracts such as Asian options and variable annuities.
Early Implementation of THAM for ICP Control: Therapeutic Hypothermia Avoidance and Reduction in Hypertonics/Hyperosmotics
Authors: Zeiler F. A. , Gillman L. M. , Teitelbaum J. , West M.
Published: December 2014

Background. Tromethamine (THAM) has been demonstrated to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP). Early consideration for THAM may reduce the need for other measures for ICP control.Objective. To describe 4 cases of early THAM therapy for ICP control and highlight the potential to avoid TH and paralytics and achieve reduction in sedation and hypertonic/hyperosmotic agent requirements.Methods. We reviewed the charts of 4 patients treated with early THAM for ICP control.Results. We identified 2 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and 2 with traumatic brain injury (TBI) receiving early THAM for ICP control. The mean time to initiation of THAM therapy was 1.8 days, with a mean duration of 5.3 days. In all patients, after 6 to 12 hours of THAM administration, ICP stability was achieved, with reduction in requirements for hypertonic saline and hyperosmotic agents. There was a relative reduction in mean hourly hypertonic saline requirements of 89.1%, 96.1%, 82.4%, and 97.0% for cases 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, comparing pre- to post-THAM administration. Mannitol, therapeutic hypothermia, and paralytics were avoided in all patients.Conclusions. Early administration of THAM for ICP control could potentially lead to the avoidance of other ICP directed therapies. Prospective studies of early THAM administration are warranted.
Sri Lankan Medical Undergraduates Awareness of Nanotechnology and Its Risks
Authors: Marikar Faiz M. M. T. , Ilangakoon Piyumi I. P. W. , Jaliya Sri H. K. M. N. , Jayasena Lalinda D. , Kalavitigoda Supun K. P. B. , Koralagedara K. I. S. , Kulathunga Sanjaya P. S. N.
Published: December 2014

This study examines students’ understanding of the normative connections between key concepts of nanotechnology in nanomedicine and underlying biological principles that are critical for an in-depth understanding of its therapeutic application in medical field. A structured questionnaire was distributed among randomly selected undergraduates at the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, University of Rajarata, Sri Lanka. A total of 80 students participated in this study and completed written questionnaire on nanomedicine. The outcome of this study shows that there is a strong positive response on basic knowledge on nanoscale, but the undergraduates had an average knowledge on therapeutic application related to nanomedicine. Almost all students had a good knowledge on nanoscale but they lack knowledge of the relationship between nano and nanomedicine. Specifically, students were challenged to demonstrate an integrated understanding of the nanomedicine therapeutic application. Almost 58% of them were unable to give an example of it. Also some students struggled to explain it. Furthermore, in this study it was observed that there is a positive correlation in risk benefit section related to nanomedicine. Although the outcome is preliminary in nature, the results provide cause for concern over the status of nanotechnology education in Sri Lanka which needed to be uplifted.
An Adaptive Handover Prediction Scheme for Seamless Mobility Based Wireless Networks
Authors: Safa Sadiq Ali , Fisal Norsheila Binti , Ghafoor Kayhan Zrar , Lloret Jaime
Published: December 2014

We propose an adaptive handover prediction (AHP) scheme for seamless mobility based wireless networks. That is, the AHP scheme incorporates fuzzy logic with AP prediction process in order to lend cognitive capability to handover decision making. Selection metrics, including received signal strength, mobile node relative direction towards the access points in the vicinity, and access point load, are collected and considered inputs of the fuzzy decision making system in order to select the best preferable AP around WLANs. The obtained handover decision which is based on the calculated quality cost using fuzzy inference system is also based on adaptable coefficients instead of fixed coefficients. In other words, the mean and the standard deviation of the normalized network prediction metrics of fuzzy inference system, which are collected from available WLANs are obtained adaptively. Accordingly, they are applied as statistical information to adjust or adapt the coefficients of membership functions. In addition, we propose an adjustable weight vector concept for input metrics in order to cope with the continuous, unpredictable variation in their membership degrees. Furthermore, handover decisions are performed in each MN independently after knowing RSS, direction toward APs, and AP load. Finally, performance evaluation of the proposed scheme shows its superiority compared with representatives of the prediction approaches.
The Effects of Training on the Competitive Economic Advantage of Companies in Spain
Authors: Marin-Diaz Maria Luz , Llinas-Audet Xavier , Chiaramonte-Cipolla Luis , Escardibul Josep-Oriol
Published: December 2014

