bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Look into the Determinants of the Ecological Discount Rate: Disentangling Social Preferences
Authors: Echazu Luciana , Nocetti Diego , Smith William T.
Published: April 2012

How should changes in environmental quality occurring in the future be discounted? To answer this question we consider a model of “ecological discounting”, where the representative consumer has a utility function defined over two attributes, consumption and environmental quality, which evolve stochastically over time. We characterize the determinants of the social discount rate and its behavior over time using a preference structure that disentangles attitudes towards intertemporal inequality, attitudes towards risk, and tastes over consumption and environmental quality. We show that the degree of substitutability between consumption and environmental quality, the degree of risk aversion, the degree of inequality aversion, and the rate at which these attitudes change as natural and man-made resources evolve over time are all important aspects of the ecological discount rate and its term structure. Our analysis suggests that over medium and long term horizons the ecological discount rate should be below the rate of time preference, supporting recent proposals for immediate action towards climate change mitigation.
Dentsū Changed Nothing: Reexamining Karoshi in Japan Through Shavell's Insights on the Incentives to Prevent Accidents
Authors: McGuire Robert
Published: April 2012

Ten years after the Japanese Supreme Court established a duty of care for employers to guard employee health, incidents of death by overwork remain critically high. This Note argues that the Dentsū standard of near-strict employer liability does not create sufficient incentives to prevent karoshi. Applying Steven Shavell’s insight that a victim who knows his injurer will be liable for damages will not be incentivized by the law to prevent the harm, the Note explains why neither employees nor the employers responded to Dentsū. It concludes that Dentsū is correctly understood as cause of action in tort for survivors of karoshi victims, not a vehicle to change the Japanese workplace.
Judicial Politics in Unstable Democracies: The Case of the Philippine Supreme Court, An Empirical Analysis 1986-2010
Authors: Escresa Laarni , Garoupa Nuno
Published: April 2012

In this paper we investigate empirically the determinants of judicial behavior at the Philippine Supreme Court in the period 1986-2010. Our results show some alignment between individual Justices and the interests of the presidential appointers, although it varies across presidential terms. We discuss these empirical results in the context of the Philippine’s unstable democracy and the implications for the comparative literature on judicial behavior.
Introduction to Special Issue: Diverse Faculty in Higher Education: Relentless in Search of the Holy Grail of Academia
Authors: Wilder Lynn K. , Vázquez-Montilla Elia
Published: April 2012

After a half decade of struggle since the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., what is the current state of diversity among faculty in higher education? Have the numbers of diverse faculty increased? Do diverse faculty members feel accepted and successful? How are diverse faculty members faring in their various roles in higher education? The special issue editors have completed the pilot study of a larger survey that queries the state of diverse faculty in higher education in the United States. Investigation included the areas of belonging (if and how a sense of belonging is developed), professional respect (how colleagues regard achievements), and the role of cultural broker (if and how functioning as a cultural broker influences peers, administrators, and/or diverse students). In addition to the results of the preliminary survey reported by the survey authors, diverse faculty members, both foreign-born and native-born, from various universities in the U. S. have added their personal experiences of struggle and triumph in the field of higher education.
Forced Identity and Maneuvering the Confinements in U.S. Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Hyun Eunsook
Published: April 2012

This article represents the author’s autobiographical reflection related to her journey as a diverse faculty member and now administrator in higher education. In the context of U.S. higher education, the “minority” label is a troubling issue that has perpetuated both implicit and explicit confinements. The author tells how she has negotiated within herself to navigate an imposed identity.
Minority Recruitment and Retention for Universities: Bilingual Special Education Faculty
Authors: Brice Alejandro E.
Published: April 2012

Recruitment and retention of minority faculty in bilingual special education is a perilous task. Research has shown that minority faculty/teachers are able to provide emotional support, mentor students, serve as role models, create a positive climate, provide diverse views, increase collaboration among faculty and teachers, and work with minorities. This article presents strategies for recruiting and retaining (particularly in developing resiliency) minority bilingual special education university faculty. Faculty in bilingual special education must adapt, recover, and persevere in order to best serve the interests of students with disabilities who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Strategies for developing resiliency are provided.
Reflections that Transformed My Understanding of Teaching and Learning
Authors: Mason Patricia
Published: April 2012

Personal reflections provide snapshots on Patricia Mason’s journey from third grade to higher education and highlight family, teacher, and school influence on her academic growth. Integrated Catholic school and community experiences shaped the cultural and social dimension of her present teaching philosophy. Recollections of childhood school experiences in addition a continuum of her teaching experiences inform her current teaching practice in higher education in suburban New York.
Challenges in Teaching and Learning at the Postsecondary Level: What Style Works for You and Why?
Authors: Newman Kathryn A. , Nur-Hussen A. K.
Published: April 2012

