bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Humanities under Siege?
Authors: D’haen Theo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractEverywhere in Europe the humanities, and within the humanities particularly the study of languages and literatures, are increasingly under pressure from reductions in staff numbers and research funding. This is a pity, because the capital – both cultural and economic - the humanities, and the study of languages and literatures, represent is considerable. Moreover, boosting the humanities requires relatively little investment, certainly in comparison to the pure and exact sciences. However, the humanities should not expect to be saved by simply continuing in the tracks of the last century or so. Instead, they should aim to better ‘sell’ themselves in the era of globalization.
New Pathways for Rethinking Literary Studies in the 21st Century
Authors: André Sylvie 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis paper is to re-think the goals of literary studies at the hedge of the 21° century, questioning the idea of literature itself. Literature, as it is defined in Europe, is an ethnocentric notion, related to the theory of nation-state from the 19° century. National literatures are also the major frame for comparative studies. So literature and literary studies must change and focus on contemporary challenges: globalization and new media. Nowadays, literary studies and teaching can not anymore be so tightly linked with nation or democratic state building. Teaching has to offer a wider range of cultural marks for young people. From now on, the major goals of researchers might be a theoretical analyze of the process of representation by language itself (very similar for all human sciences) and an analyze of literature as a aesthetic activity (very similar in all types of societies).
The Study of Arabic
Authors: Carter Michael 
Published: July 2012

AbstractArabic is an important language in several respects, and there is a long history of contact between Muslims and the non-Muslim West which justifies the study of Islamic culture. The relations between the two are briefly described, as a background to the consequences of 19th century imperialism. The paper then examines the dual linguistic status of Arabic, as a language both of revelation and everyday intercourse. The unique rôle of the Islamic Adam as the first speaker of Arabic leads to a discussion of the power vested in Arabic by virtue of its religious function. To maintain its power an educational system was developed to train scholars to preserve the enormous archive of literary material which records the history of Islam and guarantees its survival, increasing the dependence of Islam upon Arabic. However, the religion does not suppress individuality, and the paper argues that Arabic literature is full of humanist observations on the strengths and weakness of mankind, all of us sons of Adam. The current situation of Classical Arabic is then reviewed: because it cannot change there cannot be (or not yet) a Reformation of the kind which happened in Europe, although contemporary written Arabic is gradually drifting away from the Classical standard. But the written language retains its power as the final recourse for all Islamic matters, and is now also playing a political rôle at the UN. Some recent studies of the use of Arabic in various domains are briefly mentioned, and the influence of Western linguistics on the teaching of Arabic, together with a fleeting glance at the effect of computers on the way the Qur’an is now experienced. The paper concludes by asking whether dialogue is possible or even necessary, with a negative answer. Instead a humanist approach is recommended, one in which Arabic culture is studied not for its intellectual challenges alone, but to enable us to recognise fellow sons of Adam across the borders of language.
The Place of Philosophy between Science and the Humanities
Authors: Kang Young Ahn 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe hear frequently about the crisis of the humanities. The crisis of the humanities we experience nowadays is due to the economic logic of the capitalist system that everything is evalu-ated according to economic and social utility. Deeper reason for the crisis could be found in modern and contemporary humanities which lost their ideal of cultivating humanity for better life by nourishing human heart and mind. Philosophy confronts the same crisis by becoming a science, or the science providing ground for other sciences, and stopping to ask and reflect on the meaning of life. Other extreme is to make philosophy just a writing. At this point Kant is invited to suggest the way for philosophy between science and writing. Philosophy has at least three necessary conditions: human’s thinking ability (arguments and counterarguments), the practice of this talent on available texts, and a vast field of concrete life. Philosophy is not merely a science, a doctrine and not merely an edifying discourse, but also and primarily a way of life to control one’s passion, to rectify one’s heart and mind and to reflect on the meaning of life.
From Eurocentrism to a Polycentric Vision of the World: Advocacy for a Paradigm Shift
Authors: Samassékou Adama 
Published: July 2012

