bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are Concepts Mental Representations or Abstracta?
Authors: SUTTON JONATHAN
Published: May 2007

I argue that thoughts and concepts are mental representations rather than abstracta. I propose that the most important difference between the two views is that the mentalist believes that there are concept and thought tokens as well as types; this reveals that the dispute is not terminological but ontological. I proceed to offer an argument for mental‐ism. The key step is to establish that concepts and thoughts have lexical as well as semantic properties. I then show that this entails that concepts and thoughts are susceptible to the type/token distinction. I finish by considering some objections to the argument.
Brandom on the Normativity of Meaning
Authors: SHAPIRO LIONEL
Published: May 2007

Brandom's “inferentialism”–his theory that an expression's or state's contentfulness consists in its use or occurrence being governed by inferential norms–proves dubiously compatible with his own deflationary approach to underwriting the objectivity of intentional content (an approach that is one of the theory's essential presuppositions). This is because a deflationist argument, adapted from the case of truth to that of correct inference, undermines the key criterion of adequacy Brandom employs in motivating inferentialism. Once that constraint is abandoned, furthermore, Brandom is left vulnerable to the charge that his inferential norms are unavailable to play the meaning‐constituting role he claims for them. Yet Brandom's account of meaning tacitly intertwines inferentialism with a separate explanatory project, one that in explaining the pragmatic significance of meaning‐attributions does yield a convincing construal of the claim that the concept of meaning is a normative one.
What's NOT Wrong with Foundationalism
Authors: BERGMANN MICHAEL
Published: May 2007

One thing all forms of foundationalism have in common is that they hold that a belief can be justified noninferentially–i.e., that its justification need not depend on its being inferred from some other justified (or unjustified) belief. In some recent publications, Peter Klein argues that in virtue of having this feature, all forms of foundationalism are infected with an unacceptable arbitrariness that makes it irrational to be a practicing foundationalist. In this paper, I will explain why his objections to foundationalism fail.
Charity Implies Meta‐Charity
Authors: SORENSEN ROY
Published: May 2007

The principle of charity says that all agents are rational. The principle of meta‐charity says that all agents believe all agents are rational. My thesis is that the arguments which are used to support charity also support meta‐charity. Meta‐charity implies meta‐meta‐charity. By recursion, the principle of charity implies that it is common knowledge. But there appears to be intelligent, well‐informed disagreement with the principle of charity. So if the entailment thesis holds, opponents of the principle of charity have a new objection to the principle. Defenders of the principle of charity must either refute the entailment thesis or accept much stronger consequences than they expected.

“As I am, so I see.”—Ralph Waldo Emerson
Proper Basicality
Authors: FALES EVAN
Published: May 2007

Foundationalist epistemologies, whether internalist or externalist, ground noetic structures in beliefs that are said to be foundational, or properly basic. It is essential to such epistemologies that they provide clear criteria for proper basicality. This proves, 1 argue, to be a thorny task, at least insofar as the goal is to provide a psychologically realistic reconstruction of our actual doxastic practices. I examine some of the difficulties, and suggest some implications, in particular for the externalist epistemology of Alvin Plantinga.
External Freedom in Kant's Rechtslehre: Political, Metaphysical1
Authors: ULEMAN JENNIFER K.
Published: May 2007

External freedom is the central good protected in Kant's legal and political philosophy. But external freedom is perplexing, being at once freedom of spatio‐temporal movement and a form of noumenal or ‘intelligible’freedom. Moreover, it turns out that identifying impairments to external freedom nearly always involves recourse to an elaborated system of positive law, which seems to compromise external freedom's status as a prior, organizing good. Drawing heavily on Kant's understanding of the role of empirical ‘anthropological’information in constructing a Doctrine of Right, or Rechtslehre, this essay offers an interpretation of external freedom that makes sense of its simultaneous spatio‐temporality, dependence on positive law, intelligibility (or ‘noumenality’), and a priority. The essay suggests that this account of Kantian external freedom has implications both for politics and for the metaphysics of everyday objects and institutions.
Williamson on Vagueness and Context‐Dependence
Authors: MILLS EUGENE
Published: May 2007

Several philosophers offer explanations of linguistic vagueness by appealing to the referential context‐dependence of vague terms. Timothy Williamson argues pre‐emptively that any such approach must fail, on the grounds that context‐dependence is neither necessary nor sufficient for vagueness. He supports this claim, in turn, by example. This paper argues that his examples fail to show that context‐dependence is either unnecessary or insufficient for vagueness, and hence that he has failed by his own lights to show that it cannot explain vagueness.
The Phenomenology of Cognition OrWhat Is It Like to Think That P?
Authors: PITT DAVID
Published: May 2007

A number of philosophers endorse, without argument, the view that there's something it's like consciously to think thatp, which is distinct from what it's like consciously to think thatq. This thesis, if true, would have important consequences for philosophy of mind and cognitive science. In this paper I offer two arguments for it.

The first argument claims it would be impossible introspectively to distinguish conscious thoughts with respect to their content if there weren't something it's like to think them. This argument is defended against several objections.

