bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurements, laws, and counterfactuals
Authors: Roberts John T. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis chapter aims to sketch and motivate a new philosophical approach to laws of nature. This approach is not easily classified as either ‘Humean’ or ‘Non-Humean’, though it does appear to be consistent with a Humean ontology. It seeks to explain the special status of laws, and their counterfactual robustness, in terms of their relation to the concept of measurement and the normative–epistemic role that measurement plays in the practice of science. What is most novel about it is that it aims to vindicate the idea that the laws’ counterfactual robustness is both real and objective—not an artefact of our decisions about what to ‘hold constant’ in counterfactual reasoning—without relying on any particular assumptions about ontology or metaphysics. So insofar as this theory is plausible, it suggests that there are important limits to what we can learn about metaphysics and ontology from the fact that science seems to portray the universe as law-governed.
Creating the Kingdom of Ends
Authors: Insole Christopher J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis chapter drills down on an aspect of Kant’s transcendental idealism that has not received much attention: specifically, Kant’s claim that God is not the creator of appearances, and that space is ‘not a thing as a divine work’. By ensuring that God is not the cause of space, time and causation, Kant considers that he has solved the problem of our dependence upon God. Of particular interest to theologians, it is specifically our dependence upon God that is an unproblematic type of dependence. God creates us in a reciprocal and non-determined community of noumenally free beings, the ‘Kingdom of Ends’. If we were dependent upon other created causal determining factors, that would indeed threaten freedom; but an implication of transcendental idealism is that we are dependent upon God alone, and not upon contingent and created determined series. This theological implication of transcendental idealism is further developed by Schleiermacher.
The topology of the universe
Authors: Ringström Hans 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
When formulating Einstein’s equations as an initial value problem, the topology of the spacetime is determined by that of the initial hypersurface. Moreover, in cosmology, it is natural to assume the initial hypersurface to be a closed 3-manifold. The chapter contains a description of geometrisation of 3-manifolds, a characterisation of closed 3-manifolds in terms of preferred geometries. Moreover, connections between geometrisation and comology are described.
Observational support for the standard model
Authors: Ringström Hans 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In 1998–1999, our perception of the universe underwent a dramatic change. The observations of supernovae of type Ia led to the conclusion that our universe is expanding at an accelerating rate. One suggested explanation for this is the presence of a positive cosmological constant. The chapter contains a description of the argument leading from the supernovae observations to the conclusion that the universe is expanding at an accelerated rate.
The Spontaneous Logicality of Language
Authors: Chierchia Gennaro 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChapter 1 shows how scalar implicatures and Negative Polarity Items (NPIs) are sensitive to whether a context is upward or downward entailing. It reviews the alternative based semantics of focus developed by M. Rooth and motivates the claim that NPIs activate subdomain alternatives on the basis of their behavior in situation of contrastive focus. It argues that the distribution of NPIs follows largely from this assumption (building on work by N. Kadmon and F. Landman, and M. Krifka). The behavior of NPIs under focus provides preliminary support for the view that these items are constrained to activating subdomain alternatives. The proposal rests on the idea that NPI violations (i.e. ‘unlicensed’ NPIs) give raise to analytically false sentences. The Chapter discusses accordingly the relation between logical analyticity and (un)grammaticality, and develops the idea that certain logically trivial sentences come out as ungrammatical, articulating the notion of G(rammatical)-triviality. This proposal is set in the perspective of previous influential approaches to polarity in terms of syntactic, semantic and pragmatic licensing.
Presuppositionality, Strength, and Concord in Polarity Systems
