bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Environmental Factors and Venture Capital Flows: The European Experience
Authors: Yadav R. A. 
Published: August 2011

Venture Capital has grown dramatically in European countries during the past decade. Despite lack of entrepreneurial culture, fragmented market, lack of capital mobility, state domination, ineffective second tier market in Europe, the venture capital flows continued unabated throughout 1980s. However, the growth rate of venture capital has not been at the same rate in all the European countries. It has been observed that the process of venture flows is affected by the various environmental factors. An attempt is made in this paper to analyse the process of venture capital flows, identify the environmental factors and venture capital flows in five European countries namely United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain over a period of nine years. The empirical results clearly indicate a high degree of relationship between venture capital flows and stock market indices, initial public offerings, interest rates and technology in all the five European countries. Capital gains tax rate has no impact or little impact on venture capital flows in Germany, Italy and Spain. In case of United Kingdom and France, there is a positive relationship between capital gains tax and venture capital flows. The findings of the study have far reaching implications for the venture capitalist, investors, entrepreneurs and researchers. Constructive policy related to interest rates, technology, capital market and capital gains tax is crucial for the growth of venture capital industry and hence entrepreneurial growth. Finally, the study had identified few specific areas for further research in venture capital industry both in Europe and India.
Effect of Micro Management on Job Satisfaction & Productivity: A Case Study
Authors: Wright Robert F. 
Published: August 2011

There are many different management philosophies. Micro Management is a form that is generally negatively perceived, because of its impact on employee autonomy. There has been little research on the causes of micro management and its impact on employees' job satisfaction and productivity. This study seeks to determine how competitive pressure and a manager's Growth, Needs and Strength (GNS) affect the degree to which a company micro manages its sales force. The degree of micro management may impact a person's autonomy, which interacts with his GNS, to determine his job satisfaction and productivity. The results of a study on fifty-six medical sales representatives, located in the north eastern United States, suggested a strong correlation between the degree of micro managing and autonomy, manager's GNS and autonomy and degree of micro managing and manager's GNS and a weak correlation between autonomy and job satisfaction, with the representative's GNS as an interactor. There was no correlation between competitive pressure and the degree of micro managing or productivity and autonomy, with the representative's GNS as an interactor.
Examining the Causes of Bank Failure in Nigeria since Deregulation: Some Empirical Results and Implications of the Policy
Authors: Ubegbunan Ralph I. 
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the causes of bank failure in Nigeria since the inception of the current financial deregulation and the implications of the policy. The analysis, at the theoretical level, suggests that the root of the present financial instability and bank failure can be traced to structural changes in the economy, social and political upheaval, inconsistencies in regulatory and macro economic policies and bank internal problems. However, the empirical evidence seems to suggest that the primary causes of bank failure in Nigeria are banks' internal factors, especially liquidity, profitability and asset quality measured by the level of credit risk in a bank's portfolio. This is not surprising, given that the data used are essentially cross sectional and that the internal factors are to a large extent a reflection of external influences identified in the theoretical analysis. However, it is surprising that credit policy, management quality and capital adequacy are found to be less significant determinants of bank failure in Nigeria.
Therapeutic Lifestyle Modification Program Reduces Plasma Levels of the Chemokines CRP and MCP-1 in Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Oh Eui Geum , Bang So Youn , Kim Soo Hyun , Hyun Sa Saeng , Chu Sang Hui , Jeon Justin Y. , Im Jee Aee , Lee Jung Eun , Lee Mi Kyung 
Published: August 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-month therapeutic lifestyle modification (TLM) program on chemokines related to oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffness in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: The authors performed a randomized controlled trial, assigning 52 women (mean age 62.7 ± 9.0 years) with MetS to a TLM intervention group ( n = 31) or a control group ( n = 21). The authors provided the TLM intervention group with health screening, exercise, low-calorie diet, and health education and counseling for 6 months and instructed the control group to maintain their usual lifestyle behaviors. Outcome variables included levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), adiponectin, leptin, resistin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CD40L, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4), endothelin-1, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity. The authors used generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses to estimate the effects of the TLM program. Results: After the 6-month TLM program, hs-CRP levels decreased significantly, and MCP-1 levels increased at a significantly slower rate in the TLM group than they did in the control group (all p < .05). Conclusion: These results indicate that a TLM program could be effective for improving patient inflammatory states and may also be effective in preventing cardiovascular complications in subjects with MetS.
A proposal and prototype for a Research Risk Repository to improve the protection of research participants
Authors: Rid Annette , Wendler David 
Published: August 2011

