bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced biomedical scientist cut-up role in colonic cancer reporting
Authors: Sanders Scott A , Smith Adrian , Carr Richard Allen , Roberts Sarah , Gurusamy Shiva , Simmons Emma 
Published: March 2012

AimsTo extend the biomedical scientist (BMS) cut-up role to include gastrointestinal category D colorectal cancer resection specimens, and to address issues of quality and safety by presenting performance data from the first 50 BMS cut-up specimens in comparison with national guidelines and pathologist performance over the same timeframe.MethodsClose mentoring and consultant supervision was carried out for every case with adherence to standard operating procedures and following colorectal cancer dataset guidelines as published by the Royal College of Pathologists. Performance targets were audited including anticipated spread of Dukes' stage, targets for mean lymph node harvest, percentage extramural vascular invasion and serosal involvement, and mean tumour blocks sampled. Histological pre-reporting of 20 cases was encouraged, and time spent by BMS and consultant at all stages of specimen reporting was noted.ResultsPerformance targets were all exceeded by the BMS and compared favourably with pathologist performance. A measure of consultant cut-up and histology reporting time saved was identified.ConclusionsBenefits of extending the BMS role to category D specimens may include BMS professional advancement, efficient use of consultant time and the development of a team approach to cancer reporting. The achievement of colorectal cancer performance targets and favourable comparison with pathologist performance implies there was no perceived detrimental effect on quality or safety and thus patient management.
‘The Anglo-Saxon disease’: a pilot study of the barriers to and facilitators of the use of randomised controlled trials of social programmes in an international context: Table 1
Authors: Roberts Helen , Petticrew Mark , Liabo Kristin , Macintyre Sally 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundThere appears to be considerable variation between different national jurisdictions and between different sectors of public policy in the use of evidence and particularly the use of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate non-healthcare sector programmes.MethodsAs part of a wider study attempting to identify RCTs of public policy sector programmes and the reasons for variation between countries and sectors in their use, we carried out a pilot study which interviewed 10 policy makers and researchers in six countries to elicit views on barriers to and facilitators of the use of RCTs for social programmes.ResultsWhile in common with earlier studies, those interviewed expressed a need for unambiguous findings, timely results and significant effect sizes, users could, in fact, be ambivalent about robust methods and robust answers about what works, does not work or makes no difference, particularly where investment or a policy announcement was planned. Different national and policy sector cultures varied in their use of and support for RCTs.ConclusionsIn order to maximise the use of robust evaluations of public programmes across the world it would be useful to examine, systematically, cross-national and cross-sectoral variations in the use of different methods including RCTs and barriers to and facilitators of their use. Sound research methods, whatever their scientific value, are no guarantee that findings will be useful or used. ‘Stories’ have been shown to influence policy; those advocating the use of RCTs may need to provide convincing narratives to avoid repetition about their value.
Does income matter for troublesome neck pain? A population-based study on risk and prognosis
Authors: Palmlöf Lina , Skillgate Eva , Alfredsson Lars , Vingård Eva , Magnusson Cecilia , Lundberg Michael , Holm Lena W 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundStudies have shown associations between higher income and better health, but income has not been studied in relation to neck pain. The aims of this cohort study were to assess the sex-specific role of disposable income for onset and prognosis of neck pain in the general population and if economic stress influences such potential associations.MethodsTwo subcohorts were identified in the Stockholm Public Health Cohort with data from 2002. Cohort I (risk cohort) included persons without neck pain (n=8348). Cohort II (prognostic cohort) included persons with occasional neck pain during the previous 6 months (n=10 523). Both cohorts were assessed for long duration troublesome neck pain (LDNP) in 2007. Individual income was defined as aggregated annual family income in 2002 with each family member assigned a weighted consumption share, based on salary, pensions and social benefits. LDNP in 2007 was defined as having had troublesome neck pain lasting for three or more consecutive months the previous 5 years. Association between income and LDNP, considering potential confounding, was investigated by multivariable logistic regression. Economic stress was tested as effect modifier between income and LDNP.ResultsIn both cohorts, associations were found between lower income and a higher risk for LDNP. The results were similar between the sexes. Economic stress modified the associations in both cohorts.ConclusionsLow income may be a risk as well as prognostic factor for developing LDNP. Furthermore, the results indicate that economic stress may be an underlying factor to consider when studying associations between income and neck pain.