Authors: Chierchia Gennaro 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChapter 4 discusses presuppositionality, concord and (in a preliminary way) intervention phenomena as they relate to polarity. It has been noticed in the literature that some NPI licensing environments (overt only, or verbs like surprise) are DE only in a weak way (‘Strawson-DE’). However, adopting Strawson-DE as a licensing condition gives rise to several empirical and conceptual problems. It is argued that such problems can be overcome by splitting each clause in an assertive and a presuppositional component (á la Karttunen and Peters) under the assumption that exhaustification for weak NPIs only looks at the assertive component. This paves the way for an exhaustification based approach to strong NPIs: the latter are characterized by the fact that all components of their meaning (assertive, presuppositional and implicational) must be factored in (by the exhaustification process). This idea explains directly why strong NPIs can only be licensed by strongest members of negative scales (e.g. by no but not by few or less than n). Finally concord phenomena and N-words are analyzed as an overt syntactic realization of exhaustification. The observation that N-words tend to be indefinites is argued to be derived by the intervention of positive implicatures induced by indefinites under negation.
Intervention
Authors: Chierchia Gennaro 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIt has been noted in the literature that NPIs are degraded if there is an intervening element (typically, a non weakest member of a scale) between them and, in traditional terms, their licensor (in our terms, the exhaustifying operator). This chapter discusses this phenomenon and investigates several arguably related cases of intervention by presupposition triggers. The proposal is that this effect follows as a case of minimality. If. in probing for a Polarity Sentitive item, O finds along its path a closer alternative bearer (i.e. a scalar term), it is forced to activate the alternatives of the scalar term. In negative contexts, this brings about a positive implicature that makes exhaustification fail. Relativized minimality explains why phrasal interveners (e.g. strong quantified NPs) are generally more disruptive than heads (e.g. modals). This approach is extended to presuppositional intervention (diagnosed by V. Homer) in two ways. Some presuppositional triggers (most prominently factives) turn out to be a special case of scalar triggers (as argued by J. Romoli). Others are argued to take on the behavior (and featural make up) of strong NPIs. In all three major cases of intervention considered in this chapter, syntactic locality plays a crucial role exposing the interconnected nature of the syntax and semantics of exhaustification.
The Leadership Roundtable and the Long March through the Institutions
Authors: McDonough Peter 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, founded in 2005 by Wall Street benefactors miffed at the administrative mishandling of the sexual abuse crisis by church authorities, aims to work with bishops and ministerial associations to improve the effectiveness of Catholic parishes, dioceses, and outreach activities. The strategy of the Roundtable is to avoid doctrinal controversy and focus on institutional repair, with a view to restoring trust in the hierarchy. The Roundtable has succeeded in furthering lateral channels of communication between priests and across dioceses and ministries in different parts of the country, and it has pressed for the diffusion of best practices promoting accountability and transparency. But progress has been patchy and slow in part because the church resembles a “structurally defective industry” hobbled by the legacy costs associated with a traditional culture of survival rather than optimization.
Timing of geothermal activity in an active island-arc volcanic setting: First
40
Ar/
39
Ar dating from Bouillante geothermal field (Guadeloupe, French West Indies)
Authors: Verati C. , Patrier-Mas P. , Lardeaux J. M. , Bouchot V. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Mineral separates of adularia have been extracted from three samples of highly silicified hydrothermal breccias, newly discovered in the active Bouillante geothermal field (Guadeloupe archipelago), and investigated by
40
Ar/
39
Ar geochronology in order to constrain the timing of geothermal activity in this part of the active Lesser Antilles island arc. The inverse isochron diagram indicates an age of 248±50 ka (2σ) for all adularia from one breccia sample (
n
=8), with an initial
40
Ar/
36
Ar ratio of atmospheric composition (309±12 (2σ)) attesting that this age is valid. This age is concordant with the weighted mean age of 290±40 ka for the same sample. Adularia from other samples yields concordant ages. The obtained
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages can be related either to the magmatic activity of the Bouillante Volcanic Chain (
c.
850–250 ka ago) or to the initiation of the volcanic activity of the active Grande Découverte–Soufrière system (200 ka ago–present day). Our results demonstrate that the Bouillante hydrothermal event is coeval with change in the volcanic pulses previously recognized in the magmatic history of the studied area. The possible duration calculated for this hydrothermal activity requires at least two superposed volcanic pulses to be developed.
Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 deficiency misguides venous thrombus resolution
Authors: Kellermair Joerg , Redwan Bassam , Alias Sherin , Jabkowski Joerg , Panzenboeck Adelheid , Kellermair Lukas , Winter Max P. , Weltermann Ansgar , Lang Irene M. 
Published: October 2013