The second argument uses what I call “minimal pair” experiences—sentences read without and with understanding—to induce in the reader an experience of the kind I claim exists. Further objections are considered and rebutted.
Locke's Essay, Book I: The Question‐Begging Status of the Anti‐Nativist Arguments
Authors: DE ROSA RAFFAELLA
Published: May 2007

In this paper I argue against the received view that the anti‐nativist arguments of Book I of Locke's Essay conclusively challenge nativism. I begin by reconstructing the chief argument of Book I and its corollary arguments. I call attention to their dependence on (what I label) “the Awareness Principle”, viz., the view that there are no ideas in the mind of which the mind either isn't currently aware or hasn't been aware in the past. I then argue that the arguments' dependence on this principle is question begging on two counts. Unless this principle is defended, Locke's arguments beg the question against Descartes and Leibniz because their nativism implies the denial of the Awareness Principle. And even when Locke defended the principle, his arguments remain question begging because they presuppose the empiricism they aim to prove. The disclosure of the question‐begging status of these arguments debunks a seemingly powerful way of attacking nativism.
Epicurean Equanimity Towards Death
Authors: DRAPER KAI
Published: May 2007

This paper assesses two reformulations of Epicurus' argument that “death … is nothing to us, since while we exist, death is not present; and whenever death is present, we do not exist.” The first resembles many contemporary reformulations in that it attempts to reach the conclusion that death is not to the disadvantage of its subject. I argue that this rather anachronistic sort of reformulation cannot succeed. The second reformulation stays closer to the spirit of Epicurus' actual position on death by attempting to reach the conclusion that it is inappropriate to fear or dread or have any other negative affective response towards death. I raise a plausible objection to this argument, suggesting that dissatisfaction is sometimes an appropriate response to the approach of death. I then go on to consider the possibility that Epicurus was partly right in that it may always be inappropriate to dread death.

Death is nothing to us. For while we are still alive, death is not present; and when death is present, we are not.

Epicurus1
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too: The Old Principal Principle Reconciled with the New*
Authors: VRANAS PETER B. M.
Published: May 2007

David Lewis (1980) proposed the Principal Principle (PP) and a “reformulation” which later on he called ‘OP’(Old Principle). Reacting to his belief that these principles run into trouble, Lewis (1994) concluded that they should be replaced with the New Principle (NP). This conclusion left Lewis uneasy, because he thought that an inverse form of NP is “quite messy”, whereas an inverse form of OP, namely the simple and intuitive PP, is “the key to our concept of chance”. I argue that, even if OP should be discarded, PP need not be. Moreover, far from being messy, an inverse form of NP is a simple and intuitive Conditional Principle (CP). Finally, both PP and CP are special cases of a General Principle (GP); it follows that so are PP and NP, which are thus compatible rather than competing.
Virtue Epistemology: No New Cures
Authors: LEVIN MICHAEL
Published: May 2007

One version of virtue epistemology defines knowledge as belief whose truth arises from, or is explained by, the motives that produced it. This version is also intended to solve the Gettier problem, by shielding properly caused beliefs from double accidents. Unfortunately, there is no notion of “explains” or “arises from” which explains in the intended sense the truth of true beliefs.
A Shaggy Soul Story: How not to Read the Wax Tablet Model in Plato's Theaetetus
Authors: WOOLF RAPHAEL
Published: May 2007

This paper sets out to re‐examine the famous Wax Tablet model in Plato's Theaetetus, in particular the section of it which appeals to the quality of individual souls’wax as an explanation of why some are more liable to make mistakes than others (194c‐195a). This section has often been regarded as an ornamental flourish or a humorous appendage to the model's main explanatory business. Yet in their own appropriations both Aristotle and Locke treat the notion of variable wax quality as an important part of the model's utility in dealing with mistake. What, then, is its status for Plato? I shall argue that the section on variable wax quality is there to suggest to the reader a tempting way of misinterpreting the model. This will highlight the distinctive character of the model in its original version, and provide an unusual example of a philosopher describing how not to read one of his own doctrines.
Agnosticism About Other Worlds: A New Antirealist Programme in Modality
Authors: DIVERS JOHN
Published: May 2007

The modal antirealist, as presented here, aims to secure at least some of the benefits associated with talking in genuine modal realist terms while avoiding commitment to a plurality of Lewisian (or ersatz) worlds. The antirealist stance of agnosticism about other worlds combines acceptance of Lewis's account of what world‐talk means with refusal to assert, or believe in, the existence of other worlds. Agnosticism about other worlds does not entail a comprehensive agnosticism about modality, but where such agnosticism about modality is enforced, the aim of the agnostic programme is to show that it is not detrimental to our modal practices. The agnostic programme consists in an attempt to demonstrate the rational dispensability of that disputed class of modal beliefs which the agnostic eschews, but which are held by the realist and the folk. Here I attempt to motivate, describe, and illustrate such an agnostic antirealist programme in modal philosophy.
What Do Powers Do When They Are Not Manifested?*
Authors: Psillos Stathis
Published: May 2007

