bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Being Human in the “Information Society”
Authors: Lyon David
Published: November 2012

With their methodical attention to detail, their tirelessness, their immunity to boredom, and their very high speed, all coupled now with reasoning power and information, machines are beginning to produce knowledge, often faster and better — “smarter” — than the human who taught them. By promising (or threatening) to replace man, the computer is giving us a new definition of man, as an “information processor,” and of nature, as “information to be processed.” It is not that we cannot live without computers, but that we will be different people because we live with them.
Schets van de Filosofie van C.F. von Weizsäcker
Authors: Stellingwerff J.
Published: November 2012

Toen professor dr. Carl Friedrich, Freiherr von Weizsäcker op 28 juni 1992 tachtig jaar werd, verscheen zijn filosofische hoofdwerk, Zeit und Wissen, een boek van 1184 bladzijden. Omdat de auteur, die we verder met W. zullen aanduiden, behalve een bekend kernfysicus ook filosoof is en een actief christen, wil ik wat breder op zijn werk ingaan, mede omdat in Philosophia Reformata nog niet eerder over zijn wijsbegeerte werd gepubliceerd. Daarbij telt ook dat W. in zijn boek op bladzijde 1149 schrijft: ‘Philosophie, die sich von den Worten der Bergpredigt, von der Erfahrung von Gebet und Meditation, von der Kreuzigung Jesu und seiner lebendigen Gegenwart bei allen, die ihm zu folgen bereit waren, nicht wesentlich bestimmen läszt, ist keine heute noch glaubwürdige Philosophie’. In het beschrijvende deel zal ik uit de vele boeken en met name uit Zeit und Wissen uitvoerig citeren, om pas aan het eind een beoordeling te geven.
Onmiddellijke Kennis, Inferentiële Kennis en Geloof: De genealogie van Alvin Plantinga’s epistemologie
Authors: van Woudenberg R.
Published: November 2012

Een van de meest opwindende ontwikkelingen in de Engelstalig filosofische wereld van de laatste decennia is vermoedelijk wel de herleving van de godsdienstfilosofie. Deze leek begraven omdat de godsdienst zelf, m.n. het Christendom, begraven leek onder een vracht van beschuldigingen, zoals de neopositivistische negatie van de zinnigheid van godsdienstige taal; of Sartre’s stelling dat de godsdienst de mens van zijn authenticiteit berooft; of de Freudiaanse gedachte dat godsdienst een neurose is; of de Marxistische mening dat de godsdienst de mens vervreemdt van de maatschappelijke erkelijkheid. Voorzover godsdienstfilosofie — laten we zeggen tot in de zestiger jaren — mogelijk leek en werkelijkheid was, dan voornamelijk als godsdienstkritiek.
In het Krachtveld van het Scheppingswoord
Authors: Dengerink J.D.
Published: November 2012

Wanneer wij het leidend motief in Dooyeweerds systematisch-wijsgerig werk proberen te ontdekken, stuiten wij op het beginsel van de soevereiniteit in eigen kring. Het is bekend, dat G. Groen van Prinsterer als eerste de term ‘soevereiniteit in eigen kring of, juister, ‘soevereiniteit in eigen sfeer’ heeft gebruikt. Hij wilde daarmede in het bijzonder de onderlinge onafhankelijkheid van kerk en staat aanduiden. A. Kuyper heeft deze term van Groen overgenomen. Deze kreeg bij hem echter een veel bredere, kosmische betekenis. Zo sprak hij van de gebieden van de natuur, het persoonlijk leven, het huisgezin, de wetenschap, de kerk, het denken, het geweten, het geloof, waarvoor God, de soevereine Schepper, Zijn wetten heeft gesteld en welke alle staan onder eigen ‘overhoogheid’. Hij heeft echter soevereiniteit in eigen kring als beginsel, zij het meer intuïtief dan systematisch, vooral ontwikkeld in zijn beschouwingen over de menselijke samenleving.
Kritische Studie
Authors: Berger Herman
Published: November 2012

Dit boek geeft zijn geheimen niet gemakkelijk prijs. Misschien is het snel toegankelijk voor lezers die tot de eigen kring van de auteur behoren, maar ik heb me toegang moeten verschaffen. Ik bedoel: wat het boek beoogt heb ik pas geleidelijk ontdekt. Ik heb het moeten lezen alsof het een detectiveverhaal was. Natuurlijk had ik me veel moeite kunnen besparen als ik met het laatste hoofdstuk was begonnen. Maar dat doe je niet bij een detective. Ik heb het bladzijde voor bladzijde gelezen en van mijn leesproces ga ik nu verslag doen. Op dat verslag zullen dan wat kritische overwegingen volgen. Mijn lezen begon bij de titel: De aantrekkingskracht van het midden. Een aantrekkelijke titel, vond ik. Daarmee was ik al op het verkeerde been gezet. Als ik een titel aantrekkelijk vind, is dat een positieve waardering (Pas op blz. 252 staat onomwonden dat de aantrekkingskracht van het midden peioratief bedoeld is. Maar daar ben ik nog niet). De ondertitel hielp me niet verder. Filosofische boeken hebben veelal een dergelijke ondertitel.
Normativiteit III: Oorsprong en ondergang van het denken over scheppingsordeningen
Authors: Troost A.
Published: November 2012

