bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of “push” and “pull” methods for impacted fetal head extraction during cesarean delivery
Authors: Veisi Firoozeh , Zangeneh Maryam , Malekkhosravi Shohreh , Rezavand Negin 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with the “push” and “pull” methods for impacted fetal head extraction during cesarean delivery.MethodsA prospective study was conducted at Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah, Iran, from April 2006 to March 2008. After failed vacuum extraction, women with obstructed labor caused by impacted fetal head were randomly assigned to deliver via the push method (n = 35) or the pull method (n = 37). The outcomes investigated included operation time, operative blood loss, incidence of extension of the uterine incision, and postpartum fever. Data were analyzed using χ2 and Student t tests.ResultsMean operative time and incidence of extension of the uterine incision were significantly increased in the group that delivered via the push method (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the other maternal and neonatal morbidities between the groups, although there was 1 case of neonatal femoral fracture in the pull group.ConclusionAlthough the pull method may lead to some neonatal complications, it is associated with lower maternal morbidity than the push method when used for impacted fetal head extraction during cesarean delivery.
The ‘national’ in international and transnational science
Authors: WALKER MARK 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis essay analyses discussions of national versus international or transnational science, with an emphasis on the journal Osiris from 1986 to 2009, including the concepts of national science, national styles and characters in science, scientific internationalism, transfer of science and scientists from one nation to another, and comparison of different national examples. The author argues that perceiving science as a ‘national’ activity has not only been persistent, it is also perhaps inevitable. This special issue on transnational histories of science raises the question of what is gained and lost by such an approach. First of all, what is the distinction between ‘transnational’ and ‘international’? The dictionary defines the latter as something existing, occurring, or carried on between two nations, while the former extends or operates across national boundaries. Thus ‘international’ implies some sort of commerce. In contrast, transnational is a loosely defined term.
Sin, Citizenship, and the Salvation of Souls: The Impact of Christian Priorities on Late-Roman and Post-Roman Society
Authors: MacCormack Sabine 
Published: April 2012

The impact of Christianity on the functioning of the later Roman empire has been examined by historians ever since Gibbon published hisDecline and Fall.Had the Christians hastened the decline and fall of Rome? Outlining some themes of his projected work, Gibbon suggested before 1774 that indeed they had. In 1776, when publishing the first volume of his history, he touched on this same issue with considerable circumspection; but five years later, his earlier opinion appeared in print under the heading of “General Observations on the Decline of the Empire in the West” by way of concluding the third volume of the work. Here, Gibbon stated:As the happiness of afuturelife is the great object of religion, we may hear, without surprise or scandal, that the introduction, or at least the abuse, of Christianity had some influence on the decline and fall of the Roman empire. The clergy successfully preached the doctrines of patience and pusillanimity; the active virtues of society were discouraged: and the last remains of military spirit were buried in the cloister; a large portion of public and private wealth was consecrated to the specious demands of charity and devotion; and the soldiers' pay was lavished on the useless multitudes of both sexes, who could only plead the merits of abstinence and chastity.
Influence of the ion wake-field on the eikonal cross section for the electron–dust collision in dusty plasmas
Authors: JUNG YOUNG-DAE , HONG WOO-PYO 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe ion wake-field effects on the elastic electron–dust collisions are investigated in complex dusty plasmas. The eikonal method is employed to investigate the behaviors of the scattering phase shift and scattering cross section due to the variation of the strength of the wake-field. It is shown that the eikonal phase shift decreases with an increase of the Mach number and increases with an increase of the impact parameter. It is also shown that the eikonal phase shift decreases with increasing Debye length. The eikonal cross section for the elastic electron–dust collision is found to be increased due to the influence of the wake-field. In addition, it is found that the wake-field effect on the eikonal cross section is almost independent of the Debye length.
The expression of positive and negative schizotypy in daily life: an experience sampling study
Authors: Kwapil T. R. , Brown L. H. , Silvia P. J. , Myin-Germeys I. , Barrantes-Vidal N. 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundPsychometrically identified positive schizotypy and negative schizotypy are differentially related to psychopathology, personality and social functioning. However, little is known about the experience and expression of schizotypy in daily life and the psychological mechanisms that trigger psychotic-like experiences.MethodThe present study employed experience sampling methodology (ESM) to assess positive and negative schizotypy in daily life in a non-clinical sample of 412 young adults. ESM is a structured diary technique in which participants are prompted at random times during the day to complete assessments of their current experiences.ResultsAs hypothesized, positive schizotypy was associated with increased negative affect, thought impairment, suspiciousness, negative beliefs about current activities and feelings of rejection, but not with social disinterest or decreased positive affect. Negative schizotypy, on the other hand, was associated with decreased positive affect and pleasure in daily life, increased negative affect, and decreases in social contact and interest. Both positive schizotypy and negative schizotypy were associated with the desire to be alone when with others. However, this was moderated by anxiety in positive schizotypy and by diminished positive affect in negative schizotypy.ConclusionsThe results support the construct validity of a multidimensional model of schizotypy and the ecological validity of the positive and negative schizotypy dimensions. ESM appears to be a promising method for examining the daily life experiences of schizotypic individuals.