AbstractHumanities and social sciences have so far adopted an approach keeping Europe at the heart of the scientific debates, to the detriment of the other continents and thus, of the other cultures in the world, relegated to the periphery of the dynamics of intellectual reflection and production. This Eurocentrism is also evident in the economic, socio-cultural, political and religious fields. The case of the relationships between Africa and Europe is quite enlightening.The recent crisis, which is not only financial and economic but also cultural and more generally societal, reveals a loss of sense reinforced by the attempt to standardize the world’s cultures induced by the accelerated globalization leading to a real dehumanization of the relationships between individuals, peoples and States.It is urgent to make a paradigm shift through the reconstruction of humanities and social sciences, in the perspective of a polycentrism based on cultural and linguistic diversity in the world and capable of strengthening the dialogue between cultures and civilizations, and therefore, peace in the world.
The effect of supplementation of calcium, vitamin D, boron, and increased fluoride intake on bone mechanical properties and metabolic hormones in rat
Authors: Ghanizadeh G , Babaei M , Naghii Mohammad Reza , Mofid M , Torkaman G , Hedayati M 
Published: July 2012

Evidence indicates that optimal nutrition plays a role in bone formation and maintenance. Besides major components of mineralization such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, other nutrients like boron and fluoride have beneficial role, too. In this study, 34 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control diet, fluoride, fluoride + boron, fluoride + calcium + vitamin D, and flouride + boron + calcium + vitamin D. Boron equal to 1.23 mg, calcium and vitamin D equal to 210 mg + 55 IU and fluoride equal to 0.7 mg/rat/day was added to their drinking water for 8 weeks. Plasma blood samples and bones were collected. Findings are evidence that fluoride + boron intake revealed significant positive effects on bone mechanical properties and bone metabolic hormones. These findings suggest that combined intake of these two elements has beneficial effects on bone stiffness and breaking strength comparing to even calcium + vitamin D supplementation. This evidence dealing with health problems related to bone and skeletal system in humans should justify further investigation of the role of boron and fluoride with other elements in relation to bone.
Use of healthcare resources after gestational diabetes mellitus: A longitudinal case–control analysis
Authors: Anderberg Eva , Carlsson Katarina Steen , Berntorp Kerstin 
Published: July 2012

Aims: To analyse whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was associated with increases in healthcare utilisation after delivery. Methods: A longitudinal case–control registry-based study of 579 women with GDM delivered in 1995–2001. Two controls for each case were selected from the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, matched for year of birth, year of delivery, and municipality of residence. Data regarding healthcare utilisation was provided by the Patients’ Administrative System in Skåne County, Sweden, covering the period from the years of delivery up to year 2009. Results: Women with previous GDM had higher mean number of contacts and total cost in the years after delivery as compared to controls, also when excluding utilisation related to subsequent pregnancies and childbirth. By year 2009, 31% of women with prior GDM were diagnosed with diabetes, compared to 1% of controls. Women diagnosed with diabetes were more likely to use health care (odds ratio 14.22, 95% confidence interval 5.87–34.45) controlling for age and time since delivery, whereas cases not diagnosed with diabetes did not differ from controls. The average annual cost of healthcare utilisation was 101% higher ( p<0.001) for women with diabetes 10 years after delivery compared to controls. Conclusions: GDM was associated with higher healthcare utilisation postpartum for women who had a diabetes diagnosis. The results call for implementation of structured programmes to follow up women with GDM postpartum for early detection of diabetes and effective management, which may have the potential for improved health and savings in healthcare costs.
Patients’ experiences with metaphors in a solution-focused approach to improve self-management skills: A qualitative study
Authors: Solberg Hege , Nysether Gerd E. , Steinsbekk Aslak 
Published: July 2012

