bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A phase 1 dose-escalating study of pegylated recombinant human arginase 1 (Peg-rhArg1) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yau Thomas , Cheng P. N. , Chan Pierre , Chan William , Chen Li , Yuen Jimmy , Pang Roberta , Fan S. T. , Poon Ronnie T. 
Published: March 2012

Summary
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are auxotrophic for arginine, depletion of which leads to tumour regression. The current study evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics (PK)/ pharmacodynamics (PD) parameters, and potential anti-tumor activity of pegylated recombinant human arginase 1 (peg-rhArg1) in advanced HCC patients. Methods Eligibility criteria included advanced HCC with measurable lesions, Child-Pugh A or B, and adequate organ function. Initial single IV bolus was followed by weekly doses of peg-rhArgI escalated from 500 U/kg to 2500 U/kg in a 3 + 3 design. Results Fifteen patients were enrolled at weekly doses of 500 U/kg (n = 3), 1000 U/kg (n = 3), 1600 U/kg (n = 3) and 2500 U/kg (n = 6). The median age was 57 years (33–74); 87% were hepatitis B carriers and 47% had prior systemic treatment. The most commonly reported drug-related non-haematological adverse events (AEs) were diarrhea (13.3%), abdominal discomfort (6.7%) and nausea (6.7%). No drug-related haematological AEs were seen. Only 1 of the six patients that received 2500U/kg peg-rhArg1 experienced DLT (grade 4 bilirubin elevation) and thus the maximum tolerated dose was 2500 U/kg. PK and PD analysis indicated that peg-rhArg1 was efficacious in inducing arginine depletion in a dose-dependent manner. Adequate arginine depletion dose was achieved in the 1,600–2,500 U/kg range and therefore the optimal biological dose was at 1600 U/kg, which was chosen as the recommended dose. The best response was stable disease for >8 weeks in 26.7% of the enrolled patients. Conclusion Peg-rhArg1 has manageable safety profile and preliminary evidence of activity in advanced HCC patients.
The use of TachoSil for the prevention of postoperative complications after groin dissection in cases of gynecologic malignancy
Authors: Buda Alessandro , Fruscio Robert , Pirovano Cecilia , Signorelli Mauro , Betti Marta , Milani Rodolfo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of TachoSil in preventing postoperative complications after groin dissection performed for primary or recurrent gynecologic malignancy.MethodsIn a case–control analysis, the incidence of postoperative complications—including lymphocyst formation, wound breakdown and/or infection, and chronic lymphedema—was examined among 8 patients who received TachoSil and 16 controls (standard technique) treated for vulvar cancer or recurrent ovarian/breast cancer at San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy, from 2008 to 2011.ResultsThirty‐eight inguinal dissections were performed in the 24 patients. Bilateral groin dissection was performed in 14 patients (n = 4 in the study group; n = 10 in the control group). Patients in the study group had a lower mean daily drainage volume than those in the control group (133 mL [range, 50–356 mL] vs 320 mL [range, 67–472 mL]; P < 0.001) and a lower incidence of lymphocyst requiring drainage (25.0% vs 62.5%), cellulitis (12.0% vs 25.0%), and wound infection (0.0% vs 25.0%).ConclusionThe use of TachoSil seems to be effective in reducing the rate of postoperative complications after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in cases of gynecologic malignancy.
Mutual fund corporate culture and performance
Authors: Gottesman Aron , Morey Matthew 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn this paper we test if a mutual fund's own corporate culture predicts fund performance. To do this we use Morningstar's corporate culture ratings for mutual funds and then examine the ability of these corporate culture ratings to predict risk‐adjusted performance of domestic equity funds over the period 2005–2010. Using methods that are robust to survivorship bias, we find there is little significant evidence that corporate culture predicts better fund performance. Indeed, we find that no individual component of the Morningstar stewardship rating including board quality, fees, manager incentives and regulatory issues is able to consistently predict fund performance.