Behalve onze volledige erkenning dat in het Stoïcisme een duidelijke herinnering ligt aan Gods overmachtige openbaring van zijn scheppingsorde, is ook met waardering te melden dat de Stoa een sterk besef heeft gehad van een onder de oppervlakte van het actieve leven gelegen diepere dimensie van de zogenaamde zedelijke deugden. Zelf spreek ik (althans in wetenschappelijke context) liever van ‘disposities’, de eerste onderlaag in de structuur van de concrete menselijke activiteiten.De genoemde stoïsche gedachte is van belang in het licht van de latere ontwikkelingen van de praxeologie, met name in de zogenaamde goederenethiek, plichtenethiek of verantwoordingsethiek. ‘Gezindheidsethiek’ in diverse wijsgerige stromingen kon daarbij aanknopen. Dit was inderdaad een bij de Stoa positief te waarderen voortzetting van een reeds bestaande Sokratische, Platonische en Aristotelische traditie. Het is een goede weerstand tegenover elke tot de oppervlakte van het handelen (de zogenaamde uitwendige handeling) beperkte visie, die dit oppervlakte-niveau, deze boven- of buitenkant, abstraheert, verzelfstandigt en overschat. Een denken in deze trant van wetticisme en activisme, van formalisme, legalisme en verjuridisering van de moraal, is met de reformatorische wijsbegeerte te weerstaan vanuit haar analyse van de dieptedimensies in de actstructuur: acten, disposities, ethos en centraal-religieuze worteldimensie in het menselijk hart.
Repliek OP P.B. Cliteur, “De Democratische Rechtsstaat Aan Het Einde van de Geschiedenis”
Authors: Klop C.J.
Published: November 2012

In het model van de democratische rechtsstaat zijn de twee centrale idealen van de westerse constitutionele ontwikkeling, te weten: rechtsstaat en democratie, ten dele verwerkelijkt, aldus Cliteur (10). Met democratie bedoelt hij een politiek bestel waarin de burgers invloed kunnen uitoefenen op het bestuur van de staat. De burgers gezamenlijk hebben het laatste woord wanneer het gaat om de inrichting van de samenleving, niet enkelingen zoals de vorst of een aristocratische elite. Burger is zij/hij die zowel regeert als geregeerd wordt. Om deze dubbelfunctie te kunnen uitoefenen moeten burgers een minimum aan autonomie, oordeelkundigheid en loyaliteit bezitten (14,15).
Dupliek OP S. Griffioen, Samenleven
Authors: van der Wal G.A.
Published: November 2012

De bijdrage van Sander Griffioen aan de OU-cursus Cultuurfilosofie vanuit levensbeschouwelijke perspectieven draagt de korte maar krachtige titel ‘Samenleven’. Daarmee wordt aangegeven dat het onderwerp van de beschouwing de samenleving ofwel het sociale fenomeen als zodanig is. Het gaat derhalve niet zozeer om meer speciale kwesties inzake de inrichting of organisatie van het samenleven zoals die bijvoorbeeld in de rechts-, de politieke of de managementfilosofie rond de thema’s rechtsstaat, democratie, vrije markteconomie en dergelijke aan de orde zijn. Ook daar spelen maatschappijvisies op zijn minst indirect en op de achtergrond een rol. In het stuk van Griffioen gaat het expliciet om die kijk op het samenleven zelf. De leidende vraag is met andere woorden hoe het sociale fenomeen als zodanig nader moet worden begrepen en wat de betekenis en plaats ervan in het menselijk bestaan is. Conform de opzet van de cursus wordt op die vraag vanuit een bepaalde levensbeschouwelijke invalshoek ingegaan, in dit geval de reformatorisch-christelijke, waarbij tegelijk de overeenkomst maar vooral ook het verschil met de katholieke en de humanistische visie op het samenleven aandacht krijgt.
In Discussie Met G.A. van der Wal
Authors: Griffioen S.
Published: November 2012

De kritische bespreking die collega Koo van der Wal aan mijn hoofdstuk in de OU-bundel heeft gewijd, komt aan helderheid niets tekort. De bedoeling is een spanning aan het licht te brengen: waar in dat hoofdstuk de reformatorische sociale wijsbegeerte uitdrukkelijk aan de orde komt, zou de aanvankelijke brede, ‘hegeliaanse’ behandeling van visies op samenleven een antithetische versmalling ondergaan. Op de plaats waar z.i. het mensbeeld uitgebreid aan de orde had moeten komen, gaat alle aandacht naar een onderwerp van ondergeschikt belang: de soevereiniteit in eigen kring. Het ontbreken van een antropologische verankering zou dan weer tot gevolg hebben dat de vraag ‘wat samenleven nu eigenlijk is’ blijft zweven: de concentratie op verschillen en conflicten moest volgens hem wel ten koste gaan van wat hij zelf als hoofdzaak ziet: de vraag naar wat mensen samenbindt. Hij erkent wel dat die vraag aan de orde komt, maar acht de uitwerking niet overtuigend. Zo betwijfelt hij of ik een basis heb voor erkenning van mensenrechten.
De Eigen Aard van Het Geloof in de Wijsgerige Theologie van Vincent Brümmer
Authors: G. Geertsema Henk
Published: November 2012