Aim: To explore how participants taking part in a session based on a solution-focused approach to enhance self-management skills experienced the metaphor “Captain of the ship” used in the educational material. Methods: A qualitative study with semi-structured focus group interviews with 16 participants in different self-management programmes. The educational material used the metaphor “Captain of the ship”. The material had pictures of a turtle who was “Captain of the ship” in different situations. The pictures were accompanied by solution-focused questions. Results: Most of the participants found the metaphor “Captain of the ship” very helpful. They reported that it was easy to remember, enhanced the learning process, and could be used as a practical tool in everyday situations. Furthermore, the metaphor helped them to become more aware of their own responsibility for self-management. Conclusions: The metaphor “Captain of the ship” was experienced as strengthening the messages from the solution-focused approach.
Meta-analysis of the association between angiotensin II receptor, type 1 gene A1166C polymorphism and coronary artery disease in Chinese populations
Authors: Li Yuqiong , Li Xiaobo , Jia Nan , Guo Shujie , Chu Shaoli , Niu Wenquan 
Published: July 2012

Background and objective: Many studies have examined the association between the angiotensin II receptor, type 1 ( AGTR1) gene A1166C polymorphism and coronary artery disease (CAD); the results, however, remain controversial. Given the accumulation of data, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies on this association in Chinese. Methods and results: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Wanfang and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases was conducted before January 2012. Data and study quality were assessed in duplicate. Twenty-two studies totaling 3502 CAD patients and 3071 controls were analyzed. Overall, individuals carrying 1166C allele had a remarkably increased risk of CAD compared with those with 1166AA genotype (odds ratio (OR)=1.63; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26-2.1; P<0.0005). In subgroup analyses by geography, the risk magnitude was slightly augmented in northern Chinese (OR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.23-2.52; P=0.002) relative to in southern Chinese (OR=1.55; 95% CI: 1.13-2.14; P=0.007). Grouping studies by average age detected a strong association in studies involving CAD patients aged ≥ 60 years. Differences in the diagnosis of CAD and source of controls might be potential sources of between-study heterogeneity. Conclusions: Our findings provided strong evidence that AGTR1 gene A1166C polymorphism might be a genetic marker for the development of CAD in Chinese populations, especially in the context of studies with northern and older subjects.
Educational interventions to improve the effectiveness in clinical competence of general practitioners: problem-based versus critical reading-based learning
Authors: Gongora-Ortega Javier , Segovia-Bernal Yolanda , Valdivia-Martinez J de Jesus , Galaviz-deAnda J Martin , Prado-Aguilar Carlos A 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Evidence suggests that continuing medical education improves the clinical competence of general practitioners and the quality of health care services. Thus, we evaluated the relative impact of two educational strategies, critical reading (CR) and problem based learning (PBL), on the clinical competence of general practitioners in a healthcare system characterized by excessive workload and fragmentation into small primary healthcare centers.

Methods
Clinical competence was evaluated in general practitioners assigned to three groups based on the educational interventions used: 1) critical reading intervention; 2) problem based learning intervention; and 3) no intervention (control group, which continued clinical practice as normal). The effect on the clinical competence of general practitioners was evaluated in three dimensions: the cognitive dimension, via a self-administered questionnaire; the habitual behavioral dimension, via information from patient’s medical records; and the affective dimension, through interviews with patients. A paired Student´s t-test was used to evaluate the changes in the mean clinical competence scores before and after the intervention, and a 3 x 2 ANOVA was used to analyze groups, times and their interaction.

Results
Nine general practitioners participated in the critical reading workshop, nine in the problem-based learning workshop, and ten were assigned to the control group. The participants exhibited no significant differences in clinical competence measures at baseline, or in socio-demographic or job characteristics (p > 0.05). Significant improvements in all three dimensions (cognitive, 45.67 vs 54.89; habitual behavioral, 53.78 vs 82.33; affective, 4.16 vs 4.76) were only observed in the problem-based learning group after the intervention (p > 0.017).