The search for factors that lead to competitive advantage in a company in relation to its competitors is a widely debated subject; a wide range of issues have been examined to determine which factors are the most influential. The aim of this paper is to study training effect on business results (particularly on firm’s financial turnover). For the present research, the classical model of Industrial Economy as a frame of reference has been used. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire sent to 381 large organizations in Catalonia (Spain) during 2009 and 2010. The empirical section of the present article was developed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Results relate training to company’s financial turnover in a positive way. The General Expenditure and Costs is the variable that most contributes to the explanation of firms’ financial turnover. The Organization of Training variable is the second most important construct to account for financial turnover However, training is required to be well organized as well as properly financed.
A Case of Abruptio Placentae due to the Torsion of Gravid Uterus
Authors: Zullino S. , Faiola S. , Paganelli A. M. , Ferrazzi E.
Published: December 2014

Torsion of a gravid uterus is a rare obstetric emergency potentially lethal for the fetus and the mother. Some of the cases described in literature are associated with preexisting gynecologic conditions related to pelvic and uterine anatomy, even if most of cases remain unexplained. We report a case of acute 180-degree torsion of uterus at 33 weeks of gestation associated with abruptio placentae in a young Asian woman without apparent risk factors.
SEER Cancer Registry Biospecimen Research: Yesterday and Tomorrow
Authors: Altekruse Sean F. , Rosenfeld Gabriel E. , Carrick Danielle M. , Pressman Emilee J. , Schully Sheri D. , Mechanic Leah E. , Cronin Kathleen A. , Hernandez Brenda Y. , Lynch Charles F. , Cozen Wendy , Khoury Muin J. , Penberthy Lynne T.
Published: December 2014

The National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries have been a source of biospecimens for cancer research for decades. Recently, registry-based biospecimen studies have become more practical, with the expansion of electronic networks for pathology and medical record reporting. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens are now used for next-generation sequencing and other molecular techniques. These developments create new opportunities for SEER biospecimen research. We evaluated 31 research articles published during 2005 to 2013 based on authors' confirmation that these studies involved linkage of SEER data to biospecimens. Rather than providing an exhaustive review of all possible articles, our intent was to indicate the breadth of research made possible by such a resource. We also summarize responses to a 2012 questionnaire that was broadly distributed to the NCI intra- and extramural biospecimen research community. This included responses from 30 investigators who had used SEER biospecimens in their research. The survey was not intended to be a systematic sample, but instead to provide anecdotal insight on strengths, limitations, and the future of SEER biospecimen research. Identified strengths of this research resource include biospecimen availability, cost, and annotation of data, including demographic information, stage, and survival. Shortcomings include limited annotation of clinical attributes such as detailed chemotherapy history and recurrence, and timeliness of turnaround following biospecimen requests. A review of selected SEER biospecimen articles, investigator feedback, and technological advances reinforced our view that SEER biospecimen resources should be developed. This would advance cancer biology, etiology, and personalized therapy research.

See all the articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Biomarkers, Biospecimens, and New Technologies in Molecular Epidemiology.”

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(12); 2681–7. ©2014 AACR.
Atoning for the Sins of the Fatherland
Authors: Faithful George Ellis
Published: December 2014

Germany’s Ecumenical Sisterhood of Mary and its resident theologian, Mother Basilea Schlink, sought to intercede in repentance on behalf of their nation for its sins in the Holocaust. This vision of intercessory repentance had its foundations in both their reading of the Hebrew Bible and in German nationalism. However, whatever resemblance between Schlink’s language and style and that of German nationalism, she utterly inverted its priorities, placing the people (Volk) of Israel above all other peoples. This inversion was part of the sisters’ self-empowerment as women, part of a paradoxical rhetoric which, on the one hand, professed their weakness and sinfulness while, on the other hand, emphasizing their worthiness and strength. Although they were sinful as Christians and as Germans, they represented a spiritual elite, among the few worthy to stand between Germany and God, holding back God's wrath. The gendered nationalism of Schlink and the sisters was defined by deference to God and to Israel, and by counter-cultural elevation of their roles as women.
CULTURAL RELATIVISM AND THE TRANSFORMATION OF CULTURE
Authors: Son Bong Ho
Published: December 2014

Culture is a concept that is claimed these days as the last authority for appeal in most discussions on human affairs and as the ultimate cause of important differences among people: “[C]ulture is the sole source of the validity of a moral right or rule”1 Only culture seems to be conclusive for almost all of what men are and what they do. Culture is what we collectively create but, at the same time, what we are determined by; we are our own masters and at the same time slaves of our own creations. The culture that is so decisive today, however, is not a universal culture common to everyone but the concrete culture of each society2 here and now. Thus the culture that is concretely relevant to us today is plural. Pluralism in the present understanding may not necessarily trouble Christians, but the relativism that accompanies it does. More alarming, however, is cultural determinism that seriously discourages Christian efforts for evangelism and, especially, foreign mission.
RESPONSE
Authors: Tapingkae Amnuay
Published: December 2014