In the present paper, I offer a conceptual argument against the view that all properties are pure powers. I claim that thinking of all properties as pure powers leads to a regress. The regress, I argue, can be solved only if non‐powers are admitted. The kernel of my thesis is that any attempt to answer the title question in an informative way will undermine a pure‐power view of properties. In particular, I focus my critique on recent arguments in favour of pure powers by the Late George Molnar and Jennifer McKitrick. The lines of defence of the friends of powers converge on what I call ‘the ultimate argument for powers’, viz., that current physics entails (or supports) the view that the fundamental properties (spin, mass, charge) are ungrounded powers. I take issue with this argument and make a modest suggestion: that the evidence from current physics is inconclusive.
Wrinkling of Plane Isotropic Biological Membranes
Authors: Massabò Roberta , Gambarotta Luigi
Published: May 2007

The problem of the wrinkling of plane isotropic membranes characterized by a Fung type constitutive model in biaxial tension has been formulated and solved within the framework of finite strain hyperelasticity. The formulation follows the approach of Pipkin [Pipkin, A.C., 1986, IMA J. Appl. Math., 36, pp. 85–99; 1994, ibid., 52, pp. 297–308], and the out of plane geometric nonlinearities are treated as constitutive nonlinearities through a modification of the elastic potential. The wrinkling criteria are based on the natural contraction of a membrane in simple tension. Both the natural contraction and the modified elastic potential are defined in closed form. The model has been implemented in a finite element code and the numerical solution validated using study cases with analytical solution. Applications are presented that simulate the response of stretched membranes, where distinct regions of behavior (taut, wrinkled, and slack or inactive) develop during loading, and a simple procedure of reconstructive surgery, characterized by the excision of a circular portion of the skin and the suture of the wound edges, where the wrinkling of the skin causes the extrusion of the edges (dog-ear formation).
INVESTIGATION OF STABLE, METASTABLE AND UNSTABLE SOLUTIONS ON MOLECULAR CRYSTALS
Authors: ÖZGAN ŞÜKRÜ
Published: May 2007

This work focuses on theoretically-obtained state solutions on molecular crystals with order–disorder phenomena in both the orientation and position of molecules. The stable, metastable and unstable solutions of the modified Pople–Karasz theory of molecular crystals are studied using two different methods. The first displays the free energy surfaces in the form of the contour mapping. The second obtains the flow diagrams and the relaxation curves by solving the dynamical equations. At temperatures lower than the lower limit of the stability temperature (T l ), two solutions, namely unstable and stable, are obtained. At these temperatures the system always relaxes to a stable state. Between the lower limit and the upper limit of the stability temperatures (T u ), there are three solutions: stable, metastable and unstable. In this case, the system relaxes to either a stable or a metastable state. The unstable state is a saddle-point which plays an important role in explaining how to get a system frozen-in in the metastable state. Above T u , there is a single stable solution. The solutions obtained from these two methods are in exact agreement with each other for a given temperature and coupling constant.
MEAN FIRST-PASSAGE TIME OF A TUMOR CELL GROWTH SYSTEM SUBJECTED TO A COLORED MULTIPLICATIVE NOISE AND A WHITE ADDITIVE NOISE WITH COLORED CROSS-CORRELATED NOISES
Authors: WANG CAN-JUN , WEI QUN , MEI DONG-CHENG
Published: May 2007

The transient properties of a tumor cell growth system are investigated when both the multiplicative noise and the coupling between additive and multiplicative noises are colored with different correlation times τ1 and τ2. The explicit expression of the mean first-passage time (MFPT) of the tumor cell growth system is obtained. The numerical computations show that the MFPT decreases with increases in D (multiplicative colored intensity) and α (additive white intensity). However, τ1 (correlation time of the multiplicative colored noise) can only linearly enhance the MFPT. It is interesting that the curves of the MFPT appears a peak structure as λ (correlation intensity) and τ2 (coupling correlation time) increases; namely, the MFPT can be enhanced for the small value of λ and τ2 and reduced for the large value of λ and the τ2.
ENTANGLEMENT FOR THE TWO-MODE FIELD IN THREE-LEVEL ATOMIC SYSTEMS
Authors: ZHANG BO , GE GUO-QIN , PING YUN-XIA
Published: May 2007

We investigate entanglement for the two-mode field in three-level atomic systems. Entanglement of the system is demonstrated according to the Duan's criterion.16 It shows that the entanglement has a close relation with the pump intensity. For large pump intensity, particular choice of its phase, zero detuning and cooperativity parameter, perfect entanglement for the two-mode field can be generated outside the cavity.
Role of STAT5a in regulation of sex-specific gene expression in female but not male mouse liver revealed by microarray analysis
Authors: Clodfelter Karl H. , Miles Gregory D. , Wauthier Valerie , Holloway Minita G. , Zhang Xiaohua , Hodor Paul , Ray William J. , Waxman David J.
Published: May 2007