Een van de kenmerken van de wijsgerige theologie zoals die in de Utrechtse school wordt beoefend, is de nadruk op een persoonlijk Godsbegrip. Daarom wordt voor de bijdragen gebundeld in Hoe is uw Naam? Opstellen over de eigenschappen van God geclaimd ‘dat over de eigenschappen van God niet op abstracte wijze wordt gespeculeerd, maar dat zij afgelezen worden uit het persoonlijk handelen van God jegens mens en wereld’. In het artikel ‘Conceptuele analyse en christelijk geloof. Over de wijsgerige theologie in Utrecht’ heb ik geprobeerd aan te tonen dat deze claim slechts in beperkte mate wordt waar gemaakt.
The Case of Philip Morris v. Uruguay: A Preliminary Observation from a Chinese Scholar
Authors: Han Xiuli
Published: November 2012

The year 2010 witnessed a case which involved both public health epitomized by tobacco control and investment embodied as intellectual property. The future arbitral award of the pending case will carry significant meaning to understand the relationship between obligations to protect public health and to protect investment for a sovereign state. The author tries to make sure that even though the regulatory legitimacy should be determined case by case, it seems that the trend of treaties and jurisprudences show that only if some basic principles, such as non-discrimination, proportionality, due process of law, and the public interest are respected, the regulation of the host state would be unchallengeable. It is tenable to argue that Uruguay need not compensate subject to the listed regulatory requirements above.
Forgotten Crime Victims: The Need for a Comprehensive and Focused Reform Effort in Response to Domestic Violence in American Indian Communities
Authors: Reinikainen Patrick J.
Published: November 2012

Those working on behalf of victims of domestic violence crimes in the United States have struggled for decades to create an effective response to victim needs. This movement has achieved some significant victories with respect to legal reform and the creation of effective resources at the local and national level. Yet, all victims are not the same. This article adds to the current discussion regarding American Indian victims of domestic violence by encouraging a more comprehensive and focused approach to reform. Academics and advocates have written on the statutory barriers currently in place and certain problems with United States Supreme Court jurisprudence regarding jurisdiction over crimes committed on Indian land against American Indian women. While an important and recognized part of reform, these issues are not the sole pitfalls in the response thus far. This article posits that, at the same time, any reform must also foster the development of Native prosecutorial resources and guidelines, as well as financial and educational opportunities for Native women. Moreover, a more culturally informed approach to solving the domestic violence plight in American Indian communities is needed and would ideally take into account other factors. By considering the unique social, historical, and cultural circumstances of American Indian victims, advocates and policymakers can create more well-tailored solutions to a complex problem. This article offers many of the factors that should ideally inform the debate surrounding recent legislation in the United States with a hope of spurring more comprehensive action on behalf of victims; however, this article does not represent a complete solution to a uniquely sensitive and complicated issue. More must be accomplished for all victims of domestic violence crimes in the United States and abroad with regard to creating culturally informed solutions.
Lower-Stratospheric Radiative Damping and Polar-Night Jet Oscillation Events
Authors: Hitchcock Peter , Shepherd Theodore G. , Taguchi Masakazu , Yoden Shigeo , Noguchi Shunsuke
Published: November 2012

The effect of stratospheric radiative damping time scales on stratospheric variability and on stratosphere–troposphere coupling is investigated in a simplified global circulation model by modifying the vertical profile of radiative damping in the stratosphere while holding it fixed in the troposphere. Perpetual-January conditions are imposed, with sinusoidal topography of zonal wavenumber 1 or 2.

The depth and duration of the simulated sudden stratospheric warmings closely track the lower-stratospheric radiative time scales. Simulations with the most realistic profiles of radiative damping exhibit extended time-scale recoveries analogous to polar-night jet oscillation (PJO) events, which are observed to follow sufficiently deep stratospheric warmings. These events are characterized by weak lower-stratospheric winds and enhanced stability near the tropopause, which persist for up to 3 months following the initial warming. They are obtained with both wave-1 and wave-2 topography. Planetary-scale Eliassen–Palm (EP) fluxes entering the vortex are also suppressed, which is in agreement with observed PJO events.

Consistent with previous studies, the tropospheric jets shift equatorward in response to the warmings. The duration of the shift is closely correlated with the period of enhanced stability. The magnitude of the shift in these runs, however, is sensitive only to the zonal wavenumber of the topography. Although the shift is sustained primarily by synoptic-scale eddies, the net effect of the topographic form drag and the planetary-scale fluxes is not negligible; they damp the surface wind response but enhance the vertical shear. The tropospheric response may also reduce the generation of planetary waves, further extending the stratospheric dynamical time scales.
Adaptation of Classical Tidal Harmonic Analysis to Nonstationary Tides, with Application to River Tides
Authors: Matte Pascal , Jay David A. , Zaron Edward D.
Published: November 2012