Two pilot studies were designed to investigate the preferred learning styles of postsecondary students at a midsize Historically Black College/University (HBCU), and the types of teaching methods used by the diverse faculty. In one study, student candidates from the department of curriculum and instruction were utilized as data collectors to discover what university students believed were the teaching strategies that helped them learn difficult material. The data collected from a small group of students represented was diverse with respect to gender, ethnicity/origin, discipline of study and classification. The other study surveyed the preferred teaching styles of the faculty in the College of Education. The first study revealed that students preferred a variety of teaching styles, including teaching styles that were more challenging such as case studies. The second study noted that the diverse faculty used an average of ten teaching methods. The results initially indicated the diverse faculty used multiple methods of teaching, that appeared to match the learning needs of the students.
White Voice in Multiculturalism: Belonging, Professional Respect, and Role as Cultural Broker
Authors: Wilder Lynn K.
Published: April 2012

Dr. Wilder retraces the steps of a personal journey as a White faculty member researching, publishing, and presenting at conferences in the field of multiculturalism. She shares insight into her experiences—while advocating for diversity—of overcoming the challenge to belong in collegial circles, to give and receive professional respect, and to fulfill the role of a White woman as cultural broker.
Bacterial Hazards of Sludge Brought Ashore by the Tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011
Authors: Wada Koji , Fukuda Kazumasa , Yoshikawa Toru , Hirose Toshio , Ikeno Takako , Umata Toshiyuki , Irokawa Toshiya , Taniguchi Hatsumi , Aizawa Yoshiharu
Published: April 2012

Bacterial Hazards of Sludge Brought Ashore by the Tsunami after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011: Koji WADA, et al. Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine—

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify bacteria in sludge brought by the 2011 tsunami in Japan to determine the necessary precautions for workers who handle the sludge.

Methods

Two sludge samples and one water sample were collected from each of two sites in Miyagi Prefecture in June 2011. We also obtained control samples from a paddy field and a dry beach in Fukuoka, Japan. The samples were subjected to physicochemical analyses, conventional cultivation methods, and molecular methods for bacterial flora analysis. The bacterial floras were analyzed using a clone library method employing fragments of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) amplified with universal primers.

Results

We detected 51–61 genera in sludge samples and 14 and 17 genera in water samples collected in the tsunami‐affected areas. In sludge samples collected in the tsunami‐affected areas, more genera belonged to Proteobacteria than to Bacteroidetes, but in water samples collected in these areas, more genera belonged to Bacteroidetes than to Proteobacteria. Non‐O1, non‐O139 V. cholerae (non‐agglutinable vibrio) was found at approximately 104cells/ml near the coast of the tsunami affected area. Sulfate‐reducing bacteria were detected in sludge collected from the paddy field, and a relatively high concentration of sulfate ions was found in the water sample (258 mg/l).

Conclusions

Sludge brought by the tsunami contained some pathogens; therefore, frequent hand washing is recommended for workers who have direct contact with the sludge to minimize their risk of infection. Under the anaerobic conditions of paddy fields, hydrogen sulfide could be produced by sulfate‐reducing bacteria metabolizing sulfate ions.
Eficiência do uso de nitrogênio em genótipos de arroz de terras altas
Authors: Fidelis Rodrigo Ribeiro , Rodrigues Adelmo Martins , Silva Gabriela Figueiredo , Barros Hélio Bandeira , Pinto Leandro Cardoso , Aguiar Raimundo Wagner Souza
Published: April 2012

A planta de arroz caracteriza-se por apresentar alta demanda por nutrientes, sendo o nitrogênio o principal fator limitante à sua produtividade. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, verificar a existência de diferenças entre variedades locais e melhoradas de arroz, quanto à eficiência do uso de nitrogênio, em solo de Cerrado, no município de Gurupi (TO). Os tratamentos envolveram sete cultivares de arroz (BRS-Caiapó, BRS-Bonança, Epagri-114, BRS-Sertaneja, BRS-Primavera, BRSMG-Conai e BRSMG-Curinga), cultivadas em dois ambientes distintos. Para simular ambientes com baixo e alto nível de nitrogênio, foram utilizados 20 kg ha-1 e 120 kg ha-1 de N, respectivamente. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. Os caracteres avaliados foram produtividade de grãos, dias para florescimento, dias para maturação, acamamento, altura de plantas e massa de cem grãos. Concluiu-se que o ambiente com alto teor de nitrogênio promoveu maiores alturas de planta, que o ambiente com menor nível de nitrogênio retardou o florescimento das cultivares e que a cultivar BRSMG-Curinga foi a única que respondeu ao acréscimo de adubação, com aumento significativo na produtividade de grãos.
Civic ecology: a pathway for Earth Stewardship in cities
Authors: Krasny Marianne E , Tidball Keith G
Published: April 2012

In an increasingly urban society, city residents are finding innovative ways of stewarding nature that integrate environmental, community, and individual outcomes. These urban civic ecology practices – including community gardening, shellfish reintroductions, tree planting and care, and “friends of parks” initiatives to remove invasive and restore native species – generally begin as small, self‐organized efforts after a prolonged period of economic and environmental decline or more sudden major disruptions, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and conflict. Those practices that are sustained expand to encompass partnerships with non‐profit organizations; local‐, state‐, and federal‐level government agencies; and universities. Civic ecology practices reflect local cultures and environments as well as the practical knowledge of city residents, and thus vary widely across different cities. When viewed as local assets in some of the most densely populated urban neighborhoods, civic ecology practices offer opportunities for scientific and policy partnerships that address the Ecological Society of America's important Earth Stewardship initiative.
Squimulation – Simultaneous Well Stimulation and Scale Squeeze Treatments in Deep-Water, West Africa
Authors: Patterson D. , Kendrick M. , Williams W. , Jordan M.
Published: April 2012

In a deepwater West African field the relatively small number of high-cost, highly productive wells, coupled with a high barium sulfate scaling tendency (upon waterflood breakthrough of injected seawater) requires effective scale management along with removal of near-wellbore damage in order to achieve high hydrocarbon recovery.

