bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Reliable are Parenchymal Tissues for the Evaluation of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? A Pilot Study
Authors: Casali Michelangelo Bruno , Sironi Luca , Caligara Marina , Blandino Alberto , Circelli Silvia , Schiavi Davide , Cattaneo Cristina 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDealing with burnt bodies, the forensic pathologist must first of all answer the question whether the victim was alive at the moment of the fire. This study aims at clarifying whether some human solid tissues may be reliably used for the forensic diagnosis of Co poisoning on burnt bodies providing no collectable blood during the autopsy. From 34 selected cases, both cardiac blood and parenchymal samples were collected to perform CO‐oxymeter, spectrophotometry, and gas chromatography tests: blood CO estimations (blood COHb% and blood[CO]) and parenchymal[CO] values have been compared with special focus on R values. The solid tissues having the best correlations with blood CO amount turned out to be the lung (R 0.84), the liver (R 0.83), the kidney (R 0.79), and the spleen (R 0.92).
Pulmonary artery sarcoma: a rare thoracic tumor frequently misdiagnosed at presentation
Authors: Evison Matthew , Crosbie Philip , Chaturvedi Anshuman , Shah Rajesh , Booton Richard 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis case illustrates a rare but important differential diagnosis of pulmonary emboli in the field of thoracic oncology, that of pulmonary artery sarcoma. It describes particular clinical features that may raise suspicion of this tumor in cases of suspected pulmonary emboli, and highlights novel radiological modalities and tissue sampling techniques in such cases. Surgical resection, as part of multi‐modality therapy, is the cornerstone of treatment that has seen survival dramatically improve in recent years for patients with this rare cancer.
Comparison of Sinoatrial Conduction Time Measured by Holter method and Premature Stimulation Method
Authors: Kramarz Elżbieta , Piotrowicz Ryszard , Krzyzanowski Krystian , Kramarz Paulina 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe reliability of noninvasive Holter method for the calculation of sinoatrial conduction time (SACT) has not been confirmed by results of invasive electrophysiological studies of sinus nodal function. The aim of this study was to compare the values of SACT obtained by Holter method with values estimated by premature atrial stimulation method.MethodsThe study population consisted of 61 patients, in whom the 24‐hour ambulatory ECG monitoring had shown the occurrence of atrial premature beats. All these subjects were undergoing electrophysiological study including programmed atrial and ventricular stimulation. The measurements of SACT were obtained using spontaneous atrial premature beats (Holter method) and high right atrial stimulation (Strauss method).ResultsThere was a good correlation between measurements of SACT by Holter method and Strauss method (r = 0.79; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between values of SACT estimated by two compared methods. However, in certain patients, there were appreciable differences and SACT measured using spontaneous premature beats was shorter in 34 and longer in 23 patients than that estimated by the Strauss method. The values of SACT calculated by Holter method and Strauss method were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in patients with sick sinus syndrome than in those without evidence of sinus node dysfunction.ConclusionsGood correlation between values of SACT obtained by two compared methods suggests that single measurement performed using Holter method may be adequate for reliable calculation of SACT.
Efficacy of theory‐based interventions for young people with type 1 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ayling Kieran , Brierley Samantha , Johnson Barbara , Heller Simon , Eiser Christine 
Published: December 2014

PurposeTheory‐based behaviour change interventions have been recommended to improve outcomes for young people with type 1 diabetes. However, theory has exclusively been considered in a simplistic all‐or‐none fashion. We therefore (1) examined the nature and extent of explicit theory use in published interventions involving young people with type 1 diabetes and (2) the relationship between how theory is used and intervention outcomes.MethodsWe conducted systematic searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1999 and 2012. We used a detailed structured framework to code how theory was used and meta‐analytic techniques to examine the relationships between theory use and intervention efficacy.ResultsWe identified 34 articles comprising 27 RCTs. Thirty per cent (k = 8) did not use theory in any of the ways assessed. Where present, the most common use of theory was providing evidence that a targeted theoretical construct predicted behaviour (k = 15; 56%). Trials that used theory to some extent had marginally larger pooled effect sizes for both medical and psychological outcomes than those that did not. However, in meta‐regression models, use of theory did not significantly predict intervention outcomes.ConclusionsTheory is under‐utilized in intervention development for young people with type 1 diabetes. When employed, theory appears to be advantageous, but not necessarily predictive of intervention success. We argue that greater emphasis is needed on choosing appropriate theory, which should then become central to the process of intervention development.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Interventions for young people with type 1 diabetes that explicitly cite a theoretical basis may be more effective than those that do not. Recommendations have been made for theory to be central to the intervention development process in this area.

What does this study add?

Theory use in recent interventions for young people with type 1 diabetes is extremely limited.

Larger positive medical and psychological outcomes are observed in interventions making some use of theory.