One of the most challenging areas in tidal analysis is the study of nonstationary signals with a tidal component, as they confront both current analysis methods and dynamical understanding. A new analysis tool has been developed, NS_TIDE, adapted to the study of nonstationary signals, in this case, river tides. It builds the nonstationary forcing directly into the tidal basis functions. It is implemented by modification of T_TIDE; however, certain concepts, particularly the meaning of a constituent and the Rayleigh criterion, are redefined to account for the smearing effects on the tidal spectral lines by nontidal energy. An error estimation procedure is included that constructs a covariance matrix of the regression coefficients, based on either an uncorrelated or a correlated noise model. The output of NS_TIDE consists of time series of subtidal water levels [mean water level (MWL)] and tidal properties (amplitudes and phases), expressed in terms of external forcing functions. The method was tested using records from a station on the Columbia River, 172 km from the ocean entrance, where the tides are strongly altered by river flow. NS_TIDE hindcast explains 96.4% of the signal variance with a root-mean-square error of 0.165 m obtained from 288 parameters, far better than traditional harmonic analysis (38.5%, 0.604 m, and 127 parameters). While keeping the benefits of harmonic analysis, its advantages compared to existing tidal analysis methods include its capacity to distinguish frequencies within tidal bands without losing resolution in the time domain or data at the endpoints of the time series.
Parental Interest in a Genetic Risk Assessment Test for Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Narcisa Vivien , Discenza Marie , Vaccari Erica , Rosen-Sheidley Beth , Hardan Antonio Y. , Couchon Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

To better understand parental opinions regarding the diagnostic process and use of genetic testing to assess risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the younger siblings of affected children in the Unites States, we conducted a survey of parents who had at least one child with ASD. A total of 162 surveys were completed anonymously using an Internet-based survey tool. The mean reported time to ASD diagnosis and age at diagnosis were 35.2 months and 56.6 months, respectively. Seventy-two percent of parents felt there was a delay in diagnosis. Most parents indicated they would want to pursue genetic testing if a test were available that could identify risk in a younger sibling (80%). Earlier evaluation/intervention, closer monitoring, and lessened anxiety were reasons cited for testing. Our survey indicates most parents would pursue genetic risk assessment testing in children at high risk for ASD.
Realism and the Kantian Tradition: A Revisionist Account
Authors: Scheuerman William E.
Published: November 2012

In contemporary international political theory, ‘Cosmopolitanism’ is typically juxtaposed to ‘Realism’, with many varieties of the former building on Kantian moral and political ideals, and the latter presumably rejecting Kant and his aspiration for far-reaching global reform. In agreement with a growing body of scholarship that seeks to challenge conventional views of Realism, this essay attends to the surprisingly complex views of the Kantian legacy (including Hans Kelsen, perhaps the most important neo-Kantian international thinker in the last century) within its ranks. Not all Realists have been unambiguously critical of Kant, and when in fact they have criticized him, they have done so for many different reasons. First-generation Realists (e.g. E. H. Carr, John Herz, Hans Morgenthau, Reinhold Niebuhr, Frederick Schuman and Georg Schwarzenberger) offered an ambivalent reading of Kantianism consistent with their endorsement of the ultimate desirability of major alterations to the global status quo, whereas second-generation Realists (i.e. Henry Kissinger and Kenneth Waltz) tended to read Kant so as to transform him into a forerunner of their own anti-reformist and institutionally conservative versions of Realism. An examination of Realism’s rendezvous with Kantianism not only helps draw a more differentiated portrayal of Realism than is still found in much scholarship, but it also helps us understand how Realism dramatically changed within a relatively short space of time during the immediate postwar decades. It also points to some important potential starting points for a more fruitful exchange between Cosmopolitans and Realists.
Flexibility-Oriented HRM Systems, Absorptive Capacity, and Market Responsiveness and Firm Innovativeness
Authors: Chang Song , Gong Yaping , Way Sean A. , Jia Liangding
Published: November 2012

Although market responsiveness and firm innovativeness are important aspects of firm performance, little is known about which human resource management (HRM) systems foster these performance aspects and how. Building on prior research, we delineate flexibility-oriented human resource management (FHRM) systems in terms of resource- and coordination-flexibility-oriented HRM subsystems. In addition, we draw on organizational learning theory and the concept of absorptive capacity (AC) to articulate the mechanisms through which these systems might influence market responsiveness and firm innovativeness. We develop and validate measures of FHRM systems using a series of four independent samples. Our findings based on a sample of high-technology firms indicate that FHRM systems are positively associated with firm-level potential and realized AC and that potential AC, in turn, is positively associated with market responsiveness and firm innovativeness.
Biomechanical Evaluation of the Docking Plus Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Technique Compared With the Docking Technique
Authors: McGraw Molly A. , Kremchek Timothy E. , Hooks Todd R. , Papangelou Chris
Published: November 2012

Background:

Surgical techniques for ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction have evolved since first described by Jobe. A modified reconstruction technique has been developed, called the docking plus technique, and the authors biomechanically compared it to the commonly performed docking technique.

Hypothesis:

The docking plus technique for UCL reconstruction will demonstrate greater ligament stiffness than the docking technique.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Ten matched pairs of human cadaveric specimens (mean age ± SD, 52 ± 6 years) were loaded to failure at an elbow flexion angle of 30° at a compressive rate of 14 mm/s. The specimens underwent reconstruction with an autologous graft using the docking plus or docking technique. The reconstructed and native specimens were loaded to failure at the same parameters.