Key PointsPECAM-1 deficiency misguides venous thrombus resolution. PECAM-1 cell surface shedding occurs at the site of venous thrombosis.
RNA-Seq of Bacillus licheniformis: active regulatory RNA features expressed within a productive fermentation
Authors: Wiegand Sandra , Dietrich Sascha , Hertel Robert , Bongaerts Johannes , Evers Stefan , Volland Sonja , Daniel Rolf , Liesegang Heiko 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
The production of enzymes by an industrial strain requires a complex adaption of the bacterial metabolism to the conditions within the fermenter. Regulatory events within the process result in a dynamic change of the transcriptional activity of the genome. This complex network of genes is orchestrated by proteins as well as regulatory RNA elements. Here we present an RNA-Seq based study considering selected phases of an industry-oriented fermentation of Bacillus licheniformis.

Results
A detailed analysis of 20 strand-specific RNA-Seq datasets revealed a multitude of transcriptionally active genomic regions. 3314 RNA features encoded by such active loci have been identified and sorted into ten functional classes. The identified sequences include the expected RNA features like housekeeping sRNAs, metabolic riboswitches and RNA switches well known from studies on Bacillus subtilis as well as a multitude of completely new candidates for regulatory RNAs. An unexpectedly high number of 855 RNA features are encoded antisense to annotated protein and RNA genes, in addition to 461 independently transcribed small RNAs. These antisense transcripts contain molecules with a remarkable size range variation from 38 to 6348 base pairs in length. The genome of the type strain B. licheniformis DSM13 was completely reannotated using data obtained from RNA-Seq analyses and from public databases.

Conclusion
The hereby generated data-sets represent a solid amount of knowledge on the dynamic transcriptional activities during the investigated fermentation stages. The identified regulatory elements enable research on the understanding and the optimization of crucial metabolic activities during a productive fermentation of Bacillus licheniformis strains.
Protective effect of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Eicosapentaenoic acid/Docosahexaenoic acid 1:1 ratio on cardiovascular disease risk markers in rats
Authors: Lluís Laura , Taltavull Núria , Muñoz-Cortés Mònica , Sánchez-Martos Vanesa , Romeu Marta , Giralt Montse , Molinar-Toribio Eunice , Torres Josep Lluís , Pérez-Jiménez Jara , Pazos Manuel , Méndez Lucía , Gallardo José M , Medina Isabel , Nogués M Rosa 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
High consumption of fish carries a lower risk of cardiovascular disease as a consequence of dietary omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA; especially EPA and DHA) content. A controversy exists about the component/s responsible of these beneficial effects and, in consequence, which is the best proportion between both fatty acids. We sought to determine, in healthy Wistar rats, the proportions of EPA and DHA that would induce beneficial effects on biomarkers of oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease risk.

Methods
Female Wistar rats were fed for 13 weeks with 5 different dietary supplements of oils; 3 derived from fish (EPA/DHA ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 1:2) plus soybean and linseed as controls. The activities of major antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPX, and GR) were determined in erythrocytes and liver, and the ORAC test was used to determine the antioxidant capacity in plasma. Also measured were: C reactive protein (CRP), endothelial dysfunction (sVCAM and sICAM), prothrombotic activity (PAI-1), lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc, Apo-A1, and Apo-B100), glycated haemoglobin and lipid peroxidation (LDL-ox and MDA values).