On least-order flow representations for aerodynamics and aeroacoustics
Authors: Schlegel Michael , Noack Bernd R. , Jordan Peter , Dillmann Andreas , Gröschel Elmar , Schröder Wolfgang , Wei Mingjun , Freund Jonathan B. , Lehmann Oliver , Tadmor Gilead 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe propose a generalization of proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) for optimal flow resolution of linearly related observables. This Galerkin expansion, termed ‘observable inferred decomposition’ (OID), addresses a need in aerodynamic and aeroacoustic applications by identifying the modes contributing most to these observables. Thus, OID constitutes a building block for physical understanding, least-biased conditional sampling, state estimation and control design. From a continuum of OID versions, two variants are tailored for purposes of observer and control design, respectively. Firstly, the most probable flow state consistent with the observable is constructed by a ‘least-residual’ variant. This version constitutes a simple, easily generalizable reconstruction of the most probable hydrodynamic state to preprocess efficient observer design. Secondly, the ‘least-energetic’ variant identifies modes with the largest gain for the observable. This version is a building block for Lyapunov control design. The efficient dimension reduction of OID as compared to POD is demonstrated for several shear flows. In particular, three aerodynamic and aeroacoustic goal functionals are studied: (i) lift and drag fluctuation of a two-dimensional cylinder wake flow; (ii) aeroacoustic density fluctuations measured by a sensor array and emitted from a two-dimensional compressible mixing layer; and (iii) aeroacoustic pressure monitored by a sensor array and emitted from a three-dimensional compressible jet. The most ‘drag-related’, ‘lift-related’ and ‘loud’ structures are distilled and interpreted in terms of known physical processes.
Environmental influences predominate in remission from alcohol use disorder in young adult twins
Authors: McCutcheon V. V. , Grant J. D. , Heath A. C. , Bucholz K. K. , Sartor C. E. , Nelson E. C. , Madden P. A. F. , Martin N. G. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundFamilial influences on remission from alcohol use disorder (AUD) have been studied using family history of AUD rather than family history of remission. The current study used a remission phenotype in a twin sample to examine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences to remission.MethodThe sample comprised 6183 twins with an average age of 30 years from the Australian Twin Registry. Lifetime history of alcohol abuse and dependence symptoms and symptom recency were assessed with a structured telephone interview. AUD was defined broadly and narrowly as history of two or more or three or more abuse or dependence symptoms. Remission was defined as absence of symptoms at time of interview among individuals with lifetime AUD. Standard bivariate genetic analyses were conducted to derive estimates of genetic and environmental influences on AUD and remission.ResultsEnvironmental influences alone accounted for remission in males and for 89% of influences on remission in females, with 11% due to genetic influences shared with AUD, which decreased the likelihood of remission. For women, more than 80% of influences on remission were distinct from influences on AUD, and environmental influences were from individual experiences only. For men, just over 50% of influences on remission were distinct from those on AUD, and the influence of environments shared with the co-twin were substantial. The results for the broad and narrow phenotypes were similar.ConclusionsThe current study establishes young adult remission as a phenotype distinct from AUD and highlights the importance of environmental influences on remission.
Consensus Social Movements and the Catholic Worker
Authors: Stock Paul V. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article proposes a revised conceptual definition of consensus social movement. By using the example of the Catholic Worker, I construct a workable concept of a consensus social movement based on Quaker consensus and indigenous decision-making. The new definition of consensus social movement brings theoretical strength as demonstrated in the illustration of the Catholic Worker. The concept of a consensus social movement offers a revised theoretical tool for the social movement literature toolkit.
The Emerging Practice of Global Environmental Law
Authors: Yang Tseming 
Published: March 2012

AbstractSince the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, ecological pressures on our planet have grown more acute. Yet, modern environmental law has also continued to evolve and spread within international as well as among national legal systems. With the paths of international and national environmental law becoming increasingly intertwined over the years, international environmental legal norms and principles are now penetrating deeper into national legal systems, and environmental treaties are increasingly incorporating or referencing national legal norms and practices. The shifting legal landscape is also changing contemporary environmental law practice, creating greater needs for domestic environmental lawyers to be informed by international law and vice versa. This essay describes how domestic environmental law practice is increasingly informed by international legal norms, while the effective practice of international environmental law more and more requires enhanced awareness, and even understanding, of national environmental regulatory and governance systems. It illustrates these trends with the historical role and work of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel.