RMS-TM
Authors: Kestor Gokcen , Karakostas Vasileios , Unsal Osman S. , Cristal Adrian , Hur Ibrahim , Valero Mateo 
Published: March 2012

Transactional Memory (TM) has been proposed as an alternative concurrency mechanism for the shared memory parallel programming model. Its main goal is to make parallel programming for Chip Multiprocessors (CMPs) easier than using the traditional lock synchronization constructs, without compromising the performance and the scalability. This topic has received substantial research attention and several TM designs have been proposed using various TM benchmarks. We believe that the evaluation of TM proposals would be more solid if it included realistic applications, that address on-going TM research issues, and that provide the potential for straightforward comparison against locks.
In this paper, we introduce RMS-TM, a Transactional Memory benchmark suite composed of seven real-world applications from the Recognition, Mining and Synthesis (RMS) domain. In addition to featuring current TM research issues such as nesting and I/O and system calls inside transactions, the RMS-TM applications also provide a mix of short and long transactions with small/large read and write sets with low/medium/high contention rates. These characteristics, as well as providing lock-based versions of the applications, make RMS-TM a useful TM tool. Current TM benchmarks do not explore all these features. In our evaluation with selected STM and HTM systems, we find that our benchmark suite is also scalable, which is useful for evaluating TM designs on high core counts.
ReRack
Authors: Brown Michael , Renau Jose 
Published: March 2012

Data centers operating cost are dominated by their power consumption. Renewable energy sources can reduce the operating costs when correctly selected. Nevertheless, this is a non trivial task because it should consider different energy sources (wind, solar), storage alternatives (batteries, grid-tie), workload, historical weather patterns, incentives, and service agreement penalties. These are the basic factors, but the model should be extensive to consider other factors like power gating support.
This paper introduces ReRack, an extensible simulation infrastructure that can be used to evaluate the energy cost of a data center using renewable energy sources. ReRack is composed of two main components, a simulation and an optimization component. The simulation component explores the cost effectiveness of renewable energy generation. It requires a model that can simulate both the data center power usage and the location-dependent variability of the power generation source (solar and wind). The ReRack optimization component finds the best ratio of renewable energy sources for a given location and workload.
p120RasGAP-Mediated Activation of c-Src Is Critical for Oncogenic Ras to Induce Tumor Invasion
Authors: Chan Po-Chao , Chen Hong-Chen 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Ras genes are the most common targets for somatic gain-of-function mutations in human cancers. In this study, we found a high incidence of correlation between Ras oncogenic mutations and c-Src activation in human cancer cells. We showed that oncogenic Ras induces c-Src activation mainly on the Golgi complex and endoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, we identified p120RasGAP as an effector for oncogenic Ras to activate c-Src. The recruitment of p120RasGAP to the Golgi complex by oncogenic Ras facilitated its interaction with c-Src, thereby leading to c-Src activation, and this p120RasGAP-mediated activation of c-Src was important for tumor invasion induced by oncogenic Ras. Collectively, our findings unveil a relationship between oncogenic Ras, p120RasGAP, and c-Src, suggesting a critical role for c-Src in cancers evoked by oncogenic mutations in Ras genes. Cancer Res; 72(9); 2405–15. ©2012 AACR.
mTOR as a Molecular Target in HPV-Associated Oral and Cervical Squamous Carcinomas
Authors: Molinolo Alfredo A. , Marsh Christina , El Dinali Mohamed , Gangane Nitin , Jennison Kaitlin , Hewitt Stephen , Patel Vyomesh , Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Gutkind J. Silvio 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Purpose: The incidence of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has increased over the past decades in the United States. We aimed at examining the global impact of HPV-associated HNSCC and whether the established key role of mTOR activation in HNSCC is also observed in HPV+ HNSCC lesions, thereby providing novel treatment options for HPV-associated HNSCC patients.