Results:

The most common mode of failure in the native UCL was midsubstance rupture and avulsion from the ulnar ligament insertion, while the docking plus group failed by suture rupture and the docking group by suture pullout and midsubstance rupture. The mean ± SD stiffness of the native UCL was 21.0 ± 9.0 N/mm, docking plus technique was 11.2 ± 6.6 N/mm, and docking technique was 5.3 ± 1.5 N/mm. The mean stiffness of the docking plus reconstruction was statistically greater ( P = .004) than that of the docking technique. The mean ± SD ultimate moment for the native UCL was 35.0 ± 14.0 N·m, docking plus technique was 20.6 ± 7.3 N·m, and docking technique was 8.6 ± 5.1 N·m. The moment across the elbow joint at failure of the docking plus reconstruction was statistically greater ( P = .002) than that of the docking technique.

Conclusion:

The docking plus technique reproduces greater ligament stiffness and demonstrates a higher failure moment immediately after reconstruction than does the docking technique.

Clinical Relevance:

The docking plus technique allows greater stiffness and a higher moment to failure immediately after reconstruction and describes a way to maintain constant graft tension during fixation, resulting in a biomechanically stronger UCL reconstruction.
A Componential Analysis of Visual Attention in Children With ADHD
Authors: McAvinue Laura P. , Vangkilde Signe , Johnson Katherine A. , Habekost Thomas , Kyllingsbæk Søren , Bundesen Claus , Robertson Ian H.
Published: November 2012

Objective: Inattentive behaviour is a defining characteristic of ADHD. Researchers have wondered about the nature of the attentional deficit underlying these symptoms. The primary purpose of the current study was to examine this attentional deficit using a novel paradigm based upon the Theory of Visual Attention (TVA). Method: The TVA paradigm enabled a componential analysis of visual attention through the use of a mathematical model to estimate parameters relating to attentional selectivity and capacity. Children’s ability to sustain attention was also assessed using the Sustained Attention to Response Task. The sample included a comparison between 25 children with ADHD and 25 control children aged 9-13. Results: Children with ADHD had significantly impaired sustained attention and visual processing speed but intact attentional selectivity, perceptual threshold and visual short-term memory capacity. Conclusion:The results of this study lend support to the notion of differential impairment of attentional functions in children with ADHD.
Coins, crests and kings: Symbols of identity and resistance in the Occupied Channel Islands
Authors: Carr Gilly
Published: November 2012

During the German Occupation of the Channel Islands, 1940–1945, the ratio of occupying soldiers to civilians was higher than anywhere else in Occupied Europe; thus, armed resistance was virtually impossible. In its place, unarmed and symbolic resistance grew in importance, and while the role of this has been played down, such acts, many of which left a material trace, were of great significance to islanders. The case study presented here examines the role of coins and trench art (such as cigarette lighters and badges) made out of coins, which were used as symbols of resistant identity during the German Occupation. It is argued here that coinage is particularly appropriate and versatile for Occupation trench art, made and used by civilians and occupying soldiers alike, because of the key symbols of patriotism and identity that they carry. In this article, the author shows how these symbols were used at different times in the biographical trajectories of different types of trench art made from and with coins, and varied in meaning depending on context and owner.
My health, my responsibility? Complementary medicine and self (health) care
Authors: Broom Alex , Meurk Carla , Adams Jon , Sibbritt David
Published: November 2012

People are increasingly compelled to take responsibility for their health and illness trajectories. The existing literature on what may be termed self-care points to the ways that public health initiatives have instigated the transfer of governance onto the individual through campaigns promoting physical activity and diet among other things. Meanwhile, cultural trends may have been enhanced and/or transformed by the increased prominence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) which often include a focus on self-determination and self-responsibility for achieving health and wellbeing. This article examines women’s contemporary self-care practices and the logics underpinning their approaches to health, illness and healing. Our findings show that although these women were often positive about the prospects of being autonomous decision-makers, their search for alternatives and practices of self (health) care can be problematic in certain cases and may be viewed as reproducing neoliberal forms of governance and their derivative inequalities.
Computer-Assisted Cognitive Rehabilitation of Attention Deficits for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cerasa Antonio , Gioia Maria Cecilia , Valentino Paola , Nisticò Rita , Chiriaco Carmelina , Pirritano Domenico , Tomaiuolo Francesco , Mangone Graziella , Trotta Maria , Talarico Tiziana , Bilotti Giacinta , Quattrone Aldo
Published: November 2012

Background. Although a growing body of evidence has highlighted the role of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) in the management of cognitive dysfunctions in multiple sclerosis (MS), there is still no evidence for a validated therapeutic approach. Objective. We propose a new therapeutic strategy characterized by a computer-based intensive attention training program in MS patients with predominant attention deficits. We aim to investigate the effectiveness of our rehabilitation procedure, tailored for those with impaired abilities, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods. Using a double-blind randomized controlled study, we enrolled 12 MS patients, who underwent a CR program (experimental group), and 11 age-gender–matched MS patients, who underwent a placebo intervention (control group). fMRI was recorded during the execution of a cognitive task broadly used for assessing attention abilities in MS patients (paced visual serial addition test). Results. Significant effects were detected both at a phenotypic and at an intermediate phenotypic level. After CR, the experimental group, in comparison with the control group, showed a specific enhanced performance in attention abilities as assessed by the Stroop task with an effect size of 0.88, which was associated with increased activity in the posterior cerebellar lobule and in the superior parietal lobule. Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that intensive CR tailored for those with impaired abilities affects neural plasticity and improves some aspects of cognitive deficits in MS patients. The reported neurophysiological and behavioral effects corroborate the benefits of our therapeutic approach, which might have a reliable application in the clinical management of cognitive deficits in MS.
Skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction: a retrospective analysis of the surgical and patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Kim Zisun , Kang Sang Gue , Roh Jung Ho , Park Ji Hye , Lee Jihyoun , Kim SungYong , Lim Cheol Wan , Lee Min Hyuk
Published: November 2012

Background

Skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and latissimus dorsi (LD) flap immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) is a tailored surgical procedure. The surgical and patient-reported outcome (PRO) of SSM and LD IBR were assessed.