Metabolic Effects of Short-term GLP-1 Treatment in Insulin Resistant Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Nielsen R. , Wiggers H. , Halbirk M. , Bøtker H. , Holst J. , Schmitz O. , Frandsen E. , Nielsen S. , Møller N. , Nørrelund H. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractWe studied the metabolic effects of 48-h GLP-1 treatment in insulin resistant heart failure patients.In a randomized placebo-controlled double-blinded cross-over study, 11 non-diabetic HF patients with IHD received 48-h GLP-1 and placebo-infusion. We applied OGTT, hyperinsulinemic clamp, indirect calorimetry, forearm, and tracer methods.7 insulin resistant HF (EF 28%±2) patients completed the protocol. GLP-1 decreased plasma glucose levels (p=0.048) and improved glucose tolerance. 4 patients had hypoglycemic events during GLP-1 vs. none during placebo. GLP-1 treatment tended to increase whole body protein turnover (p=0.08) but did not cause muscle wasting. No significant changes in circulating levels of insulin, glucagon, free fatty acids or insulin sensitivity were detected.GLP-1 treatment decreased glucose levels and increased glucose tolerance in insulin resistant HF patients with IHD. Hypoglycemia was common and may limit the use of GLP-1 in these patients. Insulin sensitivity, lipid-, and protein metabolism remained unchanged.Data were collected at the examinational laboratories of Department of Endocrinology and Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Immunity induced by Staphylococcus aureus surface protein A was protective against lethal challenge of Staphylococcus aureus in BALB/c mice
Authors: Yi Shao‐Qiong , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Yang Yi‐Long , Yang Yue , Liu Shu‐Ling , Fu Ling , Yu Chang‐Ming , Chen Wei 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTStaphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of hospital‐acquired bacteremia. Due to emergence of antibiotic‐resistant strains, these infections present a serious public health threat. In this study, to develop a broadly protective vaccine, we tested whether immune responses induced by several proteins associated with S. aureus toxicity could protect mice from lethal challenge with human clinical S. aureus isolate USA300. We found that the surface protein A (SasA) of S. aureus could protect mice from lethal challenge of the bacteria.
Fine‐mapping the POLL locus in Brahman cattle yields the diagnostic marker CSAFG29
Authors: Mariasegaram Maxy , Harrison Blair E. , Bolton Jennifer A. , Tier Bruce , Henshall John M. , Barendse William , Prayaga Kishore C. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThe POLL locus has been mapped to the centromeric region of bovine chromosome 1 (BTA1) in both taurine breeds and taurine–indicine crosses in an interval of approximately 1 Mb. It has not yet been mapped in pure‐bred zebu cattle. Despite several efforts, neither causative mutations in candidate genes nor a singular diagnostic DNA marker has been identified. In this study, we genotyped a total of 68 Brahman cattle and 20 Hereford cattle informative for the POLL locus for 33 DNA microsatellites, 16 of which we identified de novo from the bovine genome sequence, mapping the POLL locus to the region of the genes IFNAR2 and SYNJ1. The 303‐bp allele of the new microsatellite, CSAFG29, showed strong association with the POLL allele. We then genotyped 855 Brahman cattle for CSAFG29 and confirmed the association between the 303‐bp allele and POLL. To determine whether the same association was found in taurine breeds, we genotyped 334 animals of the Angus, Hereford and Limousin breeds and 376 animals of the Brangus, Droughtmaster and Santa Gertrudis composite taurine–zebu breeds. The association between the 303‐bp allele and POLL was confirmed in these breeds; however, an additional allele (305 bp) was also associated but not fully predictive of POLL. Across the data, CSAFG29 was in sufficient linkage disequilibrium to the POLL allele in Australian Brahman cattle that it could potentially be used as a diagnostic marker in that breed, but this may not be the case in other breeds. Further, we provide confirmatory evidence that the scur phenotype generally occurs in animals that are heterozygous for the POLL allele.