Results
After three months of nutritional intervention, we observed statistically significant differences in the ApoB100/ApoA1 ratio, glycated haemoglobin, VCAM-1, SOD and GPx in erythrocytes, ORAC values and LDL-ox. Supplementation with fish oil derived omega-3 PUFA increased VCAM-1, LDL-ox and plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC). Conversely, the ApoB100/ApoA1 ratio and percentage glycated haemoglobin decreased.

Conclusions
Our results showed that a diet of a 1:1 ratio of EPA/DHA improved many of the oxidative stress parameters (SOD and GPx in erythrocytes), plasma antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and cardiovascular risk factors (glycated haemoglobin) relative to the other diets.
The fabrication of large-scale sub-10-nm core-shell silicon nanowire arrays
Authors: Su Shiming , Lin Linhan , Li Zhengcao , Feng Jiayou , Zhang Zhengjun 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A combination of template-assisted metal catalytic etching and self-limiting oxidation has been successfully implemented to yield core-shell silicon nanowire arrays with inner diameter down to sub-10 nm. The diameter of the polystyrene spheres after reactive ion etching and the thickness of the deposited Ag film are both crucial for the removal of the polystyrene spheres. The mean diameter of the reactive ion-etched spheres, the holes on the Ag film, and the nanowires after metal catalytic etching exhibit an increasing trend during the synthesis process. Two-step dry oxidation and post-chemical etching were employed to reduce the diameter of the silicon nanowires to approximately 50 nm. A self-limiting effect was induced by further oxidation at lower temperatures (750°C ~ 850°C), and core-shell silicon nanowire arrays with controllable diameter were obtained.
Evaluation of remote monitoring of parturition in dairy cattle as a new tool for calving management
Authors: Palombi Claudio , Paolucci Marco , Stradaioli Giuseppe , Corubolo Mario , Pascolo Paolo B , Monaci Maurizio 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Proper calving management of dairy herds is a crucial aspect of the bovine life cycle, as it has profound effects on calf viability and on the post-partum course of the dam. The objectives of this study were to monitor the calving process through the use of a remote alarm system and to determine the impact of prompt emergency obstetric procedures in case of dystocia for the prevention of stillbirths and post-partum reproductive pathologies, and for improving herd fertility. Six groups of experimental animals were studied: monitored heifers (n = 60) and multiparous cows (n = 60) were compared with non-observed animals (n = 60 heifers and n = 60 multiparous) giving birth during the same time period and housed in the calving barn, and with unmonitored animals placed in a dry zone (n = 240 heifers and n = 112 multiparous cows).

Results
The incidence of dystocia ranged from a minimum of 23.4% (monitored multiparous cows) to a maximum of 33.3% (monitored heifers), and there were no differences compared with control groups. However, the rate of stillbirth was higher in control groups than in the monitored groups (P < 0.01). Among both heifers and multiparous cows, the incidence of post-partum uterine infections was higher in the unmonitored animals both in the calving barn (P < 0.01) and in the dry zone (P < 0.05) compared with monitored animals. Among both heifers and multiparous cows, the control groups showed higher rates of foetal membrane retention than did the monitored groups (P < 0.001). The calving-to-conception interval was shorter; in particular, observed heifers showed a significant advantage of approximately 46 days compared with the unmonitored group (P < 0.001) and 32 days compared with the group in the calving barn (P < 0.05). Multiparous cows also had a reduction in the number of days open.

Conclusions
The remote alarm system used to monitor the calving process assured the prompt presence of personnel, improving both the cow’s reproductive efficiency and neonatal viability.
Factors influencing time to diagnosis and initiation of treatment of endemic Burkitt Lymphoma among children in Uganda and western Kenya: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Buckle Geoffrey C , Collins Jennifer Pfau , Sumba Peter Odada , Nakalema Beccy , Omenah Dorine , Stiffler Kristine , Casper Corey , Otieno Juliana A , Orem Jackson , Moormann Ann M 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Survival rates for children diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma (BL) in Africa are far below those achieved in developed countries. Late stage of presentation contributes to poor prognosis, therefore this study investigated factors leading to delays in BL diagnosis and treatment of children in Uganda and western Kenya.