Experimental Design: An international HNSCC tissue microarray (TMA) was used to analyze the expression of p16INK4A, a surrogate for HPV infection, and Akt-mTOR pathway activation. Results were confirmed in a large collection of HPV− and HPV+ HNSCC cases and in a cervical cancer (CCSCC) TMA. Observations were validated in HNSCC and CCSCC-derived cell lines, which were xenografted into immunodeficient mice for tumorigenesis assays.
Results: Approximately 20% of all HNSCC lesions could be classified as HPV+, irrespective of their country of origin. mTOR pathway activation was observed in most HPV+ HNSCC and CCSCC lesions and cell lines. The preclinical efficacy of mTOR inhibition by rapamycin and RAD001 was explored in HPV+ HNSCC and CCSCC tumor xenografts. Both mTOR inhibitors effectively decreased mTOR activity in vivo and caused a remarkable decrease in tumor burden. These results emphasize the emerging global impact of HPV-related HNSCCs and indicate that the activation of the mTOR pathway is a widespread event in both HPV− and HPV-associated HNSCC and CCSCC lesions.
Conclusions: The emerging results may provide a rationale for the clinical evaluation of mTOR inhibitors as a molecular targeted approach for the treatment of HPV-associated malignancies. Clin Cancer Res; 18(9); 2558–68. ©2012 AACR.
Tracheotomy Timing and Outcomes in the Critically Ill
Authors: Tong Charles C. L. , Kleinberger Andrew J. , Paolino Jacqueline , Altman Kenneth W. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of early tracheotomy in nontrauma patients on duration of mechanical ventilation (MV), intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and overall hospital stay.DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care medical center.MethodsA retrospective study was performed for patients undergoing tracheotomy from 2005 to 2010. Demographics; survival; duration of endotracheal intubation, MV, ICU, and overall hospital stay; and incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) were assessed. Tracheotomy was considered early if it was performed by day 7 of MV and late thereafter. Nonparametric statistics were used to compare results from each group.ResultsOf the 592 patients included in the analysis, 128 received tracheotomy early and 464 late. Differences between age, sex, and overall survival were not statistically significant. Duration of MV was 45% less (mean ± standard error: 21.47 ± 1.86 days vs 39.33 ± 1.33 days; P <. 001), total ICU stay was shortened by 33% (17.52 ± 1.38 days vs 26.27 ± 0.73 days; P <. 001), and length of overall hospital course was reduced by 34% (35.85 ± 2.57 days vs 54.28 ± 1.60 days; P <. 001) in the early tracheotomy group. Three patients (2.3%) from the early tracheotomy group developed VAP as compared with 15 (3.2%) from the late group. Duration from tracheotomy to ICU transfer and 30% overall mortality did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionEarly tracheotomy in ICU patients is associated with earlier ICU discharge, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and decreased length of overall hospital stay without affecting mortality.
Disparate Molecular, Histopathology, and Clinical Factors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Racial Groups
Authors: Worsham Maria J. , Stephen Josena K. , Lu Mei , Chen Kang Mei , Havard Shaleta , Shah Veena , Schweitzer Vanessa P. 
Published: March 2012

ObjectiveThere is a lack of consensus regarding the causes of the differences in the higher incidence of and the mortality from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in African Americans (AA) versus Caucasian Americans (CA). We examined a comprehensive array of risk factors influencing health and disease in an access‐to‐care, racially diverse, primary HNSCC cohort.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingPrimary care academic health care system.Subjects and MethodsThe cohort of 673 patients comprised 391 CA and 282 AA (42%). Risk variables included demographic, histopathology, and clinical/epidemiologic factors. Tumor DNA was interrogated for loss and gain of 113 genes with known involvement in HNSCC/cancer. Logistic regression for univariate analysis was followed by multivariate modeling with determination of model predictability (c‐index).ResultsOf the 39 univariate differences between AA and CA, multivariate modeling (c‐index = 0.81) retained 7 differences (P <. 05). AA were less likely to be married and more likely to have tumor lymphocytic response, undergo radiation treatment, and smoke. Insurance type was a significant predictor of race. AA were more likely to have Medicaid, Medicare, and other HMO types. AA tumors were more likely to have loss of CDKN2A and gain of SCYA3 versus CA.ConclusionsMultivariate modeling indicated significant differences between AA and CA HNSCC for histopathology, treatment, smoking, marital status, type of insurance, and tumor gene copy number alterations. Our data reiterate that for HNSCC, as in the case of other complex diseases, tumor genetics or biology is only one of many potential contributors to differences among racial groups.