Up-regulation of fas and fasL pro-apoptotic genes expression in type 1 diabetes patients after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: de Oliveira G L V , Malmegrim K C R , Ferreira A F , Tognon R , Kashima S , Couri C E B , Covas D T , Voltarelli J C , de Castro F A 
Published: March 2012

Summary
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by T cell-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, resulting in insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia. Recent studies have described that apoptosis impairment during central and peripheral tolerance is involved in T1D pathogenesis. In this study, the apoptosis-related gene expression in T1D patients was evaluated before and after treatment with high-dose immunosuppression followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HDI-AHSCT). We also correlated gene expression results with clinical response to HDI-AHSCT. We observed a decreased expression of bad, bax and fasL pro-apoptotic genes and an increased expression of a1, bcl-xL and cIAP-2 anti-apoptotic genes in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) compared to controls. After HDI-AHSCT, we found an up-regulation of fas and fasL and a down-regulation of anti-apoptotic bcl-xL genes expression in post-HDI-AHSCT periods compared to pre-transplantation. Additionally, the levels of bad, bax, bok, fasL, bcl-xL and cIAP-1 genes expression were found similar to controls 2 years after HDI-AHSCT. Furthermore, over-expression of pro-apoptotic noxa at 540 days post-HDI-AHSCT correlated positively with insulin-free patients and conversely with glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GAD65) autoantibody levels. Taken together, the results suggest that apoptosis-related genes deregulation in patients' PBMCs might be involved in breakdown of immune tolerance and consequently contribute to T1D pathogenesis. Furthermore, HDI-AHSCT modulated the expression of some apoptotic genes towards the levels similar to controls. Possibly, the expression of these apoptotic molecules could be applied as biomarkers of clinical remission of T1D patients treated with HDI-AHSCT therapy.
Oceanographic gradients and seabird prey community dynamics in glacial fjords
Authors: ARIMITSU MAYUMI L. , PIATT JOHN F. , MADISON ERICA N. , CONAWAY JEFFREY S. , HILLGRUBER NICOLA 
Published: March 2012

AbstractGlacial fjord habitats are undergoing rapid change as a result of contemporary global warming, yet little is known about how glaciers influence marine ecosystems. These ecosystems provide important feeding, breeding and rearing grounds for a wide variety of marine organisms, including seabirds of management concern. To characterize ocean conditions and marine food webs near tidewater glaciers, we conducted monthly surveys of oceanographic variables, plankton, fish and seabirds in Kenai Fjords, Alaska, from June to August of 2007 and 2008. We also measured tidal current velocities near glacial features. We found high sediment load from glacial river runoff played a major role in structuring the fjord marine ecosystem. Submerged moraines (sills) isolated cool, fresh, stratified and silt‐laden inner fjord habitats from oceanic influence. Near tidewater glaciers, surface layers of turbid glacial runoff limited availability of light to phytoplankton, but macrozooplankton were abundant in surface waters, perhaps due to the absence of a photic cue for diel migration. Fish and zooplankton community structure varied along an increasing temperature gradient throughout the summer. Acoustic measurements indicated that low density patches of fish and zooplankton were available in the surface waters near glacial river outflows. This is the foraging habitat occupied most by Kittlitz’s murrelet (Brachyramphus brevirostris), a rare seabird that appears to be specialized for life in glacially influenced environments. Kittlitz’s murrelets were associated with floating glacial ice, and they were more likely to occur near glaciers, in deeper water, and in areas with high acoustic backscatter. Kittlitz’s murrelet at‐sea distribution was limited to areas influenced by turbid glacial outflows, and where prey was concentrated near the surface in waters with low light penetration. Tidewater glaciers impart unique hydrographic characteristics that influence marine plankton and fish communities, and this has cascading effects on marine food webs in these ecosystems.