Dr. Storkey’s analysis of the family and culture in this era of globalization is both profound and provocative. There are many, many points which deserve an asterisk, an exclamation point, or an “Amen”. But instead of simply reiterating what she has already said very well, I believe it may contribute best if I suggest an Asian perspective, or perhaps, because Asia is so vast, I should respond as a child of Thailand.
WE ARE PEOPLE OF THE WAY
Authors: Vlot Adrian , Goudzwaard Bob
Published: December 2014

“What should we do then?” This was the urgent question of the people after hearing the penetrative message of the prophet John the Baptist (Luke 3). The same question was inevitable after hearing all the preceding papers and discussions that treated our situation as Christians in our time from different angles. A final plenary session with the 160 participants out of 25 different nations was held to address, summarize and connect the most important issues brought up during the conference. A panel prepared and presented an outline for this final session. Panel members were: conference chairman Henk Geertsema (The Netherlands), Bob Goudzwaard (The Netherlands), Elsa de Powell (Argentina) and Bong Ho Son (Korea). Their outline consisted of two main points: 1. Analysis and understanding, and 2. Calling and perspective. Both points were subdivided in three aspects. Henk Geertsema chaired this final session. Not a full transcription but an impression is provided here of the presentation of the six points by the panel as well as the subsequent discussion.
CRITICAL STUDY:GOED, KWAAD EN DE AFFIRMATIE VAN HET LEVEN
Authors: Klink Ab
Published: December 2014

Het is alweer meer dan een decennium geleden dat Charles Taylors boek Sources of the self werd gepubliceerd. De gerenommeerde hoogleraar in de filosofie aan de McGill University in Canada presenteerde daarmee een boek van meer dan 500 pagina’s over ‘the making of the modern identity’. Ondertussen verscheen een herdruk van het boek. Dat illustreert de blijvende belangstelling die er voor het boek is. Die belangstelling is zeer terecht. Wie namelijk geïnteresseerd is in morele filosofie kan hier zijn hart ophalen. Het boek getuigt van een grote kennis van zaken: de honderden pagina’s beslaan terreinen van filosofie, geschiedenis, kunst, religie en literatuur, met af en toe een uitstapje naar de sociaal-economische context waarin zich transities in de morele en mentale opmaak van het Westen voordoen. Die uitstapjes hebben overigens wel een plichtmatig karakter. Het lijkt er eerder op dat de auteur daarmee heeft willen laten zien dat hij zichzelf wel degelijk realiseert dat die context er ook toe doet dan dat zij iets wezenlijks aan de argumentatie van de studie toevoegen.
ORIËNTATIE ALS JOURNALISTIEKE KERNTAAK
Authors: Vlastuin Evert van , Froneman Johannes
Published: December 2014

In de oriëntatiefunctie van de journalistiek gaat het om het wegwijs maken van het publiek in een veranderende wereld. In deze oriëntatie is de bewustheid van het eigen wereldbeeld essentieel. Er wordt in het denken over de oriëntatiefunctie bewust gekozen voor een fundamentele doordenking vanuit de (christelijke) ethiek. Journalistiek is namelijk niet alleen een maatschappelijk, maar vooral ook een ethisch gebeuren. Daarom zijn basisgegevens als dat communicatie een scheppingsgave van God is en dat elk mens een roeping heeft, van groot belang. Vanuit diezelfde achtergrond is er aandacht voor de functie van het wereldbeeld van een journalist, de nieuwswaarden en de vraag naar “goed en slecht” nieuws.
GNOSTISCHE SPIRITUALITEIT:DE GRIEKS-FILOSOFISCHE COMPONENT
Authors: Bos Abraham P.
Published: December 2014

Voor een goede beoordeling van het verschijnsel van de Gnostiek is het nodig rekening te houden met (A) de invloed van Philo van Alexandrië, (B) het geschrift Over de kosmos en (C) de filosofie van Aristoteles. In de moderne discussie zijn die drie factoren vaak verkeerd ingeschat.
REASON AND BELIEF IN GOD
Authors: Clouser Roy
Published: December 2014