Sexual dimorphism in mammalian liver impacts genes affecting hepatic physiology, including inflammatory responses, diseased states, and the metabolism of steroids and foreign compounds. Liver sex specificity is dictated by sex differences in pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion, with the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)5b required for intracellular signaling initiated by the pulsatile male plasma GH profile. STAT5a, a minor liver STAT5 form >90% identical to STAT5b, also responds to sexually dimorphic plasma GH stimulation but is unable to compensate for the loss of STAT5b and the associated loss of sex-specific liver gene expression. A large-scale gene expression study was conducted using 23,574-feature oligonucleotide microarrays and livers of male and female mice, both wild-type and Stat5a-inactivated mice, to elucidate any dependence of liver gene expression on STAT5a. Significant sex differences in expression were found for 2,482 mouse genes, 1,045 showing higher expression in males and 1,437 showing higher expression in females. In contrast to the widespread effects of the loss of STAT5b, STAT5a deficiency had a limited but well-defined impact on liver sex specificity, with 219 of 1,437 female-predominant genes (15%) specifically decreased in expression in STAT5a-deficient female liver. Analysis of liver RNAs from wild-type mice representing three mixed or outbred strains identified 1,028 sexually dimorphic genes across the strains, including 393 female-predominant genes, of which 89 (23%) required STAT5a for normal expression in female liver. These findings highlight the importance of STAT5a for regulation of sex-specific gene expression specifically in female liver, in striking contrast to STAT5b, whose major effects are restricted to male liver.
Ethanol Inhibitory Effect on Rat Kidney Brush Border Aminopeptidases
Authors: Vlahović Predrag , Cvetković Tatjana , Nikolić Jelenka , Sokolović Dušan
Published: May 2007

Background/Aim: Confusing data have been reported about the effect of ethanol or its metabolic products on blood pressure. The pressor agent, angiotensin II (Ang II), is found to be susceptible to degradation by different enzymes known as angiotensinases. We have studied the effects of ethanol and L-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, consumption on rat serum and kidney ectoenzymes: aminopeptidase N (APN) and aminopeptidase A (APA). Methods: Enzymatic activity of both enzymes was determined spectrophotometrically in serum and 10% homogenates of the rat kidney cortex using appropriate chromogenic substrates. Results: After 2 weeks of treatment with ethanol and L-NAME, blood urea and creatinine levels were significantly increased. The activities of APN (EC 3.4.11.2) and APA (EC 3.4.11.7) were reduced in serum as well as in kidney tissue during this period. L-NAME significantly attenuated activities of both enyzmes. Ethanol and L-NAME given simultaneously did not have an additional effect on the activity of investigated enzymes. Conclusion: Hypertension caused by chronic ethanol treatment as well as L-NAME administration could be associated with the reduction of APN and APA activity. Possible ethanol- and L-NAME-mediated inhibition of angiotensins degrading aminopeptidases could potentiate their effects on blood pressure.
Does Long-Term Continuous Transcranial Doppler Monitoring Require a Pause for Safer Use?
Authors: Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Ishibashi Toshihiro , Matsushima Masato , Tanifuji Yasumasa , Amaki Yoshikiyo , Furuhata Hiroshi
Published: May 2007

Background: Transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) has been used widely for long-term monitoring of cerebral blood flow without adverse reports. However, attention has not been adequately paid to the fact that an increase in the time period of TCD insonation causes brain temperature to rise due to ultrasound absorption by tissue and the skull. We measured the actual temperature rise in local brain tissue induced by TCD insonation over a long time period duringin vivo animal experiments in order to verify whether or not a pause is required in long-term, continuous TCD monitoring. Methods: We inserted thermocouples into the skull-brain interface (SBI) of 15 New Zealand White rabbits (10: TCD application group; 5: control group, TCD non-application group). The TCD probe was placed on the parietal bone, and changes in SBI temperature (SBIT) were measured for 90 min. TCD was set at maximum output level (0.2 W, 2 MHz). Results: SBIT in the TCD group increased rapidly to 3.47°C within 25 min and then reached a plateau. The maximum time for safe continuous TCD application is estimated to be 33 min. Conclusions: Even though there are large differences in factors, such as brain volume and environmental conditions, between rabbits and humans, there is less difference in their cerebral blood flow per brain weight, which is the parameter that is mainly associated with heat reduction. Accordingly, the findings of the present experiment suggest that long-term TCD monitoring in clinical use should include a pause after every 30 min of insonation to avoid thermal damage to the brain surface.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in High-Risk Patients
Authors: Kitagawa Kazuo , Hougaku Hidetaka , Yamagami Hiroshi , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Itoh Taiji , Shimizu Yoshiomi , Takahashi Daisuke , Murata Shinji , Seike Yujiro , Kondo Kimito , Hoshi Taku , Furukado Shigetaka , Abe Yuko , Yagita Yoshiki , Sakaguchi Manabu , Tagaya Masafumi , Etani Hideki , Fukunaga Ryuzo , Nagai Yoji , Matsumoto Masayasu , Hori Masatsugu
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose: There is epidemiological evidence that increased carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. However, the significance of carotid IMT in high-risk patients in whom risk factors are managed clinically has not been adequately investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of carotid IMT measurement in such patients. Methods: The study comprised 900 outpatients with cardiovascular risk factors or established atherosclerosis. Carotid IMT was calculated as the mean bilateral IMT of the common carotid artery, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery. Baseline vascular risk factors, medications, and history of CVD were recorded at the time of enrollment. The incidence of CVD events was determined prospectively. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 2.6 years, there were 64 CVD events. The relative risk (RR) of a CVD event increased with increased IMT. Association between CVD events and carotid IMT was significant after adjustment for risk factors and history of CVD, showing an increased risk per IMT tertile from the middle tertile (RR, 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–6.3) to the highest (RR, 3.6; 95% CI: 1.4–9.0). When patients with a history of CVD were excluded (n = 574), the predictive value of IMT was significant even after adjustment for risk factors (hazard ratio per 1 SD IMT increase was 1.57 [95% CI: 1.11–2.20]). Conclusions: Carotid IMT is an independent predictor of vascular events in high-risk patients in whom risk factors are managed clinically.
Management and Outcome of Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack Admitted to a Stroke Unit
Authors: Calvet David , Lamy Catherine , Touzé Emmanuel , Oppenheim Catherine , Meder Jean-François , Mas Jean-Louis
Published: May 2007