Methods
Guardians of children diagnosed with BL were interviewed at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JTRH) and Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) from Jan-Dec 2010. Information on sociodemographics, knowledge, attitudes, illness perceptions, health-seeking behaviors and prior health encounters was collected using a standardized, pre-tested questionnaire.

Results
Eighty-two guardians were interviewed (20 JTRH, 62 UCI). Median "total delay" (1st symptoms to BL diagnosis) was 12.1 weeks [interquartile range (IQR) 4.9-19.9] in Kenya and 12.9 weeks (IQR 4.3-25.7) in Uganda. In Kenya, median "guardian delay" (1st symptoms to 1st health encounter) and "health system delay" (1st health encounter to BL diagnosis) were 9.0 weeks (IQR 3.6-15.7) and 2.0 weeks (IQR 1.6-5.8), respectively. Data on guardian and health system delay in Uganda were only available for those with < 4 prior health encounters (n = 26). Of these, median guardian delay was 4.3 weeks (range 0.7-149.9), health system delay 2.6 weeks (range 0.1-16.0), and total delay 10.7 weeks (range 1.7-154.3). Guardians in Uganda reported more health encounters than those in Kenya (median 5, range 3–16 vs. median 3, range 2–6). Among Kenyan guardians, source of income was the only independent predictor of delay, whereas in Uganda, guardian delay was influenced by guardians’ beliefs on the curability of cancer, health system delay, by guardians’ perceptions of cancer as a contagious disease, and total delay, by the number of children in the household and guardians’ role as caretaker. Qualitative findings suggest financial costs, transportation, and other household responsibilities were major barriers to care.

Conclusions
Delays from symptom onset to BL treatment were considerable given the rapid growth rate of this cancer, with guardian delay constituting the majority of total delay in both settings. Future interventions should aim to reduce structural barriers to care and increase awareness of BL in particular and cancer in general within the community, as well as among health professionals.
A man with small vessel vasculitis presenting with brachial diplegia, multiple cranial mononeuropathies and severe orthostatic hypotension in diabetes mellitus: a case report
Authors: Zafar Sahar F , Goodman Jerry Clay , Ubogu Eroboghene E 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Introduction
We report a rare case of fulminant vasculitic mononeuropathy resulting in brachial diplegia, with suspected brainstem and autonomic nervous system involvement in a patient with diabetes mellitus.

Case presentation
A 58-year-old Hispanic Caucasian man with diabetes mellitus presented with a 1-year history of progressive bilateral upper extremity weakness, orthostatic intolerance and progressive memory decline. Diagnostic evaluation including laboratory tests for progressive encephalopathies, systemic inflammatory and non-inflammatory neuropathies, cerebrospinal fluid analyses, electrodiagnostic studies, and nerve biopsy were performed. Clinical examination revealed moderate cognitive deficits on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale, bilateral facial weakness and weakness of bilateral shoulder girdle and intrinsic hand muscles. Cerebrospinal fluid analyses revealed elevated protein and an elevated immunoglobulin G synthesis rate, suggesting an immune-mediated process. Further laboratory work up was non-diagnostic. Electrodiagnostic studies demonstrated chronic asymmetric axonal mononeuropathies with ongoing denervation. A superficial radial nerve biopsy showed a chronic vasculitic neuropathy. Glucocorticosteroid treatment, symptomatic pharmacologic and supportive non-pharmacologic therapies resulted in improved clinical outcomes despite challenges with glycemic control.

Conclusions
This case report emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation of atypical or uncommon neuromuscular presentations in diabetic patients without etiological presumptions. This is necessary in order to promptly establish a diagnosis, initiate appropriate therapies and prevent irreversible nerve injury.