Conclusions
While no differences in post-intervention scores were observed between groups, we conclude that problem-based learning can be effective, particularly in a small-group context. Indeed, problem-based learning was the only strategy to induce a significant difference between pre– and post- intervention scores for all three CC dimensions.
Effects of molecular structural variants on serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels in sarcoidosis
Authors: Shigemura Masahiko , Nasuhara Yasuyuki , Konno Satoshi , Shimizu Chikara , Matsuno Kazuhiko , Yamaguchi Etsuro , Nishimura Masaharu 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), which is classified as human mucin-1 (MUC1), is used as a marker of sarcoidosis and other interstitial lung diseases. However, there remain some limitations due to a lack of information on the factors contributing to increased levels of serum KL-6. This study was designed to investigate the factors contributing to increased levels of serum KL-6 by molecular analysis.

Methods
Western blot analysis using anti-KL-6 antibody was performed simultaneously on the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum obtained from 128 subjects with sarcoidosis.

Results
KL-6/MUC1 in BALF showed three bands and five band patterns. These band patterns were associated with the MUC1 genotype and the KL-6 levels. KL-6/MUC1 band patterns in serum were dependent on molecular size class in BALF. Significantly increased levels of serum KL-6, serum/BALF KL-6 ratio and serum soluble interleukin 2 receptor were observed in the subjects with influx of high molecular size KL-6/MUC1 from the alveoli to blood circulation. The multivariate linear regression analysis involving potentially relevant variables such as age, gender, smoking status, lung parenchymal involvement based on radiographical stage and molecular size of KL-6/MUC1 in serum showed that the molecular size of KL-6/MUC1 in serum was significant independent determinant of serum KL-6 levels.

Conclusions
The molecular structural variants of KL-6/MUC1 and its leakage behavior affect serum levels of KL-6 in sarcoidosis. This information may assist in the interpretation of serum KL-6 levels in sarcoidosis.
Tripled coincidence point results for generalized contractions in ordered generalized metric spaces
Authors: Aydi Hassen , Karapınar Erdal , Shatanawi Wasfi 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
In this paper, we establish some tripled coincidence point results for a mixed g-monotone mapping F : X
3 → X satisfying (ψ, ϕ)-contractions in ordered generalized metric spaces. Also, an application and some examples are given to support our results.
Prescription dose and fractionation predict improved survival after stereotactic radiotherapy for brainstem metastases
Authors: Leeman Jonathan E , Clump David A , Wegner Rodney E , Heron Dwight E , Burton Steven A , Mintz Arlan H 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Brainstem metastases represent an uncommon clinical presentation that is associated with a poor prognosis. Treatment options are limited given the unacceptable risks associated with surgical resection in this location. However, without local control, symptoms including progressive cranial nerve dysfunction are frequently observed. The objective of this study was to determine the outcomes associated with linear accelerator-based stereotactic radiotherapy or radiosurgery (SRT/SRS) of brainstem metastases.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 38 tumors in 36 patients treated with SRT/SRS between February 2003 and December 2011. Treatment was delivered with the Cyberknife™ or Trilogy™ radiosurgical systems. The median age of patients was 62 (range: 28–89). Primary pathologies included 14 lung, 7 breast, 4 colon and 11 others. Sixteen patients (44%) had received whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) prior to SRT/SRS; ten had received prior SRT/SRS at a different site (28%). The median tumor volume was 0.94 cm3 (range: 0.01-4.2) with a median prescription dose of 17 Gy (range: 12–24) delivered in 1–5 fractions.

Results
Median follow-up for the cohort was 3.2 months (range: 0.4-20.6). Nineteen patients (52%) had an MRI follow-up available for review. Of these, one patient experienced local failure corresponding to an actuarial 6-month local control of 93%. Fifteen of the patients with available follow-up imaging (79%) experienced intracranial failure outside of the treatment volume. The median time to distant intracranial failure was 2.1 months. Six of the 15 patients with distant intracranial failure (40%) had received previous WBRT. The actuarial overall survival rates at 6- and 12-months were 27% and 8%, respectively. Predictors of survival included Graded Prognostic Assessment (GPA) score, greater number of treatment fractions, and higher prescription dose. Three patients experienced acute treatment-related toxicity consisting of nausea (n = 1) and headaches (n = 2) that resolved with a short-course of dexamethasone.