Securing intensive care: towards a better understanding of intensive care nurses’ perceived work pressure and turnover intention
Authors: van Dam Karen , Meewis Mauk , van der Heijden Beatrice I.J.M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAim.  To provide insight into the individual and contextual factors that are related to intensive care nursing staff perceptions of work pressure and turnover.Background.  Hospitals are facing a shortage of intensive care nurses that will only become more pressing owing to demographic changes. Nurses’ sickness absence and turnover are considered important threats to the supply of intensive care.Design.  A quantitative, cross‐sectional research design was used that was preceded by a qualitative, explorative study.Method.  First, interviews and observations took place to better understand intensive care nurses’ work situation. Next, quantitative data were obtained in 2010 from 461 Dutch qualified intensive care nurses who completed a questionnaire.Findings.  The outcomes of multiple regression analyses indicated that nurses’ perceptions of work pressure were predicted by emotional demands, physical demands, threats from patients’ relatives, social support and autonomy. Turnover intention was predicted by age, ability to deal with night shifts, social support and development opportunities.Conclusions.  Given the importance of the availability of staff to secure intensive care, this study indicates that hospitals should pay more attention to intensive care nurses’ work situation. Decreasing emotional and physical demands and increasing nurses’ development opportunities are some of the measures hospitals can take to create a work environment that better accommodates the needs of their intensive care nursing staff.
Creating user‐generated content for location‐based learning: an authoring framework
Authors: FitzGerald E. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractTwo recent emerging trends are that of Web 2.0, where users actively create content and publish it on the Web, and also location awareness, where a digital device utilizes a person's physical location as the context to provide specific services and/or information. This paper examines how these two phenomena can be brought together so that user‐generated content on mobile devices is used to provide informal learning opportunities relevant to a person's location. However, the generative process of such media does not always have much guidance on how or what to create, so the quality of such information can be highly variable. To overcome this, a framework has been designed to guide the authoring of user‐generated content so that it can be used for informal learning about one's immediate surroundings (particularly in an outdoor setting), combining pedagogical aspects with those from human–computer interaction and environmental aesthetics. The framework consists of six dimensions that include aspects such as curriculum area (e.g. science, art), type of communication, use of language/media related to the landscape, knowledge level of content, contextual aspects, and types of interaction. In order to test the framework before it could be used to scaffold new content, it was first used to analyse and evaluate over 200 items of existing user‐generated content, to investigate the appropriateness of the proposed dimensions and the items contained therein or if any were missing. This paper presents the findings of this initial testing phase, together with a discussion of how the framework can be improved, in order to help scaffold the creation of new user‐generated content in the future.
Working with words: exploring textual analysis in medical education research
Authors: Park Sophie , Griffin Ann , Gill Deborah 
Published: March 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 372–380Context  Text is familiar to us all. This paper offers an introduction to, and an exploration of, the range of methodological possibilities open to the education researcher who has chosen to use text as a research data source. It encourages a purposeful deliberation of the different textual sources available as data, the range of methodological approaches possible and the types of interpretation that can be adopted when embarking on an empirical study using textual data.Methods  Approaches to interpreting text are varied and utilise a range of analytical and interpretative strategies. To illustrate the theoretical points raised within this paper, two contrasting methods were applied to the same text. Tag cloud analysis and performative narrative analysis (PNA) were employed to analyse Chapter 4 of the UK government’s 2010 White Paper Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS.Results  The adoption of these contrasting methodologies, which are not currently used extensively in medical education research, revealed that some common issues were identified by both tag clouds and PNA, but, in addition, each approach was able to unveil something unique about the text.Conclusions  These two methods highlight the range of affordances, or possibilities, that textual analysis will have on the results. We suggest that medical education researchers should be encouraged to move away from the current dominant and privileged methodologies that seek to provide answers and explore other methods and approaches to textual data that encourage us to question and reflect more deeply.