Background: The way in which patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) are investigated and treated varies substantially worldwide. There are no data on the management and outcome of TIA patients admitted to a stroke unit. We assessed to what extent rapid management of TIA patients admitted to a stroke unit led to specific treatments which can prevent stroke and evaluated the early risk and predictors of stroke in these patients. Methods: From January 2003 to November 2005, 203 consecutive patients with a recent (<48 h) TIA were admitted to our stroke unit. All patients had a diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on admission, a standardized etiological workup, and were followed up to 3 months. Results: The median (interquartile range) time from TIA onset to admission to the stroke unit was 12 h (5–25). DWI revealed acute lesions in 64 patients (32%). Of the 203 patients, 147 (72%) were treated by antiplatelet therapy and 56 (28%) with high doses of heparin, soon after their admission. In addition, 7 patients (3%) had a carotid revascularization. The risk of stroke was 2.5% (95% CI, 0.3–4.7) at 1 week, and 3.5% (1.0–6.1) at 3 months. In multivariate analysis, a score ≧5 at the previously validated ABCD score (HR = 5.0; 1.0–25.8; p = 0.06) and the presence of DWI abnormalities (HR = 10.3; 1.2–86.7; p = 0.03) were independent predictors of stroke at 3 months. Conclusion: Early management of TIA in a stroke unit leads to specific treatments in a significant proportion of cases. The presence of acute lesions on DWI and the ABCD score predict the 3-month risk of stroke after TIA.
Presence of Acute Ischaemic Lesions on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Is Associated with Clinical Predictors of Early Risk of Stroke after Transient Ischaemic Attack
Authors: Redgrave J.N. , Schulz U.G. , Briley D. , Meagher T. , Rothwell P.M.
Published: May 2007

Background: Early risk of stroke after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) can be reliably predicted with risk scores based on clinical features of the patient and the event, but it is unclear how these features correlate with findings on brain imaging and few studies have investigated this in the subacute phase. Methods: Two hundred consecutive patients attending a specialist clinic underwent diffusion-weighted brain imaging (DWI) on the day of the clinic (≧3 days after a TIA) and the presence of recent lesions (positive DWI) was related to the presence of clinical features associated with a high stroke risk and to 2 validated risk scores (ABCD and California). Results: Thirty-one patients (16%) had positive DWI. Increasing ABCD and California scores were associated with positive DWI (p = 0.02 for both) independent of the delay from TIA to scan. Conclusion: Presence of recent ischaemic lesions on DWI correlates with validated clinical scores for risk of stroke after TIA in patients scanned subacutely. Future prognostic studies of DWI after TIA should adjust for the risk scores to determine the independent predictive value of DWI and hence the likely role of DWI in refinements of the scores.
Application of Neuroendoscopy in the Treatment of Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Zaiqiang , Li Xingang , Liu Yuguang , Shao Yi , Xu Shujun , Yang Yang
Published: May 2007

Background: Spontaneous intraventricular hemorrhage is an infrequent but severe complication of hemorrhagic stroke. The conventional treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage consists of ventricular drainage or surgical evacuation, but neither of them is encouraged. The objective of this article is to compare different surgical procedures in order to evaluate a method of minimally invasive treatment for intraventricular hemorrhage. Methods: Neuroendoscopy was applied to treat 22 cases of intraventricular hemorrhage. Twenty cases of the same disease that were treated by external ventricular drainage were taken as a control and comparison. Results: All patients were followed up for 2 months. In the neuroendoscopy group, according to the Glasgow outcome scale, the result was excellent in 5 cases, good in 9, fair in 4, poor in 2 and death in 2. In the external ventricular drainage group, the result was excellent in 1 case, good in 5, fair in 7, poor in 5 and death in 2. More patients in the neuroendoscopy group showed good recovery after 2 months of surgery (p < 0.05). The difference in mortality rate between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Neuroendoscopic neurosurgery for intraventricular hemorrhage offers better surgical treatment because it is characterized by visualized manipulation, effective hemorrhage evacuation and excellent postoperative outcomes.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Middle Cerebral Artery Stenosis in Asymptomatic Residents in Rongqi County, Guangdong
Authors: Huang Hai Wei , Guo Ming Hui , Lin Rui Jin , Chen Ya Li , Luo Qin , Zhang Ying , Wong Ka Sing
Published: May 2007