Greater use of theory does not necessarily guarantee intervention success.
Follicular T helper cells and humoral reactivity in kidney transplant patients
Authors: de Graav G N , Dieterich M , Hesselink D A , Boer K , Clahsen-van Groningen M C , Kraaijeveld R , Litjens N H R , Bouamar R , Vanderlocht J , Tilanus M , Houba I , Boonstra A , Roelen D L , Claas F H J , Betjes M G H , Weimar W , Baan C C 
Published: December 2014

SummaryMemory B cells play a pivotal role in alloreactivity in kidney transplantation. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells play an important role in the differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-producing plasmablasts [through interleukin (IL)-21]. It is unclear to what extent this T cell subset regulates humoral alloreactivity in kidney transplant patients, therefore we investigated the absolute numbers and function of peripheral Tfh cells (CD4POSCXCR5POS T cells) in patients before and after transplantation. In addition, we studied their relationship with the presence of donor-specific anti-human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA), and the presence of Tfh cells in rejection biopsies. After transplantation peripheral Tfh cell numbers remained stable, while their IL-21-producing capacity decreased under immunosuppression. When isolated after transplantation, peripheral Tfh cells still had the capacity to induce B cell differentiation and immunoglobulin production, which could be inhibited by an IL-21-receptor-antagonist. After transplantation the quantity of Tfh cells was the highest in patients with pre-existent DSA. In kidney biopsies taken during rejection, Tfh cells co-localized with B cells and immunoglobulins in follicular-like structures. Our data on Tfh cells in kidney transplantation demonstrate that Tfh cells may mediate humoral alloreactivity, which is also seen in the immunosuppressed milieu.
Molecular screening of a large cohort of Moroccan patients with congenital hypopituitarism
Authors: Fritez Nabila , Sobrier Marie‐Laure , Iraqi Hinde , Vié‐Luton Marie‐Pierre , Netchine Irène , El Annas Abdessamad , Pantel Jacques , Collot Nathalie , Rose Sophie , Piterboth William , Legendre Marie , Chraibi Abdelmjid , Amselem Serge , Kadiri Abdelkrim , Hilal Latifa 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackground/ObjectivesCongenital hypopituitarism is a rare disease which, for most patients, has no identified molecular cause. We aimed to document the molecular basis of growth retardation in a Moroccan cohort.Design/Patients80 index cases [54 with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD), 26 with combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD)] were screened for molecular defects in GH1 (including LCR‐GH1), GHRHR, GHSR, GHRH, PROP1, POU1F1, HESX1, LHX3, LHX4 and SOX3.ResultsFive different deleterious mutations were identified in 14 patients from eight families. In the IGHD group, three genes were found to be involved: GH1, GHRHR and GHSR. In the CPHD group, PROP1 was the only mutated gene. In addition, two heterozygous variations whose deleterious effect remains to be demonstrated were identified (in GH1 and LHX4), and two polymorphisms (missense variations) were detected (in LHX3 and in GHSR). The prevalence of mutations in this Moroccan GHD cohort was 10% (8/80), 11·1% (6/54) in the IGHD group and 7·7% (2/26) in the CPHD group.ConclusionThis is the first molecular screening of congenital GHD in a Moroccan population and, like other studies, mutations were preferentially identified in familial cases (75%); mutations in genes such as POU1F1, HESX1, SOX3, LHX3 and LHX4 are extremely rare. The p.R73C PROP1 mutation was the most frequent mutation in CPHD; this should be the first one to screen in this population. Our results should contribute to a better diagnosis and management of this heterogeneous disease condition.
Who owns the trauma? A Kleinian perspective on the dialogue between child protection social workers and the media
Authors: Ben Shlomo Shirley , Levin‐Keini Noga 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe present paper makes use of the developmental model of movement between mental positions that was formulated by psychoanalyst Melanie Klein, aimed at understanding the dialogue that takes place between the media and social workers in the field of child welfare, centring around incidents of murder within the family. The basic concept in the paper is that when working with children who are victims of abuse and with their parents, and when reporting on them as well, the feeling of personal control is severely undermined, being associated with the loss of the hallowed social value known as ‘unconditional love of a parent for his child’. The paper illustrates these theoretical ideas by describing two cases that took place in Israel and recommendations are made regarding ways of promoting the dialogue between the professions.
A New Model for Catalyzing Translational Science: The Early Stage Investigator Mentored Research Scholar Program in HIV Vaccines
Authors: Adamson Blythe J.S. , Fuchs Jonathan D. , Sopher Carrie J. , Flood Danna M. , Johnson R. Paul , Haynes Barton F. , Kublin James G. ,   The NIAID HIV Vaccine Trials Network
Published: December 2014