Methods

Retrospective data of 146 SSMs performed by a single surgeon was reviewed. Among patients included in the data, 65 patients underwent SSM and LD IBR without a prosthetic implant. A survey estimating the degree of patient satisfaction (poor, fair, good, and excellent) as regards the cosmetic outcomes of surgery was performed. The patients were divided into two groups according to their degree of satisfaction (excellent group versus non- excellent group), and analysis was done to identify factors affecting the highest patient satisfaction.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 48.4 years, and pathological results were: infiltrating ductal carcinoma (n = 48, 73.8%), ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 15, 23.1%), and others (n = 2, 3.1%). One patient received postmastectomy radiotherapy. After a mean follow-up of 34 months, no local recurrence occurred. There was no skin necrosis or LD flap loss. Donor site morbidities were seroma (n = 8, 12.3%), scarring (n = 8, 12.3%), and back pain (n = 6, 9.2%). Fifty patients (76.9%) were satisfied and 40% reported their degree of satisfaction as excellent. Breast symmetry (P <0.001), nipple cosmesis (P <0.001), visual difference of bilateral breasts (P = 0.021), and panel assessment score (P <0.001) were factors that affected the highest patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

Our SSM and LD IBR was safe, with no local recurrence and low morbidities, and produced a sufficiently high level of patient satisfaction. Achieving breast symmetry and nipple cosmesis would be the key to meeting the patient’s expectation.
Intracardiac injection of a capsid-modified Ad5/35 results in decreased heart toxicity when compared to standard Ad5
Authors: Toivonen Raine , Koskenvuo Juha , Merentie Mari , Söderström Mirva , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo , Savontaus Mikko
Published: November 2012

Background

Clinical gene therapy trials for cardiovascular diseases have demonstrated the crucial role of efficient gene delivery and transfection technologies in achieving clinically relevant results. We hypothesized that the use of tropism-modified adenoviruses would improve transduction efficacy and to this end we analyzed the transduction efficiency and toxicity of standard Ad5 and tropism-modified Ad5/35 in combination with ultrasound-guided intramyocardial gene delivery.

Methods

Ultrasound-guided intracardiac injections were used to deliver 1 × 1010 pfu/ml Ad5-lacZ and Ad5/35-lacZ vectors into mouse left ventricle wall. Since Ad5/35 uses human CD46 as its primary receptor, we used transgenic hCD46Ge mice expressing human CD46 at levels comparable to man. Mice were sacrificed 6 or 14 days post-injection and immunohistochemistry and X-gal staining were used to detect transgene and viral receptor expression. Virus-induced cardiac toxicity was evaluated by a pathologist.

Results

The intramyocardial injection was well tolerated and both Ad5-lacZ and Ad5/35-lacZ were able to give robust transgene expression after a single injection. Interestingly, while Ad5-lacZ was able to generate greater transgene expression than Ad5/35-lacZ, it also evoked more severe tissue damage with large areas of interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration and myocyte necrosis.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided intramyocardial injection is an effective and safe way to deliver vectors to the heart. The observed severe tissue damage of Ad5-lacZ greatly undermines the efficient transgene expression and suggests that Ad5/35 capsid modification can result in safer adenoviral vectors for cardiovascular gene therapy, although at the cost of some vector transduction efficacy.
Prolonged exposure to acid and bile induces chromosome abnormalities that precede malignant transformation of benign Barrett’s epithelium
Authors: Bajpai Manisha , Aviv Hana , Das Kiron M
Published: November 2012

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is an asymptomatic, pre-malignant condition of the esophagus that can progress to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). BE arises typically in individuals with long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The neoplastic progression of BE has been extensively studied histologically and defined as a metaplasia- dyplasia- carcinoma sequence. However the genetic basis of this process is poorly understood. It is conceived that preclinical models of BE may facilitate discovery of molecular markers due to ease of longitudinal sampling. Clinical markers to stratify the patients at higher risk are vital to institute appropriate therapeutic intervention since EAC has very poor prognosis. We developed a dynamic in-vitro BE carcinogenesis (BEC) model by exposing naïve Barrett’s epithelium cell line (BAR-T) to acid and bile at pH4 (B4), 5min/day for a year. The BEC model acquired malignant characteristics after chronic repeated exposure to B4 similar to the sequential progression of BE to EAC in vivo.

Aim

To study cytogenetic changes during progressive transformation in the BEC model.