Backgrounds: Intracranial atherosclerosis is the commonest vascular lesion for ischemic stroke in Asians. Most research on risk factors for middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis has been conducted in symptomatic patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. The present study aimed to investigate risk factors for MCA stenosis in an asymptomatic population in Rongqi County in Southern China. Methods: We assessed 1,068 asymptomatic subjects over 50 years of age by transcranial Doppler. Medical history documentation and investigation of biochemical markers were performed for each subject. Multivariant, unconditioned, logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the risk factors associated with MCA stenosis. Results: MCA stenosis was found in 63 subjects (5.9%). Male gender, advancing age, hypertension, diabetes and systolic blood pressure were significant risk factors for MCA stenosis (p < 0.001). Based on logistic regression analyses, 4 factors emerged as independent risk factors (p < 0.001) of MCA stenosis: male gender [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.49–4.66, OR = 2.63], age (95% CI = 1.01–1.06, OR = 1.04), hypertension (95% CI = 4.57–18.35, OR = 9.16) and diabetes mellitus (95% CI = 3.09–11.29, OR = 5.9). Conclusion: MCA stenosis is relatively common among asymptomatic Chinese subjects. Male gender, advanced age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are risk factors for MCA stenosis.
Treatment of Epileptogenic Cavernomas: Surgery versus Radiosurgery
Authors: Hsu Peng-Wei , Chang Cheng-Nen , Tseng Chen-Kan , Wei Kuo-Cheng , Wang Chun-Chieh , Chuang Chi-Cheng , Huang Yin-Cheng
Published: May 2007

Background: Epilepsy is the most common symptom of cavernoma. Although microsurgery is the mainstay treatment for epileptogenic cavernoma, this procedure may cause severe complications for some lesions. This report aimed to study if linear accelerator (LINAC) radiosurgery was an alternative treatment modality for epileptogenic cavernoma. Methods: In this retrospective study, 29 patients were diagnosed with epileptogenic cavernomas from September 1995 to March 2005. Fifteen patients were treated with surgical excision and 14 with LINAC radiosurgery. The evaluation of epilepsy control was according to Engel’s classification. Results: In the surgical group, 13 (86.7%) of 15 patients had a class I seizure-free outcome. In the radiosurgery group, class I control was achieved in 9 (64.3%) of 14 patients. However, there was no significant difference in the results of treatment between the two groups. Conclusions: LINAC radiosurgery is an alternative treatment for epileptogenic cavernomas, especially when the lesions are located in the central regions or eloquent areas of the brain.
Cochlear Implant Channel Separation and Its Influence on Speech Perception – Implications for a New Electrode Design
Authors: Arnoldner Christoph , Riss Dominik , Baumgartner Wolf-Dieter , Kaider Alexandra , Hamzavi Jafar-Sasan
Published: May 2007

There are a variety of factors which can influence cochlear implantation outcome. Channel interaction is one of the variables responsible for audiological performance deterioration in multichannel implants. Electrode design is – among others – one way to decrease the incidence of channel interaction. At present, electrodes differ in overall length, diameter, contact design and distribution, but none of the electrodes available have a distinct variability in the amount of space between contacts across the length of the electrode. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a new electrode design featuring larger contact spacing in the apical part of deeply inserted electrodes would lead to an increase in speech perception. Eighteen postlingually deafened patients fitted with MedEl Combi 40+ or MedEl Pulsar cochlear implants using the MedEl implementation of continuous interleaved sampling participated in this study. Patients were tested in 6 conditions, in which the channel spacing and distribution of electrode contacts in each patient were artificially varied by activating or deactivating different channels. Performance was tested immediately after each change in setup with a monosyllable and sentence test (Hochmaier, Schultz and Moser). Our results showed that the condition with the highest distance between contacts in the apical part (up to 6.4 mm instead of 2.4 mm) is the most effective for the matched map condition: the results improved statistically significantly for the sentence test from 72% in the standard 12-channel condition to 83.2% and from 40.8 to 50% for the monosyllable test. Based on these findings, we present a new electrode design which can help achieve further increases in speech perception with cochlear implants.
Early Renal Injury after Nonmyeloablative Allogeneic Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia
Authors: Liu Hong , Ding Jia-Hua , Liu Bi-Cheng , Zhao Gang , Chen Bao-An
Published: May 2007