Xenophon'sCyropaediaand military reform in Sparta
Authors: Christesen Paul 
Published: April 2012

AbstractXenophon'sCyropaediacan be read as a proto-novel, a biography, or as an essay on leadership or constitutional theory. This article argues that theCyropaediacan and should also be read as a pamphlet on practical military reform with special relevance to the Spartan state.The inclusion of a series of proposals for the reform of the Spartan army in theCyropaediahas not heretofore been recognized because Xenophon presented those proposals in the guise of a reform of the Persian army undertaken by Cyrus. There was no historical basis for this part of theCyropaedia, and there is no trace of a major military reform in either the Greek or the Persian tradition about Cyrus as it existed before Xenophon. Cyrus' military reform was thus an authorial invention that presumably served some important narrative purpose.Xenophon inserted a military reform into theCyropaediaas a way of presenting a proposal for the restructuring of the Spartan army. When Xenophon wrote theCyropaedia, the Spartans were struggling desperately to maintain their position in the face of a powerful Boeotian army. The Boeotians could put many more hoplites into the field and had a large cavalry force that they were using to excellent effect. The obvious response on the part of the Spartans was to take whatever measures were necessary to increase the number of men in their phalanx and to assemble a sizeable, highly trained group of horsemen. The programme of military reform enacted by Cyrus in theCyropaediaproduces just this result. If implemented in Sparta, this programme would have involved the wholesale addition of non-Spartiates to the Spartan phalanx and the conversion of the Spartanhomoioiinto an all-cavalry force.Xenophon thus used Cyrus' army in theCyropaediato show what a revamped Spartan military might look like. The use of fictional narrative to explore ideas with immediate application to the real world has long been recognized as an integral part of theCyropaedia.This aspect of theCyropaediahas in the past been explored largely in regard to Xenophon's thinking about leadership and ethics, but it can and should be extended to include military reform in Sparta.
ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF POISON CENTERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Galvao Tais F. , Silva Everton N. , Silva Marcus T. , Bronstein Alvin C. , Pereira Mauricio G. 
Published: April 2012

Objectives:The aim of this study was to summarize and assess economic evaluations of poison centers (PCs) from the perspectives of society, the payer, and the healthcare system.Methods:A systematic review was performed to identify complete economic evaluations regardless of the language or publication status. Two reviewers evaluated the abstracts for eligibility, extracted the data, and assessed the study quality using a standardized tool.Results:In total, 422 non-duplicated studies were retrieved, but only nine met the eligibility criteria. Five of the eligible studies were published in the 1990s, and four were published in the 2000s. Six studies met at least seven of ten quality criteria. In all studies, the presence of PCs was compared with a scenario of their absence. Eight studies used cost–benefit analyses and one used a cost-effectiveness approach. The cost–benefit ratios ranged from 0.76 to 7.67, which indicates that each United States dollar (USD) spent on poison centers can save almost 8 USD on medical spending. A cost-effectiveness analysis showed that each successful outcome achieved by a PC avoids a minimum of 12,000 USD to 56,000 USD in other healthcare spending.Conclusions:The data in our review show that PCs are economically viable. PCs improve the efficiency of healthcare expenditure and contribute to the sustainability of the healthcare system. An investment in PCs is a rational public health policy approach that contrasts the current trend of reducing spending on PCs.
A long-lasting outbreak ofSalmonellaTyphimurium U323 associated with several pork products, Denmark, 2010
Authors: KUHN K. G. , SØRENSEN G. , TORPDAHL M. , KJELDSEN M. K. , JENSEN T. , GUBBELS S. , BJERAGER G. O. , WINGSTRAND A. , PORSBO L. J. , ETHELBERG S. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThis paper shows that control of foodborne disease outbreaks may be challenging even after establishing the source of infection. An outbreak ofSalmonellaTyphimurium U323 infections occurred in Denmark from March to September 2010, involving 172 cases. Before the detection of human cases, several positive isolates of the outbreak strain had been found in a particular pig slaughterhouse and thus early traceback, investigation and control measures were possible. Several batches of pork and pork products were recalled and the slaughterhouse was closed twice for disinfection. No single common food item was identified as the outbreak source, but repeated isolation of the outbreak strain from the slaughterhouse environment and in pork and products as well as patient interviews strongly suggested different pork products as the source of infection. Furthermore, a matched case-control study identified a specific ready-to-eat spreadable pork sausage (teewurst) as the source of a sub-outbreak (matched odds ratio 17, 95% confidence interval 2·1–130).