AbstractEngagement of early stage investigators (ESIs) in the search for a safe and effective vaccine is critical to the success of this highly challenging endeavor. In the wake of disappointing results from a large‐scale efficacy trial, the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) and Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology (CHAVI) developed a novel mentored research program focused on the translation of findings from nonhuman primate studies to human trials of experimental vaccines. From 2008 to 2011, 14 ESI Scholars were selected from 42 complete applications. Post program surveys and tracked outcomes suggest that the combination of flexible funding, transdisciplinary mentorship, and structured training and networking promoted the scientific contributions and career development of promising ESIs. Embedding a multicomponent research program within collaborative clinical trial networks and research consortia is a promising strategy to attract and retain early career investigators and catalyze important translational science.
Mineralization of Alvinella polychaete tubes at hydrothermal vents
Authors: Georgieva M. N. , Little C. T. S. , Ball A. D. , Glover A. G. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlvinellid polychaete worms form multilayered organic tubes in the hottest and most rapidly growing areas of deep‐sea hydrothermal vent chimneys. Over short periods of time, these tubes can become entirely mineralized within this environment. Documenting the nature of this process in terms of the stages of mineralization, as well as the mineral textures and end products that result, is essential for our understanding of the fossilization of polychaetes at hydrothermal vents. Here, we report in detail the full mineralization of Alvinella spp. tubes collected from the East Pacific Rise, determined through the use of a wide range of imaging and analytical techniques. We propose a new model for tube mineralization, whereby mineralization begins as templating of tube layer and sublayer surfaces and results in fully mineralized tubes comprised of multiple concentric, colloform, pyrite bands. Silica appeared to preserve organic tube layers in some samples. Fine‐scale features such as protein fibres, extracellular polymeric substances and two types of filamentous microbial colonies were also found to be well preserved within a subset of the tubes. The fully mineralized Alvinella spp. tubes do not closely resemble known ancient hydrothermal vent tube fossils, corroborating molecular evidence suggesting that the alvinellids are a relatively recent polychaete lineage. We also compare pyrite and silica preservation of organic tissues within hydrothermal vents to soft tissue preservation in sediments and hot springs.
Capital Allocation: Evidence, Analytical Methods, and Assessment Guidance
Authors: Mauboussin Michael J. , Callahan Dan 
Published: December 2014

Capital allocation is one of top management's primary responsibilities. Although always important, it is critical today because corporate operating returns on invested capital are at an all‐time high, while recent growth and investment have been modest, and corporate balance sheets in the U.S. have substantial cash.Yet few senior executives are sufficiently well‐versed in finance theory and methods to allocate capital as effectively as possible. Further, incentive programs that focus on meeting earnings per share often encourage behavior that is not in the best interests of long‐term shareholders.In this report, the authors begin with the premise that the goal of corporate capital allocation is to build long‐term value per share; and with that view in mind, they examine the main sources and uses of capital by the largest 1,500 U.S. companies during the last 30 years. More specifically, the authors identify the amounts of capital allocated to each of seven important alternatives, including major uses of capital such as M&Amp;A, capital expenditures, R&D, and distributions of capital to investors such as dividends and stock repurchases. And after reviewing the past allocations of capital to each of these alternatives, the authors summarize the academic research on the effects on corporate values of each of these uses of capital.The authors report that U.S. corporations fund most of their investments internally, and that M&Amp;A and capital expenditures have long been, and continue to be, the largest operating uses of capital, though both capital expenditures and growth in assets have fallen in recent years. At the same time, both corporate cash holdings and distributions to shareholders in the form of dividends and stock buybacks are at record levels. But even with such high payouts, R&D spending as a percentage of revenue by U.S. companies has remained high, and actually increased during the past decade.Finally, the authors provide a framework that can be used either internally or by outsiders to evaluate the capital allocation practices and effectiveness of a management team. This framework asks management to assess its past performance, provide realistic projections of future returns on invested capital, and evaluate their own incentive programs—all while renewing their commitment to the five principles of thoughtful capital allocation: (1) zero‐based capital allocation; (2) funding of strategies, not projects; (3) no capital rationing; (4) zero tolerance for bad growth; and (5) continuous monitoring of the value of all assets and business, and willingness to take action if and when such values are larger outside than inside the firm.
An Unconventional Conglomerateur: Henry Singleton and Teledyne
Authors: Thorndike William N. 
Published: December 2014