The nature of the well completion strategy in the field (frac packs for sand control) had resulted in some wells with higher than expected skin values due to drilling fluid losses, residual frac gel, fluid loss agents, and fines mobilization within the frac packs.

The paper will present how the challenges of managing impaired completions and inorganic scale forced innovation in terms of when to apply both stimulation and scale inhibitor packages to deep water wells. This paper will outline a novel process for non-conventional batch chemical applications where bullhead stimulation treatments have been displaced deep into the formation (>20ft) using a scale inhibitor overflush. Not only does this benefit the stimulation by displacing the spent acid and reagents away from the immediate wellbore area, but the combined treatment provides a cost savings with a single mobilization for the combined treatment. The paper will describe the laboratory testing that was performed to qualify the treatments. The five field treatments that were performed demonstrate how these coupled applications have proven very effective at both well stimulation/skin reduction and scale inhibitor placement prior to and after seawater breakthrough. The term "squimulation" is used by the local operations team to describe this simultaneous squeeze and stimulation process.

Many similar fields are currently being developed in the Campos basin, Gulf of Mexico, and West Africa, and this paper is a good example of best-practice sharing from another oil basin.
Preparation and Characterization of Continuous Fe-Containing Silicon Carbide Radar Absorbing Fibers from Precursor-Based Processing
Authors: Chen Zhiyan , Wang Jun , Li Xiaodong , Wang Hao
Published: April 2012

A new polymer polyferrocarbosilane (PFCS) was synthesized using polydimethylsilane and ferrocene as the
raw materials. The polymer was then melt-spun into continuous PFCS fibers, cured in air and heat-treated in a nitrogen
atmosphere up to 1300􀀁, a kind of Fe-containing SiC fibers were finally obtained. The SiC(Fe) ceramic fibers were
combined with epoxy resin and a structural material was prepared showing excellent radar absorbing properties. HRTEM,
XRD and XPS were used to characterize the SiC(Fe) fibers. The results show that the fibers are composed of β-SiC,
amorphous SiCxO4-x, free carbon and small amount of Fe3Si-like microcrystals. A carbon-enriched layer of about 120nm
was formed on the surface of the fibers.
Personal Exposure to Air Pollution for Various Modes of Transport in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: N. Dirks K. , Sharma P. , A. Salmond J. , B. Costello S.
Published: April 2012

This paper investigates the carbon monoxide (CO) doses received while commuting by different modes (car,
bus, train, motorcycle, bicycle and running), taking into account the commute time as well as the level of physical activity
required. While the participants were constrained to travel at specific peak traffic times and between designated start and
end points, they were free to choose a route appropriate for their mode of transport.

The results of this study suggest that the lowest exposures (concentrations of pollutants) are experienced by train
commuters, largely a reflection of the routes being removed from any significant road traffic. Motorcyclists experienced
significantly higher average concentrations as a result of high-concentration and very-short-duration peaks not seen in the
traces of car and bus commuters travelling on the same road. Travel by bus along a dedicated busway was also found to be
effective in reducing commuter air pollution exposure compared to travel by car on a congested stretch of motorway.
The average concentrations to which cyclists and runners were exposed were found to be not significantly different for
those travelling by car or bus (except when on dedicated pedestrian/cycleways). However, when the increased physical
activity that is required is taken into account (leading to higher volumes of air breathed) along with the increased
commuting time (especially in the case of runners), the air pollution doses (as estimated by the product of the
concentration, commute time and breathing factor) were found to be significantly higher than for the motorised modes.

The results suggest that separate pedestrian/cycleways go some way towards providing healthier options for cyclists and
pedestrians.
An Association Study of Interleukin 18 Receptor Genes (IL18R1 and IL18RAP) in Lumbar Disc Degeneration
Authors: Omair Ahmad , Lie Benedicte Alexandra , Reikeras Olav , Brox Jens Ivar
Published: April 2012

Objectives:

To examine association of candidate genetic variants in structural, inflammatory, matrix modifying, vitamin D receptor genes and variants associated with osteoarthritis, with surgical candidates and surgical patients with lumbar disc degeneration (LDD), in light of their previously reported susceptibility for LDD.

Methods:

Genotyping of 146 Norwegian LDD patients and 188 Norwegian controls was performed for 20 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from collagen, aggrecan, interleukin, VDR, MMP3 and COX2 genes and 7 SNPs from osteoarthritic genes.