Background Accurate and consistent risk assessment is vital for the protection of research participants. Yet, current evaluation of the risks of research interventions often does not take into account the relevant empirical data. This approach raises concern that current practice may not be protecting research participants adequately, or that it may be thwarting acceptable research. Purpose To propose and evaluate the possibility of creating and maintaining a Research Risk Repository which would make empirical data on the risks of research interventions available to institutional review boards, investigators, funders, and others. Methods Analysis of the usefulness of a Research Risk Repository and evaluation of whether currently available empirical data are sufficient to establish such a repository. Results Creation of a Research Risk Repository would provide a vital resource for systematically and accurately evaluating the risks of biomedical research. Realizing this goal requires data that have at least 4 characteristics: (1) trustworthy: to ensure credibility to all stakeholders; (2) robust: to support confident risk determinations; (3) inclusive: to cover all potential harms of the interventions under review; and (4) comprehensive: to determine which factors influence the risks of the interventions under review. Evaluation of existing data reveals that they satisfy these requirements for only a few research interventions and, even in those cases, only to a limited extent. Gaps in the currently available evidence highlight the need for systematic collection and maintenance of data on the risks posed by research interventions. Limitations Creation and maintenance of a Research Risk Repository would be costly and require regular updating as new data are collected, and new practices and interventions emerge. Conclusions A Research Risk Repository has the potential to significantly improve the consistency and accuracy of the evaluation of research risks. However, currently available data are generally insufficient for this purpose. Future collection and maintenance of data on the risks posed by research interventions will help to ensure that research participants receive appropriate protection and promote important research consistent with adequate subject protection.
High resolution CT and histological findings in idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis: Features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Piciucchi Sara , Tomassetti Sara , Casoni Gianluca , Sverzellati Nicola , Carloni Angelo , Dubini Alessandra , Gavelli Giampaolo , Cavazza Alberto , Chilosi Marco , Poletti Venerino 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Idiopathic pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (IPPFE) is a recently described clinical-pathologic entity characterized by pleural and subpleural parenchymal fibrosis, mainly in the upper lobes. As this disease is extremely rare (only 7 cases have been described in the literature to date) poorly defined cases of IPPFE can go unrecognized.
The clinical course of disease is progressive and prognosis is poor, with no therapeutic options other than lung transplantation currently available, yet. The aim of this report is to describe two further cases of this rare disease, reviewing CT, clinical and histological features.
Gallus gallus NEU3 sialidase as model to study protein evolution mechanism based on rapid evolving loops
Authors: Giacopuzzi Edoardo , Barlati Sergio , Preti Augusto , Venerando Bruno , Monti Eugenio , Borsani Giuseppe , Bresciani Roberto 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Large surface loops contained within compact protein structures and not involved in catalytic process have been proposed as preferred regions for protein family evolution. These loops are subjected to lower sequence constraints and can evolve rapidly in novel structural variants. A good model to study this hypothesis is represented by sialidase enzymes. Indeed, the structure of sialidases is a β-propeller composed by anti-parallel β-sheets connected by loops that suit well with the rapid evolving loop hypothesis. These features prompted us to extend our studies on this protein family in birds, to get insights on the evolution of this class of glycohydrolases.

Results

Gallus gallus (Gg) genome contains one NEU3 gene encoding a protein with a unique 188 amino acid sequence mainly constituted by a peptide motif repeated six times in tandem with no homology with any other known protein sequence. The repeat region is located at the same position as the roughly 80 amino acid loop characteristic of mammalian NEU4. Based on molecular modeling, all these sequences represent a connecting loop between the first two highly conserved β-strands of the fifth blade of the sialidase β-propeller. Moreover this loop is highly variable in sequence and size in NEU3 sialidases from other vertebrates. Finally, we found that the general enzymatic properties and subcellular localization of Gg NEU3 are not influenced by the deletion of the repeat sequence.

Conclusion
In this study we demonstrated that sialidase protein structure contains a surface loop, highly variable both in sequence and size, connecting two conserved β-sheets and emerging on the opposite site of the catalytic crevice. These data confirm that sialidase family can serve as suitable model for the study of the evolutionary process based on rapid evolving loops, which may had occurred in sialidases. Giving the peculiar organization of the loop region identified in Gg NEU3, this protein can be considered of particular interest in such evolutionary studies and to get deeper insights in sialidase evolution.
Haplo2Ped: a tool using haplotypes as markers for linkage analysis
Authors: Cheng Feng , Zhang Xianglong , Zhang Yinan , Li Chaohua , Zeng Changqing 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Generally, SNPs are abundant in the genome; however, they display low power in linkage analysis because of their limited heterozygosity. Haplotype markers, on the other hand, which are composed of many SNPs, greatly increase heterozygosity and have superiority in linkage statistics.