Financial Performance Evaluation
Authors: Chaudhuri Kausik , Chowdhury Tirthankar 
Published: March 2012

We propose a different methodology to assess the financial performance of banks: Multiple Indicator, Multiple Cause (MIMIC) Variable model. We also consider other existing methodologies in the literature for estimation of bank performance. The result shows that the influence of funds in affecting the performance of banks, which have been considered a latent construct here, has been increasing over the years. The latent performance score of the public-sector banks is always higher than the private-sector banks. The same is obtained even if we use the semi-parametric stochastic frontier model: The public-sector (nationalised) banks perform better than the Indian private banks (domestic) in terms of advancing loans only. We justify the use of MIMIC model as an alternative by comparing rank correlation between the MIMIC and semi-parametric stochastic frontier model. Our results demonstrate that financial market development through deregulation creates a competitive and efficient banking sector. JEL Classification: C58, G21, G28
Stock Market in Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Javed 
Published: March 2012

This article provides an overview of the main indicators of Pakistan’s stock market development and their possible relevance for real economic activity focusing on the post-liberalisation period. The aspects of the market investigated include liberalisation of the market, integration of the market with the global markets, microstructure issues of trading and settlement mechanism and corporate governance issues. A comparison with a selected set of emerging and developed markets reveals that the Pakistani stock market is small in size and a relatively insignificant source of capital mobilisation. These factors limit the role of the stock market in boosting economic activity. Also, the market seems to be excessively volatile owing to noise traders and speculators. On a positive note, the market seems to yield enormous gains to investors which compensate for higher market volatility. Also, the relative segmentation of the market makes it a potential venue for international diversification. JEL Classification: G10, G15
Effect of Prothrombotic Mutations on Factor Consumption in Children With Hemophilia
Authors: Tüten Hamit , Çam Halit , Özdemir Nihal , Bezgal Fikret , Buyru Nur , Zülfikar Bülent , Celkan Tiraje 
Published: March 2012

Introduction: In hemophilia A, factor activity usually correlates with clinical severity; however, there are patients with severe hemophilia who have bleeding less than expected. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of prothrombotic mutations on annual factor consumption in children with hemophilia. Methods: Factor V Leiden (FVL) G1691A, Prothrombin (PT) G20210A and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and A128C mutations were evaluated in children with moderate–severe hemophilia A (n = 51) and controls (n = 25). Results: None of the cases and controls carried the FVL and PT G20210A in homozygous state. There was no difference in factor consumption between carriers of FVL, PT mutations, and noncarriers. Patients who were homozygous for MTHFR C677T were found to have increased factor consumption compared to noncarriers, and this was a negative association. No decrease in factor consumption was noted in patients with hemophilia having MTHFR A1298C mutation. Conclusion: We could not demonstrate a significant decrease in factor concentrate consumption in children with hemophilia having prothrombotic mutations.