Results:

The neighboring genes IL18R1 and IL18RAP polymorphisms (rs2287037 and rs1420100), showed a statistically non-significant risk for developing LDD (OR 1.36 [95 % CI 0.99 – 1.87]; p=0.06 and OR 1.33 [95 % CI 0.98-1.81]; p=0.07). Homozygosity of these risk alleles was associated with LDD (p=0.023 and p=0.027). The non-risk alleles at these SNPs were situated on a haplotype negatively associated with LDD (p=0.008). Carriage of at least one non-risk allele at both loci also reduces the risk of developing LDD (OR 0.51 [95 % CI 0.33-0.80]; p=0.003).

Conclusion:

Our findings support the polygenic nature of LDD and suggest that variation in interleukin 18 receptor genes could affect the risk of severe LDD and associated low back pain.
Ceramic Femoral Components in Total Knee Arthroplasty - Two Year Follow-Up Results of an International Prospective Multi-Centre Study
Authors: Bergschmidt Philipp , Bader Rainer , Ganzer Dirk , Hauzeur Christian , Lohmann Christoph , Rüther Wolfgang , Tigani Domenico , Rani Nicola , Prats Fernando Lopez , Zorzi Claudio , Madonna Vincenzo , Rigotti Stefano , Benazzo Francesco , Rossi Stefano Marco Paolo , Kundt Guenther , Bloch Hans Rudolf , Mittelmeier Wolfram
Published: April 2012

Background:

Total knee arthroplasty can be considered as a reliable surgical procedure with a good long-term clinical result. However, implant failure due to particle induced aseptic loosening as well as the aspect of hypersensitivity to metal ions still remains an emerging issue.

Methods:

The purpose of this prospective international multi-centre study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes and the reliability of the unconstrained Multigen Plus Total Knee System with a new BIOLOX® delta ceramic femoral component. Cemented total knee arthroplasty was performed on 108 patients (110 knees) at seven hospitals in three countries. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed preoperatively, and after 3, 12 and 24 months postoperatively using the HSS-, WOMAC-, SF-36-score and standardised X-rays.

Results:

The mean preoperative HSS-Score amounted to 55.5 ± 11.5 points and improved significantly in all postoperative evaluations (85.7 ± 11.7 points at 24 months). Furthermore, improvements in WOMAC- and SF-36-score were evaluated as significant at all points of evaluation. Radiolucent lines around the femoral ceramic component at 24 months were found in four cases. Progression of radiolucent lines was not seen and no implant loosening was observed. During the 24 month follow-up eight patients underwent subsequent surgery due to reasons unrelated to the implant material.

Conclusions:

The observed clinical and radiological results are encouraging for a long-term survival of the ceramic femoral component. Therefore, ceramic implants could be a promising solution not only for patients with allergies against metallic implant materials, but also for the osteoarthritic knee joint. Long-term follow-up is necessary to draw conclusions regarding the superiority of the ceramic knee implants concerningin vivowear and long-term survivorship.
Relationships of the Psychological Influence of Food and Barriers to Lifestyle Change to Weight and Utilization of Online Weight Loss Tools
Authors: Binks Martin , Mierlo Trevor van , Edwards Christopher L
Published: April 2012

Introduction:

The psychological influence of food (PFS) and perceived barriers to lifestyle change (PBLC) were considered as predictors of body mass index and website tool utilization (TU) in an online weight loss program.

Materials and Methodology:

An archival analysis of all (N = 1361) overweight/obese (BMI M = 31.6 + 6.24 kg/m2), adult (M = 42.0 + 10.72 years) users (82.4% female) of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary Internet weight loss program was performed. Predictor variables included: PFS and PBLC, age, and longest maintained weight loss in relation to 1) BMI 2) TU.

Results:

Both PBLC and PFS were correlated with baseline BMI and TU. Regression analyses indicated that only PFS independently predicted BMI (p = .0001) and TU (p = .001) when the model included all predictor variables. One-way ANOVA indicated gender differences on both PBLC and PFS scores (p = .001). Subsequent regression analyses separated by gender showed that in females PFS predicted BMI (p = .0001) and TU (p = .005). For males no variable significantly predicted BMI (p’s > .05) however PBLC did predict TU (p = .008).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that when developing online weight loss programs clinical characteristics of the user could inform website algorithms to maximize website utilization. Gender differences indicated that for women it may be important to understand how factors related to the psychological influence of food impact utilization of online weight loss programs, however, for men broader barriers to lifestyle change is an important consideration.
Religion within the boundaries of mere reason as the key for a comprehension of Kant's cosmopolitanism
Authors: Rakic Vojin
Published: April 2012

This article advances the thesis that Kant's cosmopolitanism is to be interpreted as a view that contains at its core the idea of a world state as the final destination of humanity's historical progress. Evidence for this is to be found in Kant's Religion Within the Boundaries of Mere Reason, in particular on the basis of an interpretation of the notion of the 'ethical commonwealth'. A phase in this progress of humanity toward a world state is a federation of states that Kant advances in Toward Perpetual Peace. Before elucidating this core idea of my article, a review of contemporary interpretations of Kant's cosmopolitanism will be offered. The primary division of these interpretations will be based on the distinction between the 'democratic peace paradigm' and the 'cosmopolitan democracy paradigm'. It will be asserted that the proponents of both paradigms generally claim to have Kantian underpinnings, but by and large suffer from a failure to devote the necessary attention to Religion Within the Boundaries of Mere Reason. This failure is above all detrimental to the argumentation of the proponents of the cosmopolitan democracy paradigm.
Ontology of money: Simmel, Knapp and Keynes
Authors: Radonjic Ognjen
Published: April 2012