In his article “Fides et Ratio” (Philosophia Reformata 2000, 65: 72-104), Eduardo Echeverria states he is writing out of his concern that since “”¦ the lack of unity among Christians represents the grave obstacle for the proclamation of the gospel, we should take every suitable opportunity to increase the unity of all Christians. The present essay is meant as a contribution toward this goal.” (p.72). The increased unity he has in mind is a reconciliation of the traditional scholastic interpretation of Christian doctrine (which he designates the “TSC”), and the Calvinist tradition (which I will designate the “CT”). More specifically, he seeks a unity between them concerning the relation of faith and reason, that is, the role of reason in belief in God. To this end he compares what he understands of the CT, as represented by Calvin and Dooyeweerd, with the TSC as represented by St Thomas and the encyclical, Fides et Ratio (1998) by Pope John Paul II. In all that follows I will be agreeing with Echeverria that this is, indeed, an important concern and a laudable goal, and I hope that what I offer here in reply to his essay will be taken in that same charitable spirit. So even though I find that Echeverria’s account of the differences between the TSC and the CT is seriously mistaken, I do agree that it would go a long way toward greater cooperation between our two traditions if we could at least agree on what our differences are and work toward resolving them. For that reason I will be more concerned here with clarifying those differences than with arguing for the CT. That does not mean that I will not at times offer brief accounts of why I think the CT is right to differ from the TSC on certain points; it only means that I do not regard the case I will make for these points as anywhere near complete. This brevity is made necessary because I find the misunderstandings of Calvin, and especially of Dooyeweerd, to be so many and so knotted in “Fides et Ratio” as to form a tangled skein that would require more than just one article to unravel. I have also decided that there are so many strands to this skein that for the sake of clarity I will restrict myself to only a few of them. My assumption is that it would be better to make real progress with getting a few key differences in focus, than to end up producing a tangle of my own in an attempt to cover every point raised in Echeverria’s long article. My hope is that the treatment of the points I do cover will be sufficient to indicate how a more thorough untangling would proceed.
ON AESTHETICALLY QUALIFIED CHARACTERS AND THEIR MUTUAL INTERLACEMENTS
Authors: Stafleu M.D.
Published: December 2014

Discussions about the aesthetic relation frame (or modal aspect) are often focused on subject-object relations, on objects of arts, their production and their perception.1 A Christian philosophical anthropology emphasizes human subject-subject relations and human acts, including more than the production of artefacts. According to the philosophy of the cosmonomic idea, any kind of human act has an aesthetic aspect. Yet, I shall restrict myself to types of characters (or structures of individuality) that are aesthetically qualified. I shall discuss (1) characters of acts, which objects are not typically aesthetic; (2) characters of acts, which objects are aesthetically qualified; (3) characters of acts performed in subject-subject relations, and (4) characters of aesthetically qualified associations.
ONCE AGAIN, JOHN PAUL II’S FIDES ET RATIO
Authors: Echeverria Eduardo J.
Published: December 2014

Roy Clouser’s reply to my article on John Paul II’s 1998 encyclical Fides et Ratio (FR) is learned, engaging, clear--and, respectfully put, full of errors on many points regarding John Paul’s understanding of faith and reason.1 On this matter, he attacks a straw man. Indeed, at times I wondered whether Clouser and I had read the same encyclical. Despite this, however, let me underscore my genuine appreciation of Clouser for pressing me to be clearer on my view of the encyclical’s position on faith and reason.2 My reply is organized in two parts. First, I argue that in FR (1) faith is a form of knowing; (2) John Paul II is not a rationalist; and (3) the impact of the fall into sin on human reason is integral. Second, I defend the view of FR that a metaphysical theology is necessary in order to give an account of the intelligibility of the Christian revelation. Indeed, one of the biblical requirements for a “Scriptural philosophy” is a philosophy of a truly metaphysical range, according to John Paul (FR, nos. 80-83).
IN THE TWILIGHT OF DOOYEWEERD’S CORPUS: The Publishing History of In The Twilight of Western Thought and the Future of Dooyeweerd Studies
Authors: Otto Paul
Published: December 2014