Background: Renal insufficiency is a common complication early after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Over the past several years, significant advancement has been achieved in HSCT, especially in nonmyeloablative stem cell transplantation. Compared with traditional HSCT, nonmyeloablative HSCT employs significantly lower doses of chemoradiotherapy and lower toxicity. The current study evaluated renal insufficiency during the first 100 days in patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML) who underwent nonmyeloablative allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (allo-PBSCT) in a single center. Methods: A total of 26 consecutive patients with CML received nonmyeloablative allo-PBSCT from 2002 to 2005 in Zhong Da Hospital. The average age of the patients was 40.2 ± 8.2 years. Renal function was measured by serum creatinine concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) during the first 100 days after nonmyeloablative allo-PBSCT. Renal dysfunction was classified as follows: grade 0 (<25% decline in GFR), grade 1 (≧25% decrese in GFR but <twofold rising in serum creatinine), grade 2 (≧twofold increase in serum creatinine but no need for dialysis) and grade 3 (≧twofold increase in serum creatinine and need for dialysis). Acute renal failure (ARF) was defined as a doubling of baseline serum creatinine, grade 2 and grade 3. Results: All the patients were successfully engrafted. Of the 26 patients, 10 (38%) patients had some degree of renal dysfunction (grade 1, 5 patients; grade 2, 4 patients; grade 3, 1 patient). They developed ARF at an average of 32.8 ± 4.0 days after transplantation. No significant difference was observed in terms of age, baseline serum creatinine, albumin and hemoglobin between the patients with ARF and without ARF. Renal dysfunction was associated with significantly higher frequencies of sepsis and hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD, p < 0.01, respectively). The overall mortality rate at the end of 100 days was 19% (5/26). The mortality rate for patients with ARF was significantly higher than those without ARF (p < 0.001). Conclusion: During the first 100 days following nonmyeloablative allo-PBSCT in patients with CML, a 38% incidence of renal dysfunction and a 19% of ARF were found, which were much less than previous studies. Sepsis and VOD were significantly correlated with the development of renal dysfunction. Severe nephrotoxicity was associated with the increase in mortality.
Delta-Like 4 Induces Notch Signaling in Macrophages
Authors: Fung Erik , Tang Sai-Man Timothy , Canner James P. , Morishige Kunio , Arboleda-Velasquez Joseph F. , Cardoso Angelo A. , Carlesso Nadia , Aster Jon C. , Aikawa Masanori
Published: May 2007

Background—

Activated macrophages contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Although Notch signaling participates in various aspects of immunity, its role in macrophage activation remains undetermined.

Methods and Results—

To explore the role of Notch signaling in inflammation, we examined the expression and activity of Notch pathway components in human primary macrophages in vitro and in atherosclerotic plaques. Macrophages in culture express various Notch pathway components including all 4 receptors (Notch1 to Notch4). Notch3 selectively increased during macrophage differentiation; however, silencing by RNA interference demonstrated that all receptors are functional. The ligand Delta-like 4 (Dll4) increased in macrophages exposed to proinflammatory stimuli such as lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1β, or minimally-modified low-density lipoprotein in a Toll-like receptor 4– and nuclear factor-κB–dependent fashion. Soluble Dll4 bound to human macrophages. Coincubation of macrophages with cells that expressed Dll4 triggered Notch proteolysis and activation; increased the transcription of proinflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, pentraxin 3 and Id1; resulted in activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, Akt, and nuclear factor-κB pathways; and increased the expression of Dll4 in macrophages. Notch3 knockdown during macrophage differentiation decreased the transcription of genes that promote inflammation, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, pentraxin 3, Id1, and scavenger receptor-A. These in vitro findings correlate with results of quantitative immunohistochemistry, which demonstrated the presence of Dll4 and other Notch components within macrophages in atherosclerotic plaques.

Conclusion—

Dll4-triggered Notch signaling may mediate inflammatory responses in macrophages and promote inflammation.
Revisiting Negative Selection Algorithms
Authors: Ji Zhou , Dasgupta Dipankar
Published: May 2007

This paper reviews the progress of negative selection algorithms, an anomaly/change detection approach in Artificial Immune Systems (AIS). Following its initial model, we try to identify the fundamental characteristics of this family of algorithms and summarize their diversities. There exist various elements in this method, including data representation, coverage estimate, affinity measure, and matching rules, which are discussed for different variations. The various negative selection algorithms are categorized by different criteria as well. The relationship and possible combinations with other AIS or other machine learning methods are discussed. Prospective development and applicability of negative selection algorithms and their influence on related areas are then speculated based on the discussion.
Effect of Substrates on Action Spectra of Fading of a Selected Disperse Dyestuff under Light Radiation
Authors: Imaizumi Akira , Yoshizumi Kunio
Published: May 2007