Capital allocation involves decisions about raising and returning capital, and about acquiring and selling companies—all of which can have major effects on shareholder value. Rather than judging CEOs by growth in revenues or earnings, the author argues that they should be judged by increases in the per share value of the companies they manage and also in comparison with the returns generated by peer firms and the broader market. Successful CEOs have been able to overcome the “institutional imperative”—the tendency of managers to focus on the sheer size of their enterprises and to avoid doing things that might be seen as unconventional.In this chapter from his recent book, The Outsiders, which provides accounts of eight remarkably successful and long‐tenured CEOs, the author describes the successful management by Henry Singleton of the conglomerate Teledyne from 1963 to 1990, a period during which the company's shareholders enjoyed annualized returns of over 20%. During the 1960s, the company produced high returns mainly by making large acquisitions funded by new equity issues. During the 1970s and '80s, by contrast, Teledyne used massive share repurchases to return excess capital to shareholders. Thus, Singleton adjusted his capital allocation strategy in response to changes in product and financial markets—and to changes in the perceived difference between market and intrinsic values. When investors provided capital with relatively low required rates of return, as in the 1960s, Singleton was an aggressive buyer investor in a wide range of businesses. But when interest rates were high and equity valuations were low, as in the 1970s and early 1980s, Singleton used share repurchases to create value by reducing investment and limiting growth. The company's shareholders were well rewarded in both environments.
The Icahn Manifesto
Authors: Carlisle Tobias 
Published: December 2014

The title of this opening chapter in the author's new book on activist investors refers to Carl Icahn's solution to the “agency” problem faced by the shareholders of public companies in motivating corporate managers and boards to maximize firm value. During the 1960s and '70s, U.S. public companies tended to be run in ways designed to increase their size while minimizing their financial risk, with heavy emphasis on corporate diversification. Icahn successfully challenged corporate managers throughout the 1970s and 1980s by buying blocks of shares in companies he believed were undervalued and then demanding board seats and other changes in corporate governance and management.This article describes the evolution of Icahn as an investor. Starting by investing in undervalued, closed‐end mutual funds and then shorting shares of the stocks in the underlying portfolio, Icahn was able to get fund managers either to liquidate their funds (giving Icahn an arbitrage profit on his long mutual fund/short underlying stocks position) or take other steps to eliminate the “value gap.” After closing the value gaps within the limited universe of closed‐end mutual funds, Icahn turned his attention to the shares of companies trading for less than his perception of the value of their assets.As the author goes on to point out, the strategy that Icahn used with such powerful effect can be traced to the influence of the great value investor Benjamin Graham. Graham was a forceful advocate for the use of shareholder activism to bring about change in underperforming—and in that sense undervalued—companies. The first edition of Graham's investing classic, Security Analysis, published in 1934, devoted an entire chapter to the relationship between shareholders and management, which Graham described as “one of the strangest phenomena of American finance.”
Are Certain Dividend Increases Predictable? The Effect of Repeated Dividend Increases on Market Returns
Authors: Michayluk David , Neuhauser Karyn , Walker Scott 
Published: December 2014

The authors report the findings of their study of over 400 stocks of public companies that announced at least 20 consecutive increases in their dividends during the period 1999 and 2009. With the assumption that the stock market learns to anticipate future dividend increases from current patterns, the study was designed to answer the question: How many increases does it take for the market to anticipate, and “price in,” the pattern of dividend increases?The authors report finding that abnormal returns around the first and second announcements of dividend increases are significant and positive, but are much less significant for the third and further increases. They also find that the size of the dividend increases tends to fall with more increases, and that the largest percentage dividend changes occur early in the sequence.
Transarterial chemoembolization aggravated peritumoral fibrosis via hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α dependent pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qu Kai , Yan Zhaoyong , Wu Yousheng , Chen Yibing , Qu Ping , Xu Xinsen , Yuan Peng , Huang Xiaojun , Xing Jinliang , Zhang Hongxin , Liu Chang , Zhang Jing 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground and AimIt was commonly accepted that chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity was the main cause for hepatic failure in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, the effect of embolization‐induced hypoxia on liver cirrhosis has rarely been concerned.MethodsSerum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin were used to detect liver injury. Hepatic artery ligation was performed in carbon tetrachloride‐induced rat hepatic fibrosis model to mimic the effect of hepatic hypoxia on liver fibrosis after TACE. Sirius Red staining and immunohistochemical analysis of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were used to detect the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, the expression of hypoxia and fibrosis‐related molecules were analyzed at protein and/or mRNA level.ResultsPatients showed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.006), accompanied by a decrease in albumin (P = 0.005) after repeated TACE. Hepatic artery ligation significantly promoted carbon tetrachloride‐induced rat liver fibrosis progression as indicated by Sirius Red and α‐SMA staining, as well as increased expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conditioned media of hypoxia‐treated L02 cells induced the expression of Collagen I and α‐SMA in LX‐2 cells, which was inhibited by HIF‐1α small interfering RNA. Finally, HIF‐1α inhibitor LW6 attenuated the hypoxia‐induced fibrosis progression in vivo.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that TACE‐induced hepatic hypoxia aggravates the fibrosis progression in peritumoral liver tissue, thus leads to the deterioration of liver function. Intervention of HIF‐1α might be a valuable strategy to optimize the efficacy and reduce the complication of TACE.