Conclusion
SRT/SRS for brainstem metastases is safe and achieves a high rate of local control. We found higher GPA as well as greater number of treatment fractions and higher prescription dose to be correlated with improved overall survival. Despite this approach, prognosis remains poor and distant intracranial control remains an issue, even in patients previously treated with WBRT.
Analysis of the association between CD40 and CD40 ligand polymorphisms and systemic sclerosis
Authors: Teruel María , Simeon Carmen P , Broen Jasper , Vonk Madelon C , Carreira Patricia , Camps Maria Teresa , García-Portales Rosa , Delgado-Frías Esmeralda , Gallego Maria , Espinosa Gerard ,   the Spanish Scleroderma Group, Beretta Lorenzo , Airó Paolo , Lunardi Claudio , Riemekasten Gabriela , Witte Torsten , Krieg Thomas , Kreuter Alexander , Distler Jörg HW , Hunzelmann Nicolas , Koeleman Bobby P , Voskuyl Alexandre E , Schuerwegh Annemie J , González-Gay Miguel Ángel , Radstake Timothy RDJ , Martin Javier 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40LG) genes in the susceptibility and phenotype expression of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

In total, 2,670 SSc patients and 3,245 healthy individuals from four European populations (Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and Italy) were included in the study. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CD40 (rs1883832, rs4810485, rs1535045) and CD40LG (rs3092952, rs3092920) were genotyped by using a predesigned TaqMan allele-discrimination assay technology. Meta-analysis was assessed to determine whether an association exists between the genetic variants and SSc or its main clinical subtypes.

Results

No evidence of association between CD40 and CD40LG genes variants and susceptibility to SSc was observed. Similarly, no significant statistical differences were observed when SSc patients were stratified by the clinical subtypes, the serologic features, and pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our results do not suggest an important role of CD40 and CD40LG gene polymorphisms in the susceptibility to or clinical expression of SSc.
Interest of a simple on-line screening registry for measuring ICU burden related to an influenza pandemic
Authors: Richard Jean-Christophe Marie , Pham Tài , Brun-Buisson Christian , Reignier Jean , Mercat Alain , Beduneau Gaëtan , Régnier Bernard , Mourvillier Bruno , Guitton Christophe , Castanier Matthias , Combes Alain , Tulzo Yves Le , Brochard Laurent ,   the REVA study group
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Introduction
The specific burden imposed on Intensive Care Units (ICUs) during the A/H1N1 influenza 2009 pandemic has been poorly explored. An on-line screening registry allowed a daily report of ICU beds occupancy rate by flu infected patients (Flu-OR) admitted in French ICUs.

Methods
We conducted a prospective inception cohort study with results of an on-line screening registry designed for daily assessment of ICU burden.

Results
Among the 108 centers participating to the French H1N1 research network on mechanical ventilation (REVA) - French Society of Intensive Care (SRLF) registry, 69 ICUs belonging to seven large geographical areas voluntarily participated in a website screening-registry. The aim was to daily assess the ICU beds occupancy rate by influenza-infected and non-infected patients for at least three weeks. Three hundred ninety-one critically ill infected patients were enrolled in the cohort, representing a subset of 35% of the whole French 2009 pandemic cohort; 73% were mechanically ventilated, 13% required extra corporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and 22% died. The global Flu-OR in these ICUs was only 7.6%, but it exceeded a predefined 15% critical threshold in 32 ICUs for a total of 103 weeks. Flu-ORs were significantly higher in University than in non-University hospitals. The peak ICU burden was poorly predicted by observations obtained at the level of large geographical areas.

Conclusions
The peak Flu-OR during the pandemic significantly exceeded a 15% critical threshold in almost half of the ICUs, with an uneven distribution with time, geographical areas and between University and non-University hospitals. An on-line assessment of Flu-OR via a simple dedicated registry may contribute to better match resources and needs.