Debates on the origins and functions of money, one of the most important social institutions, continue to this day. This debate does not have only academic significance, but also its implications have far-reaching influence on the benefits of all economic agents. We argue that mainstream theory of money is incorrect and that origins of money lie in state's imposition of taxes. Primary function of money is to be measure of value. Also, money is not neutral, i.e. monetary system has independent and powerful influence on real sector. Thus, it is possible that in periods of high business uncertainty consumers will defer consumption decisions and, in that way deepen financial crisis.
Technical and aesthetic project in British philosophy
Authors: Draskic-Vicanovic Iva
Published: April 2012

The paper examines the mutual influence of two major currents in European culture, advocating the idea that British philosophy is the cradle of both. A turning point was reached with the philosophy of Francis Bacon and his view that the real value of knowledge is utilitarian. With his insistence that man has rights over nature and study and conquer nature in order to increase his own power, Bacon laid the philosophical foundation for technological civilization. The paper goes on to trace the transfer of utilitarian values from the field of knowledge to the whole spiritual space particularly the aesthetic, and identifies a so-called aesthetic project emerging in reaction to the overwhelming utilitarianism of the modern world.
Aristotle and Diodorus Cronus: Principle of bivalence and principle of plenitude
Authors: Djuric Drago
Published: April 2012

Aristotle in De Interpretatione 9 considers the use of predicates in combination with subjects which are forming propositions, each of which is necessarily either true or false. This necessity was later named as Principle of bivalence (of truth values). Although he grants the truth or falsity of propositions about past and present events, propositions about the future seem problematic. If a proposition about tomorrow is true (or false) today, then the future event it describes will happen (or not happen) necessary. It leads to (logical) determinism. Aristotle attempts to avoid it. His solution was to maintain that the disjunction is necessarily true today even though neither of its disjuncts is. Thus, it is necessary that either tomorrow's event will occur or it will not, but it is neither necessary that it will occur nor necessary that it will not occur. Because of fact that according to Aristotle Principle of bivalence is not valid for a propositions about future, for him is not valid Principle of plenitude also. On the other side, according to his Master argument and his definitions of modalities for Diodorus Cronus possible is something what is or will be. In opposition to Aristotle, for him does not exists any non-actualized possibility. In some sense Diodorus implicit respects Principle of bivalence. It is compatible with the Principle of plenitude which is also respected from Diodorus Cronus. Aristotle attempts to save difference between modal categories (necessity and possibility), and trys to reject logical determinism. According to his definition of possibility in Diodorus Cronus conception this difference collapses in to determinism.
Genuine and rational tears
Authors: Barbero Carola
Published: April 2012

In this paper I examine the emotions we feel while reading a work of fiction. Some philosophers think that our emotional engagement with fiction gives rise to a paradox and involves either irrationality or participation in a game of make believe. In this paper I argue that an Object Theory in a Meinongian style, by supporting a realistic perspective on fictional emotions, is able to dissolve the paradox of fiction.
The revisability of commonsense psychology
Authors: Gligorov Nada
Published: April 2012

Various views of the mind/body problem adopt one of the two general strategies towards explaining phenomena: one approach is to take into account the intuitions found in common sense, and the second is to go against those intuitions. The first type of theory attempts to ground views of particular phenomena on our common sense. Eliminative Materialism (EM) is not such an approach. EM urges that commonsense psychology is false and should be replaced by neuroscience. Eliminativism has often been challenged. Some have attacked the premise that commonsense psychology is a theory; others have attacked the claim that it is a false theory, which can be replaced. I plan to countenance the argument that commonsense psychology is an empirical theory that can be replaced, which will, surprisingly, lead me to an argument against eliminativism. My view is that commonsense psychology cannot be eliminated because there are no commonsense theories.
Kumulativisticko nasledje i njegove aktuelne forme - prilog razumevanju kumulativistickog nacina vidjenja naucnih razvoja
Authors: Jakovljevic Dragan
Published: April 2012