When it comes to studying the ideas of Herman Dooyeweerd as found in the volume In the Twilight of Western Thought: Studies in the Pretended Autonomy of Philosophical Thought, one should be tempted to ask, Will the real Herman Dooyeweerd please stand up? Under normal circumstances, it would seem unnecessary to ask such a question about a volume which is one of Dooyeweerd’s best-known works in English. Based upon lectures given in North America in 1958, it is often identified as the best English-language introduction by Dooyeweerd to his own system of thought.2 However, In the Twilight has appeared in three separate editions, none of which are explicitly or clearly enough related to each of the others or to the original lectures which they are supposed to represent. In short, this is a question of provenance. No, there is no doubt that the substance of the work is Dooyeweerd’s. Yet, none of the editions sufficiently identifies the relationship these essays had to previous editions or to the original lectures, the nature of the lectures themselves (exactly when and where they took place), and what role Dooyeweerd had in bringing the lectures to publication or seeing them later revised. Some 45 years distant from the original publication, some of these questions can be answered, but not all. Nevertheless, they should not be ignored. For In the Twilight of Western Thought to be valuable in the present-day to readers interested in Dooyeweerd’s thought, what little can be established concerning the editorial process must be made known and the remaining uncertainties of its publication and revision history must be publicly established. Furthermore, differences between the editions must also be catalogued and made accessible to readers of his work. The purpose of this essay is to document the history of the lectures, their initial publication, and revisions. Secondly, this essay includes a catalog of the differences between the various editions. As the publishing history of In the Twilight of Western Thought makes evident, in order for the work of Herman Dooyeweerd to continue to have influence, his published and unpublished works must be carefully catalogued, their provenance clearly determined, and the publishing, translation, and revision history of each carefully delineated.
PERSONS AND THEIR LIVES REFORMATIONAL PHILOSOPHY ON MAN, ETHICS, AND BEYOND
Authors: Glas Gerrit
Published: December 2014

My view on what I see as the predicament of Christian philosophy in ethics has been shaped by a number of experiences. I will first share with you some of these experiences, to give you an impression of the background against which this article has been written.
A new diploid butterwort species (Pinguicula, Lentibulariaceae) from Sardinia
Authors: Bacchetta Gianluigi , Cannas Marcello , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: December 2014

A new diploid species belonging to Pinguicula sect. Pinguicula is described from Sardinia, an island where no butterwort was previously reported from. The taxonomic relationship of P. sehuensis sp. nov. with other species is briefly discussed.
Comparison between Observed and Model-Simulated Atmospheric Circulation Patterns Associated with Extreme Temperature Days over North America Using CMIP5 Historical Simulations
Authors: Loikith Paul C. , Broccoli Anthony J.
Published: December 2014

Circulation patterns associated with extreme temperature days over North America, as simulated by a suite of climate models, are compared with those obtained from observations. The authors analyze 17 coupled atmosphere–ocean general circulation models contributing to the fifth phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Circulation patterns are defined as composites of anomalies in sea level pressure and 500-hPa geopotential height concurrent with days in the tails of temperature distribution. Several metrics used to systematically describe circulation patterns associated with extreme temperature days are applied to both the observed and model-simulated data. Additionally, self-organizing maps are employed as a means of comparing observed and model-simulated circulation patterns across the North American domain. In general, the multimodel ensemble resembles the observed patterns well, especially in areas removed from complex geographic features (e.g., mountains and coastlines). Individual model results vary; however, the majority of models capture the major features observed. The multimodel ensemble captures several key features, including regional variations in the strength and orientation of atmospheric circulation patterns associated with extreme temperatures, both near the surface and aloft, as well as variations with latitude and season. The results from this work suggest that these models can be used to comprehensively examine the role that changes in atmospheric circulation will play in projected changes in temperature extremes because of future anthropogenic climate warming.
Assessment of brain midline shift using sonography in neurosurgical ICU patients
Authors: Motuel Julie , Biette Isaure , Srairi Mohamed , Mrozek Ségolène , Kurrek Matt M , Chaynes Patrick , Cognard Christophe , Fourcade Olivier , Geeraerts Thomas
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Brain midline shift (MLS) is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to validate bedside assessment of MLS with Transcranial Sonography (TCS) in neurosurgical ICU patients by comparing it to CT.

Methods

In this prospective single centre study, patients who underwent a head CT were included and a concomitant TCS performed. TCS MLS was determined by measuring the difference between the distance from skull to the third ventricle on both sides, using a 2 to 4 MHz probe through the temporal window. CT MLS was measured as the difference between the ideal midline and the septum pellucidum. A significant MLS was defined on head CT as >0.5 cm.

Results

A total of 52 neurosurgical ICU patients were included. The MLS (mean ± SD) was 0.32 ± 0.36 cm using TCS and 0.47 ± 0.67 cm using CT. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r2) between TCS and CT scan was 0.65 (P <0.001). The bias was 0.09 cm and the limits of agreements were 1.10 and -0.92 cm. The area under the ROC curve for detecting a significant MLS with TCS was 0.86 (95% CI =0.74 to 0.94), and, using 0.35 cm as a cut-off, the sensitivity was 84.2%, the specificity 84.8% and the positive likelihood ratio was 5.56.

Conclusions

This study suggests that TCS could detect MLS with reasonable accuracy in neurosurgical ICU patients and that it could serve as a bedside tool to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment for patients with a significant intracranial mass effect.