Results

We observed that the BAR-T cells progressively acquired several chromosomal abnormalities in the BEC model. Evidence of chromosomal loss (-Y) rearrangements [t(10;16) and dup (11q)] and clonal selection appeared during the early stages of the BEC model. Clonal selection resulted in a stabilized monoclonal population of cells that had a changed morphology and formed colony in soft agar. BAR-T cells grown in parallel without any exposure did not show any of these abnormalities.

Conclusions

Prolonged acid and bile exposure induced chromosomal aberrations and clonal selection in benign BAR-T cells. Since aneuploidy preceded morphological/dysplastic changes in the BEC model, chromosomal aberrations may be an early predictor of BE progression. The [t(10;16) and dup(11q)] aberrations identified in this study harbor several genes associated with cancer and may be responsible for neoplastic behavior of cells. After further validation, in-vivo, they may be clinically useful for diagnosis of BE, progressing to dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Technical challenges and limitations of current mouse models of ovarian cancer
Authors: Garson Kenneth , Gamwell Lisa F , Pitre Elizabeth MG , Vanderhyden Barbara C
Published: November 2012

The development of genetically engineered models (GEM) of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been very successful, with well validated models representing high grade and low grade serous adenocarcinomas and endometrioid carcinoma (EC). Most of these models were developed using technologies intended to target the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), the cell type long believed to be the origin of EOC. More recent evidence has highlighted what is likely a more prevalent role of the secretory cell of the fallopian tube in the ontogeny of EOC, however none of the GEM of EOC have demonstrated successful targeting of this important cell type.

The precise technologies exploited to develop the existing GEM of EOC are varied and carry with them advantages and disadvantages. The use of tissue specific promoters to model disease has been very successful, but the lack of any truly specific OSE or oviductal secretory cell promoters makes the outcomes of these models quite unpredictable. Effecting genetic change by the administration of adenoviral vectors expressing Cre recombinase may alleviate the perceived need for tissue specific promoters, however the efficiencies of infection of different cell types is subject to numerous biological parameters that may lead to preferential targeting of certain cell populations.

One important future avenue of GEM of EOC is the evaluation of the role of genetic modifiers. We have found that genetic background can lead to contrasting phenotypes in one model of ovarian cancer, and data from other laboratories have also hinted that the exact genetic background of the model may influence the resulting phenotype. The different genetic backgrounds may modify the biology of the tumors in a manner that will be relevant to human disease, but they may also be modifying parameters which impact the response of the host to the technologies employed to develop the model.
Study protocol: systematic review of the burden of heart failure in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Bennett Derrick A , Eliasz Thomas K , Forbes Anna , Kiszely Alastair , Khosla Rajit , Petrinic Tatjana , Praveen Devarsetty , Shrivastava Roohi , Xin Du , Patel Anushka , MacMahon Stephen , Rahimi Kazem
Published: November 2012

Background

Setting priorities for the prevention and management of heart failure requires an empirical understanding of the pattern of disease burden. We aim to describe the methods for a systematic review of the literature on burden of heart failure in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and how this information will be synthesized to produce useful estimates that can inform policy and practice.

Methods

We will conduct a comprehensive search strategy for articles published between 1995 and April 2012 related to incidence, prevalence and treatment of heart failure in LMIC. Populations will be coded as urban, rural, or combined and studies classified as national, sub-national, healthcare system-based, or community level. Details from eligible studies will be extracted independently by two reviewers using a pre-designed data extraction form that will cover information on demographics, diagnostic criteria including disease incidence and prevalence, medical history, medication history, and hospital- or community-based management and outcomes. We will assess the reporting and methodological quality of the included studies and conduct a quantitative summary of reported outcomes where appropriate.

Discussion

Currently, there are important gaps in our knowledge on the burden of heart failure in LMIC and this systematic review aims to provide useful information that improves our knowledge in this field. Results are expected to be publicly available in early 2013.
Predictors of patient uptake of colorectal cancer gene environment risk assessment
Authors: Hall Michael J , Manne Sharon L , Myers Ronald E , Keenan Eileen M , Balshem Andrew M , Weinberg David S
Published: November 2012

Background

In an ongoing clinical trial, the genetic and environmental risk assessment (GERA) blood test offers subjects information about personal colorectal cancer risk through measurement of two novel low-to-moderate risk factors. We sought to examine predictors of uptake of the GERA blood test among participants randomized to the Intervention arm.

Methods

Primary care patients aged 50 to 74 years eligible for colorectal cancer screening are randomized to receive a mailed stool blood test kit to complete at home (Control) or to the control condition plus an in-office blood test called GERA that includes assessment of red blood cell folate and DNA-testing for two MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (Intervention). For the present study, baseline survey data are examined in participants randomized to the Intervention.

Results

The first 351 intervention participants (161 African American/190 white) were identified. Overall, 249 (70.9%) completed GERA testing. Predictors of GERA uptake included race (African American race, odds ratio (OR) 0.51 (0.29 to 0.87)), and being more knowledgeable about GERA and colorectal cancer screening (OR 1.09 (1.01 to 1.18)). Being married (OR 1.81 (1.09 to 3.00)) was also significant in the multivariable model.