Femorotibial Cartilage Thickness Change Distributions for Subjects without Signs, Symptoms, or Risk Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Buck Robert J. , Dreher Don , Eckstein Felix 
Published: March 2012

Objective To describe the distribution of longitudinal femorotibial cartilage thickness annualized rate of change (ΔThCtAB) from quasi–population-based studies, and to construct a reference distribution for men and women without signs, symptoms, or risk factors of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Segmented baseline and 1-year follow-up MRI from 43 men and 69 women of the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) asymptomatic control cohort without risk factors and also baseline and 2-year follow-up data from 77 asymptomatic women of the Pfizer A9001140 study were included. The mean, standard deviation (SD), and correlation of ΔThCtAB in medial and lateral femorotibial subregions were estimated; distributions were tested for normality and for differences between cohorts and gender. Results: Distributions of femorotibial ΔThCtAB rates were consistent between cohorts and were normally distributed, with rates <0.7%/y. Subregion ΔThCtAB SDs were correlated with mean baseline cartilage thickness (ratio = 3%-5%). However, ΔThCtAB SD did not increase with baseline thickness when estimated for different tertiles of any given subregion, indicating the relationship may rather be due to spatial location than to baseline thickness. Conclusions Distributions of (subregional) longitudinal cartilage thickness rates of change appear to be normally distributed, not significantly different from zero, and similar for different cohorts of asymptomatic subjects. Given the spatial heterogeneity of subregional cartilage change observed in OA knees, the proposed reference distribution of subregional, ΔThCtAB may be used to describe and identify structural progression (i.e., cartilage loss) in individual OA knees with greater accuracy and sensitivity than conventional approaches, such as minimal detectable difference.
SRC is a signaling mediator in FLT3-ITD– but not in FLT3-TKD–positive AML
Authors: Leischner Hannes , Albers Corinna , Grundler Rebekka , Razumovskaya Elena , Spiekermann Karsten , Bohlander Stefan , Rönnstrand Lars , Götze Katharina , Peschel Christian , Duyster Justus 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Mutations of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) are among the most frequently detected molecular abnormalities in AML patients. Internal tandem duplications (ITDs) are found in approximately 25% and point mutations within the second tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) in approximately 7% of AML patients. Patients carrying the FLT3-ITD but not the FLT3-TKD mutation have a significantly worse prognosis. Therefore, both FLT3 mutations seem to exert different biologic functions. FLT3-ITD but not FLT3-TKD has been shown to induce robust activation of the STAT5 signaling pathway. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms leading to differential STAT5 activation and show that FLT3-ITD but not FLT3-TKD uses SRC to activate STAT5. Coimmunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments revealed an exclusive interaction between SRC but not other Src family kinases and FLT3-ITD, which is mediated by the SRC SH2 domain. We identified tyrosines 589 and 591 of FLT3-ITD to be essential for SRC binding and subsequent STAT5 activation. Using site-specific Abs, we found that both residues were significantly more strongly phosphorylated in FLT3-ITD compared with FLT3-TKD. SRC inhibition and knock-down blocked STAT5 activation and proliferation induced by FLT3-ITD but not by FLT3-TKD. We conclude that SRC might be a therapeutic target in FLT3-ITD+ AML.
Polycomb group ring finger 1 cooperates with Runx1 in regulating differentiation and self-renewal of hematopoietic cells
Authors: Ross Katharina , Sedello Anna K. , Todd Gabriele Putz , Paszkowski-Rogacz Maciej , Bird Alexander W. , Ding Li , Grinenko Tatyana , Behrens Kira , Hubner Nina , Mann Matthias , Waskow Claudia , Stocking Carol , Buchholz Frank 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe transcription factor runt-related transcription factor 1 (Runx1) is essential for the establishment of definitive hematopoiesis during embryonic development. In adult blood homeostasis, Runx1 plays a pivotal role in the maturation of lymphocytes and megakaryocytes. Furthermore, Runx1 is required for the regulation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. However, how Runx1 orchestrates self-renewal and lineage choices in combination with other factors is not well understood. In the present study, we describe a genome-scale RNA interference screen to detect genes that cooperate with Runx1 in regulating hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. We identify the polycomb group protein Pcgf1 as an epigenetic regulator involved in hematopoietic cell differentiation and show that simultaneous depletion of Runx1 and Pcgf1 allows sustained self-renewal while blocking differentiation of lineage marker–negative cells in vitro. We found an up-regulation of HoxA cluster genes on Pcgf1 knock-down that possibly accounts for the increase in self-renewal. Moreover, our data suggest that cells lacking both Runx1 and Pcgf1 are blocked at an early progenitor stage, indicating that a concerted action of the transcription factor Runx1, together with the epigenetic repressor Pcgf1, is necessary for terminal differentiation. The results of the present study uncover a link between transcriptional and epigenetic regulation that is required for hematopoietic differentiation.