Beyond learner autonomy: a dynamic systems view of the informal learning of English in virtual online communities
Authors: Sockett Geoffrey , Toffoli Denyze 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis article discusses the informal learning of English by non-native speakers with particular reference to the role of virtual communities. The concept of informal learning is presented and related to current areas of interest in the literature such as incidental learning, and dynamic systems theory. Our research investigates how non-specialist language learners use the Internet in their spare time to read and listen to English, and also communicate in English, notably in online communities through social networking websites. The study looks particularly at the dynamics of these phenomena by studying a small number of non-native users of English over a period of two months. The results of this research will be used to question the relevance of the learner autonomy paradigm, which has been a cornerstone of language learning policy in Europe for the past thirty years.
How much should I eat? A comparison of suggested portion sizes in the UK
Authors: Lewis Hannah B , Ahern Amy L , Jebb Susan A 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and compare suggested food portion sizes in UK schemes.DesignThe study collated and compared suggested portion sizes from selected UK schemes intended both for general advice and weight-loss advice.SettingPortion size schemes were included if they were relevant to the UK, provided actual portion size information, were intended for adults and were obtainable from the public domain in November 2010. Included schemes were from the food industry, non-governmental organisations and health-care professionals. Suggested portion sizes of foods occurring in at least one scheme for general advice and at least one scheme for weight loss were included. Own brand on-pack portion size labelling from a large UK-wide supermarket was added to represent portion size advice from UK food retailers.SubjectsNot applicable.ResultsThe suggested portion sizes in the weight-loss advice schemes were often concordant, as were the general advice schemes, except one general advice scheme from a non-governmental organisation which was more closely aligned with the portion sizes for weight loss. Overall there were substantial discrepancies between suggested portion sizes for muesli and crunchy breakfast cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes, meat, fish and pulses, whereas portion sizes for cooked vegetables, dried fruit, some breakfast cereals and cheese were broadly consistent.ConclusionsThere is a lack of consistency in the portion sizes communicated to the public. An independent and authoritative scheme of suggested portion sizes for all foods, with distinct recommendations for general advice and for weight-loss advice, could be of benefit.
Functional metagenomics reveals novel salt tolerance loci from the human gut microbiome
Authors: Culligan Eamonn P , Sleator Roy D , Marchesi Julian R , Hill Colin 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Metagenomics is a powerful tool that allows for the culture-independent analysis of complex microbial communities. One of the most complex and dense microbial ecosystems known is that of the human distal colon, with cell densities reaching up to 1012 per gram of faeces. With the majority of species as yet uncultured, there are an enormous number of novel genes awaiting discovery. In the current study, we conducted a functional screen of a metagenomic library of the human gut microbiota for potential salt-tolerant clones. Using transposon mutagenesis, three genes were identified from a single clone exhibiting high levels of identity to a species from the genus Collinsella (closest relative being Collinsella aerofaciens) (COLAER_01955, COLAER_01957 and COLAER_01981), a high G+C, Gram-positive member of the Actinobacteria commonly found in the human gut. The encoded proteins exhibit a strong similarity to GalE, MurB and MazG. Furthermore, pyrosequencing and bioinformatic analysis of two additional fosmid clones revealed the presence of an additional galE and mazG gene, with the highest level of genetic identity to Akkermansia muciniphila and Eggerthella sp. YY7918, respectively. Cloning and heterologous expression of the genes in the osmosensitive strain, Escherichia coli MKH13, resulted in increased salt tolerance of the transformed cells. It is hoped that the identification of atypical salt tolerance genes will help to further elucidate novel salt tolerance mechanisms, and will assist our increased understanding how resident bacteria cope with the osmolarity of the gastrointestinal tract.
Lyme disease.
Authors: Halperin J. J. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Lyme disease is a focally endemic tick-borne spirochaetal infection that causes a well-defined constellation of symptoms. Diagnosis requires a combination of appropriate epidemiologic and clinical factors; laboratory confirmation with standardized serologic testing is highly accurate except in the setting of very early disease, such as in patients with erythema migrans, but is not helpful in judging treatment response. Treatment with simple, time-limited courses of penicillins, third-generation cephalosporins and tetracyclines is highly effective.