Conclusions

Participant uptake of GERA testing was high. GERA uptake varied, however, according to socio-demographic background and knowledge.
Improved Load Plan Design Through Integer Programming Based Local Search
Authors: Erera Alan , Hewitt Michael , Savelsbergh Martin , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2012

We present integer programming models of the service network design problem faced by less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation carriers and a solution approach for the large-scale instances that result in practical applications. To accurately represent freight consolidation opportunities, the models use a fine discretization of time. Furthermore, the models simultaneously route freight and empty trailers and thus explicitly recognize the efficiencies presented by backhaul lanes. The solution approach can generate the traditional service network designs commonly used by LTL carriers but also enables the construction of designs that allow more flexibility, e.g., that allow freight routes to vary by day of week. An iterative improvement scheme is employed that searches a large neighborhood, each iteration using an integer program. Computational experiments using data from a large U.S. carrier demonstrate that the proposed modeling and solution approach has the potential to generate significant cost savings.
Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Sounni Nor Eddine , Noel Agnès
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

With the emergence of the tumor microenvironment as an essential ingredient of cancer malignancy, therapies targeting the host compartment of tumors have begun to be designed and applied in the clinic.

CONTENT

The malignant features of cancer cells cannot be manifested without an important interplay between cancer cells and their local environment. The tumor infiltrate composed of immune cells, angiogenic vascular cells, lymphatic endothelial cells, and cancer-associated fibroblastic cells contributes actively to cancer progression. The ability to change these surroundings is an important property by which tumor cells are able to acquire some of the hallmark functions necessary for tumor growth and metastatic dissemination. Thus in the clinical setting the targeting of the tumor microenvironment to encapsulate or destroy cancer cells in their local environment has become mandatory. The variety of stromal cells, the complexity of the molecular components of the tumor stroma, and the similarity with normal tissue present huge challenges for therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment. These issues and their interplay are addressed in this review. After a decade of intensive clinical trials targeting cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, more recent investigations have shed light on the important role in cancer progression played by the noncellular stromal compartment composed of the extracellular matrix.

A better understanding of how the tumor environment affects cancer progression should provide new targets for the isolation and destruction of cancer cells via interference with the complex crosstalk established between cancer cells, host cells, and their surrounding extracellular matrix.
Some New Hunting Scenes in Pre-Dynastic C-Wares
Authors: Navajas Ana Isabel
Published: November 2012

This paper focuses mainly on two Predynastic C-ware pots (3900-3650 BC). Following a more in-depth examination, a new explanation is offered for London Petrie Museum UC15331, different to that exposed previously in some recent works. Regarding Oxford Ashmolean Museum 1946.297, a new reading of the decoration is proposed, taking into account evidence for similar decorated pots of the Naqada I period.
Crystalline Titanate Ceramic for Immobilization of Tc-99
Authors: Korneyko Yulia I. , Britvin Sergey N. , Burakov Boris E. , Lotnyk Andriy , Kienle Lorenz , Depmeier Wulf , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: November 2012

Technetium-99 is considered as one of the most dangerous nuclear environmental pollutants due to its long half-life (210,000 y.) and high mobility in aqueous solutions under oxidizing conditions. Development of sorbents, which are capable of irreversible uptake of Tc and further direct conversion into durable ceramic waste forms, is an important field of research. Titanate ceramic doped with up to 10 wt. % Tc was successfully synthesized using Layered Hydrazinium Titanate, LHT-9 (PCT/EP2010/001864) as starting precursor. LHT-9 is a new advanced compound of general formula (N2H5)1/2Ti1.87O4xH2O containing 6-7 wt. % of hydrazine chemically incorporated into a TiO2-based matrix. It was demonstrated that LHT-9 (5g/l) can reductively adsorb up to 90.2 wt. % of Tc from aqueous solutions containing 0.5g Tc/l. The obtained adsorption products can be easily converted into stable titanate ceramic by one-step sintering in argon atmosphere at 1200°C. Phase and chemical composition of synthesized Tc-doped ceramic are discussed.
Sorption of Nuclear Waste Components by Layered Hydrazinium Titanate: a Straightforward Route to Durable Ceramic Forms
Authors: Britvin Sergey N. , Korneyko Yulia I. , Burakov Boris E. , Lotnyk Andriy , Kienle Lorenz , Depmeier Wulf , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: November 2012

Layered hydrazinium titanate LHT-9, (N2H5)1/2Ti1.87O4 is a new nanohybrid material related to lepidocrocite-type titanates. Unique combination of ion exchange, reductive properties, surface activity due to Brønsted acid sites and occurrence of surface titanyl groups allows exploring LHT-9 for simultaneous uptake of almost all components of liquid nuclear wastes. LHT-9 irreversibly removes technetium, molybdenum, palladium and selenium from their aqueous solutions by specific mechanism of reductive adsorption. For removal of cesium, strontium, transition elements, actinides and lanthanides LHT-9 provides mechanisms of ion exchange and surface complexation. Products of adsorption are nanocrystalline and homogeneous powders loaded with 5 to 15 wt. % of radionuclides and non-radioactive elements. LHT-9 can be applied as ready-to-use precursor for one-step synthesis of durable titanate ceramic waste forms similar to SYNROC. An essential advantage of LHT-9 in comparison with other titanate sorbents (monosodium titanate and peroxo-titanate materials) is the absence of Na in its composition that permits arbitrary tailoring of sorbent properties by simple pre-treatment with the desired elements. Results on sorption of americium, cesium, strontium and lanthanides by LHT-9 are discussed.