The characteristics of fading of nylon, polyester and cellulose triacetate fabrics dyed with C I Disperse Blue 79:1 were investigated on a radiant energy basis by exposure to monochromatic light. Action spectra were compiled to show the strong effect of substrate on the fading with respect to radiant wavelength. Peaks were observed with maxima at 246 nm on cellulose triacetate, 310 nm on polyester and 262 nm on nylon in the fading. The nylon substrate caused the least light-fastness compared with the polyester and cellulose triacetate substrates, showing a wide wavelength range in the fading response. Moreover, it was estimated through color change examinations that the reduction of the nitro group to the amino group occurred on the nylon substrate, whereas the destruction of the azo group of the dye prevailed on the polyester and cellulose triacetate substrates under light irradiation.
Measurement of Viscosity Damping Parameters of Fabric Related to a Non-linear Textile Model
Authors: Charfi H. , Gagalowicz A. , Brun R.
Published: May 2007

Energy damping is an important phenomenon to consider for the dynamic three-dimensional (3-D) simulation of warp and weft materials, since it has a great influence on the realism of cloth movement. This phenomenon can be generated either by friction between moving cloth and air, or by friction between the warp and the weft threads of fabric. Given a model for energy damping, model parameters are usually tuned by hand. In this paper, we present an experimental study using MOCAP system for acquiring precise 3-D trajectory data of real cloth in free fall movement. The contribution of this study is to measure experimentally the parameters of an energy-damping model for cloth using real 3-D trajectory data and evaluate their contribution for cloth simulation in the case of free fall movement. Validation of the viscosity parameters measurement is performed by the comparison between the real and the virtual trajectories (which are almost the same).
Setting priorities for waste management strategies in developing countries
Authors: Brunner Paul H. , Fellner Johann
Published: May 2007

This study aimed to determine whether the waste management systems, that are presently applied in affluent countries are appropriate solutions for waste management in less developed regions. For this purpose, three cities (Vienna, Damascus and Dhaka) which differ greatly in their gross domestic product and waste management were compared. The criteria for evaluation were economic parameters, and indicators as to whether the goals of waste management (protection of human health and the environment, the conservation of resources) were reached. Based on case studies, it was found that for regions spending 1—10 capita —1 year—1 for waste management, the `waste hierarchy' of prevention, recycling and disposal is not an appropriate strategy. In such regions, the improvement of disposal systems (complete collection, upgrading to sanitary landfilling) is the most cost-effective method to reach the objectives of solid waste management. Concepts that are widely applied in developed countries such as incineration and mechanical waste treatment are not suitable methods to reach waste management goals in countries where people cannot spend more than 10 per person for the collection, treatment and disposal of their waste. It is recommended that each region first determines its economic capacity for waste management and then designs its waste management system according to this capacity and the goals of waste management.
Using research-based knowledge to underpin waste and resources policy
Authors: Wilson David C. , Smith Nadine A. , Blakey Nick C. , Shaxson Louise
Published: May 2007

The concept of a knowledge-based approach to policy making (also referred to as `evidence-based policy making' or `science meets policy') has been around for 10 years, and is widely `signed up to' by Governments. This paper examines the theory and the practice at national government (using the UK as a case study) and European levels, looking at how the knowledge-based approach has been applied in waste and resources management. There is general agreement that a knowledge-(or evidence-) based approach to policy making is a `good thing'; however putting the concept into practice has proven challenging and is still evolving. The linkages between researchers and policy makers need to be further strengthened, as does the `demand' for evidence from policy; requiring policy specialists to articulate their requirements for evidence sufficiently well in advance, and to do so routinely, is still an area of weakness. Using a model developed by the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), we examine in detail some of the implications of changing the question from `is this good research on waste and resources issues?' to `is this good evidence for waste and resources policy?'. The paper also provides recommendations for further work required to achieve this at a European level, and for priority areas where international co-ordination of waste and resources research could add most value to policy.
Postfeminist media culture
Authors: Gill Rosalind
Published: May 2007

The notion of postfeminism has become one of the most important in the lexicon of feminist cultural an alysis. Yet there is little agreement about what postfeminism is. This article argues that postfeminism is best understood as a distinctive sensibility, made up of a number of interrelated themes. These include the notion that femininity is a bodily property; the shift from objectification to subjectification; an emphasis upon self-surveillance, monitoring and self-discipline; a focus on individualism, choice and empowerment; the dominance of a makeover paradigm; and a resurgence of ideas about natural sexual difference. Each of these is explored in some detail, with examples from contemporary Anglo-American media. It is precisely the patterned articulation of these ideas that constitutes a postfeminist sensibility. The article concludes with a discussion of the connection between this sensibility and contemporary neoliberalism.
Designed for pleasure
Authors: Smith Clarissa
Published: May 2007

This article examines sex retailing in the United Kingdom and advancements in sex toy design in order to explore the part that these products play in discourses of female sexual self-discovery. As British culture appears increasingly transfixed by sex and sexual adventure, the proliferation of sex toys could be explained as just another instance of its relaxed attitudes. The existence of specialist erotic boutiques for women indicates a shift in perceptions of womens sexuality, although the focus on `acceptance of sexual practices ignores the ways in which womens consumption of sexual artefacts is dependent upon the intersections of gender and class identities and the construction of a particular form of hedonistic femininity. This article explores the ways in which High Street sex retailing engages with feminism and questions of identity and taste.