(nemacki) Obwohl er wohl den ?ltesten Standpunkt hinsichtlich der Interpretation wissenschaftlicher Entwicklungen darstellt, wird der Kumulativismus merkw?rdigerweise bis in die gegenw?rtige Diskussion hinein meistens unzureichend klar bestimmt. In dieser Folge wird seine Behandlung im Rahmen moderner Wissenschaftsheorie von einigen Mi?verst?ndnissen und groben Vereinfachungen begleitet. Die vorliegende Abhandlung bezweckt eine Er?rterung konzeptioneller Eigent?mlichkeiten sowie Kapazit?ten der kummulativistischen Auslegung wissenschaftlicher Entwicklungen. Der Verfasser geht hierbei insbesondere auf Kritiken von K.R. Popper ein, die inzwischen die Schule gemacht haben. Diesen entgegen, wird nachgewiesen, dass die kummulativistische Deutung wissenschaftlicher Entwicklungen an keine induktivistische Methodologie der Theorienbildung gekoppelt zu werden braucht. Es erweist sich, dass in der wissenschaftstheoretischen Interpretation wissenschaftlicher Entwicklungen von zwei Gestalten des Kumulativismus die Rede sein kann: vom Whewellschen rigiden umfassenden Kumulativismus einerseits, der nur sehr eingeschr?nkt auf die tats?chliche Wissenschaftsgeschichte anwendbar ist, von einem partiellen und flexiblen Kumulativismus, der praktisch mit dem Popperschen evolutionistischen Modell koinzidiert und der breiter und vollst?ndiger anwendbar ist. Die von Popper eingeleitete evolutionistische Interpretation der Wissenschaftsgeschichte zeigt sich als die am besten haltbare Form, in der die Idee einer Akumulation wissenschaftlichen Wissens im Rahmen wissenschaftlicher Entwicklungen heute vertretbar ist.
Aspects of metonymy in language and thought
Authors: Rasulic Katarina
Published: April 2012

Based on the theoretical insights from cognitive linguistics, this paper aims to shed fresh light on certain aspects of metonymy as one of the basic mechanisms of conceptualsemantic organization. It is argued that the prototype model of categorization can provide substantial explanatory potential in the linguistic treatment of metonymy, that anthropocentricity is an important aspect of metonymic conceptualization, and that metonymy has multiple roles in the creation of meaning, including meaning extension, meaning construction and meaning imposition. The significance of investigating the multifaceted character of metonymic conceptualization (as well as of figurative language and thought in general) from an interdisciplinary perspective is highlighted as fundamental for a more comprehensive insight into the nature of meaning.
Volzer brani Gazu - o neupotrebljivosti 'proporcionalnosti' pri razmatranju napada Izraela na Gazu
Authors: Jokic Aleksandar
Published: April 2012

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The principle of noncontradiction and Descartes' god
Authors: Milidrag Predrag
Published: April 2012

The article analyzes the status of the principle of non-contradiction as an eternal truth in Descartes' metaphysics, and tries to answer the question is it caused. After making the difference between created and uncreated eternal truths, the reached conclusion is that the principle of non-contradiction is created eternal truth. As such, it could be applied even to God but only if we understand him as the most perfect being. The very essence of God, that is absolute power i.e. causa sui is beyond the range of this principle, because absolute power as the essence of God is the realm of absolute identity between His essence and His existence. Since man can think only in accordance with the principle of non-contradiction, even God's infinite power he must understand with regard to that principle. Nevertheless, since the principle of non-contradiction is not applicable on God's absolute identity, its absence man understands as its negation, and because of that, that identity appears to him as self-contradictory. In the end, it is shown a (partial) lack of ground of Lebniz's critique of Descartes concerning ontological argument.
Effects of topically administered FK506 on sciatic nerve regeneration and reinnervation after vein graft repair of short nerve gaps
Authors: Azizi Saeed , Mohammadi Rahim , Amini Keyvan , Fallah Roza
Published: April 2012

Object

Despite the development of various nerve coaptation materials and techniques, achievement of desired functional peripheral nerve regeneration is still inadequate, and repair of peripheral nerve injuries is still one of the most challenging tasks and concerns in neurosurgery. The effect of an FK506-loaded vein graft as an in situ delivery system for FK506 in bridging the defects was studied using a rat sciatic nerve regeneration model.

Methods

A 10-mm sciatic nerve defect was bridged using an inside-out vein graft (IOVG) filled with 10 μl of a carrier-drug dilution (10 ng/ml FK506) in the IOVG/FK506 group. In the IOVG control group, the vein was filled with the same volume of carrier dilution alone. The regenerated fibers were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results

Functional study confirmed faster recovery of the regenerated axons in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG group (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between the mean gastrocnemius muscle weight ratios of the IOVG/FK506 and IOVG control groups (p < 0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers were significantly higher in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG control group. Immunohistochemical analysis showed more positive immunoreactivity to S100 protein in the IOVG/FK506 group than in the IOVG control group.

Conclusions

When loaded in a vein graft, FK506 resulted in improvement of functional recovery and quantitative morphometric indices of sciatic nerve. Topical application of this readily available agent offers the benefit of cost savings as well as avoiding the complications associated with systemic administration.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Gross Bradley A. , Ropper Alexander E. , Popp A. John , Du Rose
Published: April 2012

Object

Given the feasibility of curative surgical and endovascular therapy for cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs), there is a relative paucity of radiosurgical series for these lesions as compared with their arteriovenous malformation counterparts.

Methods

The authors reviewed records of 56 patients with 70 cerebral DAVFs treated at their institution over the past 6 years. Ten DAVFs (14%) in 9 patients were treated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), with follow-up obtained for 8 patients with 9 DAVFs. They combined their results with those obtained from a comprehensive review of the literature, focusing on obliteration rates, post-SRS hemorrhage rates, and other complications.