Environmental impacts of organic agriculture in temperate regions.
Authors: Lynch D. H. , Halberg N. , Bhatta G. D. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Can organic agriculture elaborate a scientifically based, resource-efficient and agroecological approach to low-input farm management? This review examines the literature from temperate regions, with a particular emphasis on Canadian and US studies that relate to environmental and ecological impacts of organic agriculture with respect to (i) soil organic matter storage, (ii) soil quality/soil health, (iii) nutrient loading and risks of off-farm nutrient and agrochemical losses, (iv) biodiversity and (v) energy use and global warming potential. The context and implications of semi-arid conditions and low soil P levels, common to many organic farms in North America, and widespread adoption of genetically engineered crops in conventional production, is also considered. The consensus of the data available to date indicates the distinctiveness of cropping, floral and habitat diversity, soil management regime, nutrient intensity and use efficiency, and energy, and pesticide use in organic farming confer important environmental and ecological benefits. These include maintenance of soil organic matter and added return of carbon to soil, improved soil health, reduced off-farm nitrogen and phosphorus losses, enhanced vegetative and wildlife (bird) biological diversity, extended sometimes to other taxa depending on landscape context, improved support for pollinators and pollination and reduced energy use and improved energy efficiency. The continued evolution of organic agriculture to a more outcomes-based, agroecological production system will require an expanded multi-disciplinary research effort, linked ideally to support from consumers and policy-makers on the basis of renewed understanding of its potential contribution to global environmental sustainability.
EUROPEAN MARXISM AND THE QUESTION OF ANTISEMITISM
Authors: Spencer Philip 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACT
Opposition to racism and antisemitism is often assumed to be a distinguishing feature of radical left politics. Before and during the Holocaust, the most radical case of antisemitism, most Marxists were slow to recognise the threat posed to the Jews. After the event, there has been little significant rethinking. There may then be difficulties if and when antisemitism reappears. There are, however, some neglected resources within Marxism which could help shape a more effective response to a problem which continues to trouble European and other societies even after this traumatic event.
PSI-Search: iterative HOE-reduced profile SSEARCH searching
Authors: Li Weizhong , McWilliam Hamish , Goujon Mickael , Cowley Andrew , Lopez Rodrigo , Pearson William R. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Summary: Iterative similarity searches with PSI-BLAST position-specific score matrices (PSSMs) find many more homologs than single searches, but PSSMs can be contaminated when homologous alignments are extended into unrelated protein domains—homologous over-extension (HOE). PSI-Search combines an optimal Smith–Waterman local alignment sequence search, using SSEARCH, with the PSI-BLAST profile construction strategy. An optional sequence boundary-masking procedure, which prevents alignments from being extended after they are initially included, can reduce HOE errors in the PSSM profile. Preventing HOE improves selectivity for both PSI-BLAST and PSI-Search, but PSI-Search has ~4-fold better selectivity than PSI-BLAST and similar sensitivity at 50% and 60% family coverage. PSI-Search is also produces 2- for 4-fold fewer false-positives than JackHMMER, but is ~5% less sensitive.
Availability and implementation: PSI-Search is available from the authors as a standalone implementation written in Perl for Linux-compatible platforms. It is also available through a web interface (www.ebi.ac.uk/Tools/sss/psisearch) and SOAP and REST Web Services (www.ebi.ac.uk/Tools/webservices).
Contact: pearson@virginia.edu; rodrigo.lopez@ebi.ac.uk
In vitro and in vivo identification of a novel cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope from Rv3425 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Chen Fei , Zhai Ming‐xia , Zhu Yu‐huang , Qi Yuan‐ming , Zhai Wen‐jie , Gao Yan‐feng 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe identification of novel cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes is important to analysis of the involvement of CD8+ T cells in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection as well as to the development of peptide vaccines. In this study, a novel CTL epitope from region of difference 11 encoded antigen Rv3425 was identified. Epitopes were predicted by the reversal immunology approach. Rv3425‐p118 (LIASNVAGV) was identified as having relatively strong binding affinity and stability towards the HLA‐A*0201 molecule. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells pulsed by this peptide were able to release interferon‐γ in healthy donors (HLA‐A*02+ purified protein derivative+). In cytotoxicity assays in vitro and in vivo, Rv3425‐p118 induced CTLs to specifically lyse the target cells. Therefore, this epitope could provide a subunit component for designing vaccines against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.