Results

In the authors' group of 9 DAVFs, angiographic obliteration was seen in 8 cases (89%), and no post-SRS hemorrhage or complications were observed after a mean follow-up of 2.9 years. Combining the results in these cases with data obtained from their review of the literature, they found 558 DAVFs treated with SRS across 14 series. The overall obliteration rate was 71%; transient worsening occurred in 9.1% of patients, permanent worsening in 2.4% (including 1 death, 0.2% of cases), and post-SRS hemorrhage occurred in 1.6% of cases (4.8% of those with cortical venous drainage [CVD]). The obliteration rate for cavernous DAVFs was 84%, whereas the rates for transversesigmoid and for tentorial DAVFs were 58% and 59%, respectively (adjusted p values, pcav,TS = 1.98 × 10−4, pcav,tent = 0.032). Obliteration rates were greater for DAVFs without CVD (80%, compared with 60% for those with CVD, p = 7.59 × 10−4). Both transient worsening and permanent worsening were less common in patients without CVD than in those with CVD (3.4% vs 7.3% for transient worsening and 0.9% vs 2.4% for permanent worsening).

Conclusions

Stereotactic radiosurgery with or without adjunctive embolization is an effective therapy for DAVFs that are not amenable to surgical or endovascular monotherapy. It is best suited for lesions without CVD and for cavernous DAVFs.
The superior ophthalmic vein approach for the treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas: a novel technique using Onyx
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Dumont Aaron S. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Bilyk Jurij R. , Randazzo Ciro , Hasan David , Dalyai Richard T. , Rosenwasser Robert , Jabbour Pascal
Published: April 2012

Object

Endovascular therapy is the primary treatment option for carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). Operative cannulation of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) provides a reasonable alternative route to the cavernous sinus when all transvenous and transarterial approaches have been unsuccessful. The role of the liquid embolic agent Onyx in the management of CCFs has not been well documented, especially when using an SOV approach. The purpose of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of Onyx embolization of CCFs through a surgical cannulation of the SOV.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed all patients with CCFs who were treated with Onyx through an SOV approach between April 2009 and April 2011. Traditional endovascular approaches had failed in all patients.

Results

A total of 10 patients were identified, 1 with a Type A CCF, 5 with a Type B CCF, and 4 with a Type D CCF. All fistulas were embolized in 1 session. Onyx was the sole embolic agent used in 7 cases and was combined with coils in 3 other cases. Complete obliteration was achieved in 8 patients and a significant reduction in fistulous flow was achieved in 2 patients, which later progressed to near-complete occlusion on angiographic follow-up. All patients experienced a complete clinical recovery with excellent cosmetic results and were free from recurrence at their latest clinical follow-up evaluations.

Conclusions

Onyx embolization is an excellent therapy for CCFs in general, and through an SOV approach in particular. Direct operative cannulation of the SOV followed by Onyx embolization may be the best treatment option in patients with CCFs when all other endovascular approaches have been exhausted.
Treatment of carotid-cavernous fistulas using intraarterial balloon assistance: case series and technical note
Authors: Gonzalez L. Fernando , Chalouhi Nohra , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Jabbour Pascal , Dumont Aaron S. , Rosenwasser Robert H.
Published: April 2012

Object

Multiple approaches have been used to treat carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). The transvenous approach has become a popular and effective route. Onyx is a valuable tool in today's endovascular armamentarium. The authors describe the use of a balloon-assisted technique in the treatment of CCFs with Onyx and assess its feasibility, utility, and safety.

Methods

The authors searched their prospectively maintained database for CCFs embolized using Onyx with the assistance of a compliant balloon placed in the internal carotid artery (ICA).

Results

Five patients were treated between July 2009 and July 2011 at the authors' institution. A balloon helped to identify the fistulous point, served as a buttress for coils, protected from inadvertent arterial embolizations, and prevented Onyx and coils from obscuring the ICA during the course of embolization. No balloon-related complications were noted in any of the 5 cases. All 5 fistulas were completely obliterated at the end of the procedure. Four patients had available clinical follow-ups, and all 4 showed reversal of nerve palsies.

Conclusions

Balloon-assisted Onyx embolization of CCFs offers a powerful combination that prevents inadvertent migration of the embolic material into the arterial system, facilitates visualization of the ICA, and serves as a buttress for coils deployed in the cavernous sinus through the fistulous point. Despite adding another layer of technical complexity, an intraarterial balloon can provide valuable assistance in the treatment of CCFs.
Dural arteriovenous fistulas presenting with brainstem dysfunction: diagnosis and surgical treatment
Authors: Kulwin Charles , Bohnstedt Bradley N. , Scott John A. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron
Published: April 2012

A cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is an acquired abnormal arterial-to-venous connection within the leaves of the intracranial dura with a wide range of clinical presentations and natural history. The Cognard classification correlates venous drainage patterns with neurological course, identifying 5 DAVF types with increasing rates of symptomatic presentation. A spinal DAVF occurs when a radicular artery makes a direct anomalous shunt with a radicular vein within the dural leaflets of the nerve root sleeve. A cervical DAVF is a rare entity, as most spinal DAVFs present as thoracolumbar lesions with myelopathy. In this paper the authors present 2 patients presenting initially with brainstem dysfunction rather than myelopathy secondary to craniocervical DAVF. The literature is then reviewed for similar rare aggressive DAVFs at the craniocervical junction presenting with brainstem symptomatology.
Salinity and solid fraction of frazil and grease ice
Authors: Maus Sönke , De La Rosa Sara
Published: April 2012

Under turbulent conditions ice growth in sea water often occurs as tiny suspended frazil ice crystals. When the turbulence is insufficient to keep the crystals in suspension, they may accumulate in a surface grease layer of pure ice and sea water. Here we give an account of this grease of low solid fraction and high salinity prior to its freeze-up into a solid ice cover. We provide equations for determining the bulk salinity, Sg, and solid ice volume fraction, ϕs, of the grease layer by indirect and direct methods, review previous observations, and present new data. For the evolution of the solid fraction of accumulating grease ice we find (I) an early mode 0.08 < ϕs < 0.12 and (II) a long-term packing limit of 0.28 < ϕs < 0.31, which for sea water of salinity 34 corresponds to 29.5 < Sg <31.5 and 24 < Sg < 26, respectively. We associate (I) with a mechanical limit related to initial random packing of frazil crystals and (II) with a thermodynamic limit, beyond which the grease will freeze-up into a solid ice cover. By comparing the results with a simple model of random close packing of anisotropic particles, we find that the results are consistent with frazil flocs having an aspect ratio of ˜10, much smaller than values assumed in most model applications that include sea-water frazil ice processes.
A method for recording ice ablation using a low-cost ultrasonic rangefinder
Authors: Len Keeler M. , Brugger Keith A.
Published: April 2012

We have adapted inexpensive ultrasonic rangefinders to measure ablation rates on the surface of a glacier. While ultrasonic rangers are commercially available for this purpose, our goal was to utilize rangefinders typically used in hobby robotics without significantly compromising performance. To correct for environmental factors that affect the speed of sound we use two ultrasonic rangefinders, one focused on a fixed target. Measurements of ablation correlate well with manual measurements with an uncertainty of about ±3 cm, suggesting an accuracy comparable with other non-manual methods of recording ablation. The limitations of our rangefinder include those inherent in commercially available units as well as having less acoustical power, which results in a reduced effective range of the sensor (~2 m) and difficulties in detecting surfaces lying below low-density snow. Our sensor design provides a cost-effective means of increasing the spatial coverage of ice ablation measurements.
Nutrition and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors
Authors: Rock Cheryl L. , Doyle Colleen , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Meyerhardt Jeffrey , Courneya Kerry S. , Schwartz Anna L. , Bandera Elisa V. , Hamilton Kathryn K. , Grant Barbara , McCullough Marji , Byers Tim , Gansler Ted
Published: April 2012

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Cancer survivors are often highly motivated to seek information about food choices, physical activity, and dietary supplements to improve their treatment outcomes, quality of life, and overall survival. To address these concerns, the American Cancer Society (ACS) convened a group of experts in nutrition, physical activity, and cancer survivorship to evaluate the scientific evidence and best clinical practices related to optimal nutrition and physical activity after the diagnosis of cancer. This report summarizes their findings and is intended to present health care providers with the best possible information with which to help cancer survivors and their families make informed choices related to nutrition and physical activity. The report discusses nutrition and physical activity guidelines during the continuum of cancer care, briefly highlighting important issues during cancer treatment and for patients with advanced cancer, but focusing largely on the needs of the population of individuals who are disease free or who have stable disease following their recovery from treatment. It also discusses select nutrition and physical activity issues such as body weight, food choices, food safety, and dietary supplements; issues related to selected cancer sites; and common questions about diet, physical activity, and cancer survivorship. CA Cancer J Clin 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Bioactive Peptides and Depsipeptides with Anticancer Potential: Sources from Marine Animals
Authors: Suarez-Jimenez Guadalupe-Miroslava , Burgos-Hernandez Armando , Ezquerra-Brauer Josafat-Marina
Published: April 2012

Biologically active compounds with different modes of action, such as, antiproliferative, antioxidant, antimicrotubule, have been isolated from marine sources, specifically algae and cyanobacteria. Recently research has been focused on peptides from marine animal sources, since they have been found as secondary metabolites from sponges, ascidians, tunicates, and mollusks. The structural characteristics of these peptides include various unusual amino acid residues which may be responsible for their bioactivity. Moreover, protein hydrolysates formed by the enzymatic digestion of aquatic and marine by-products are an important source of bioactive peptides. Purified peptides from these sources have been shown to have antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect on several human cancer cell lines such as HeLa, AGS, and DLD-1. These characteristics imply that the use of peptides from marine sources has potential for the prevention and treatment of cancer, and that they might also be useful as molecular models in anticancer drug research. This review focuses on the latest studies and critical research in this field, and evidences the immense potential of marine animals as bioactive peptide sources.