Results
Here we developed Haplo2Ped to automatically transform SNP data into haplotype markers and then to compute the logarithm (base 10) of odds (LOD) scores of regional haplotypes that are homozygous within the disease co-segregation haploid group. The results are reported as a hypertext file and a 3D figure to help users to obtain the candidate linkage regions. The hypertext file contains parameters of the disease linked regions, candidate genes, and their links to public databases. The 3D figure clearly displays the linkage signals in each chromosome. We tested Haplo2Ped in a simulated SNP dataset and also applied it to data from a real study. It successfully and accurately located the causative genomic regions. Comparison of Haplo2Ped with other existing software for linkage analysis further indicated the high effectiveness of this software.

Conclusions
Haplo2Ped uses haplotype fragments as mapping markers in whole genome linkage analysis. The advantages of Haplo2Ped over other existing software include straightforward output files, increased accuracy and superior ability to deal with pedigrees showing incomplete penetrance. Haplo2Ped is freely available at: http://bighapmap.big.ac.cn/software.html.
Improving the prediction of protein binding sites by combining heterogeneous data and Voronoi diagrams
Authors: Segura Joan , Jones Pamela F , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Protein binding site prediction by computational means can yield valuable information that complements and guides experimental approaches to determine the structure of protein complexes. Predictions become even more relevant and timely given the current resolution of protein interaction maps, where there is a very large and still expanding gap between the available information on: (i) which proteins interact and (ii) how proteins interact. Proteins interact through exposed residues that present differential physicochemical properties, and these can be exploited to identify protein interfaces.

Results
Here we present VORFFIP, a novel method for protein binding site prediction. The method makes use of broad set of heterogeneous data and defined of residue environment, by means of Voronoi Diagrams that are integrated by a two-steps Random Forest ensemble classifier. Four sets of residue features (structural, energy terms, sequence conservation, and crystallographic B-factors) used in different combinations together with three definitions of residue environment (Voronoi Diagrams, sequence sliding window, and Euclidian distance) have been analyzed in order to maximize the performance of the method.

Conclusions
The integration of different forms information such as structural features, energy term, evolutionary conservation and crystallographic B-factors, improves the performance of binding site prediction. Including the information of neighbouring residues also improves the prediction of protein interfaces. Among the different approaches that can be used to define the environment of exposed residues, Voronoi Diagrams provide the most accurate description. Finally, VORFFIP compares favourably to other methods reported in the recent literature.
A Nation-Wide multicenter 10-year (1999-2008) retrospective clinical epidemiological study of female breast cancer in china
Authors: Li Jing , Zhang Bao-Ning , Fan Jin-Hu , Pang Yi , Zhang Pin , Wang Shu-Lian , Zheng Shan , Zhang Bin , Yang Hong-Jian , Xie Xiao-Ming , Tang Zhong-Hua , Li Hui , Li Jia-Yuan , He Jian-Jun , Qiao You-Lin 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundAccording to the very limited cancer registry, incidence and mortality rates for female breast cancer in China are regarded to be increasing especially in the metropolitan areas. Representative data on the breast cancer profile of Chinese women and its time trend over years are relatively rare. The aims of the current study are to illustrate the breast cancer profile of Chinese women in time span and to explore the current treatment approaches to female breast cancer.MethodsThis was a hospital-based nation-wide and multi-center retrospective study of female primary breast cancer cases. China was divided into 7 regions according to the geographic distribution; from each region, one tertiary hospital was selected. With the exception of January and February, one month was randomly selected to represent each year from year 1999 to 2008 at every hospital. All inpatient cases within the selected month were reviewed and related information was collected based on the designed case report form (CRF). The Cancer Hospital/Institute, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CICAMS) was the leading hospital in this study.ResultsFour-thousand two-hundred and eleven cases were randomly selected from the total pool of 45,200 patients and were included in the analysis. The mean age at diagnosis was 48.7 years (s.d. = 10.5 yrs) and breast cancer peaked in age group 40-49 yrs (38.6%). The most common subtype was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (86.5%). Clinical stage I & II accounted for 60.6% of 4,211 patients. Three-thousand five-hundred and thirty-four cases had estrogen receptor (ER) and progestin receptor (PR) tests, among them, 47.9% were positive for both. Two-thousand eight-hundred and forty-nine cases had human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER-2) tests, 25.8% of them were HER-2 positive. Among all treatment options, surgery (96.9% (4,078/4,211)) was predominant, followed by chemotherapy (81.4% (3,428/4,211). Much less patients underwent radiotherapy (22.6% (952/4,211)) and endocrine therapy (38.0% (1,599/4,211)).ConclusionsThe younger age of breast cancer onset among Chinese women and more advanced tumor stages pose a great challenge. Adjuvant therapy, especially radiotherapy and endocrine therapy are of great unmet needs.
Study protocol of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a biopsychosocial multidisciplinary intervention in the evolution of non-specific sub-acute low back pain in the working population: cluster randomised trial
Authors: Berenguera Anna , Pujol-Ribera Enriqueta , Rodriguez-Blanco Teresa , Violan Concepció , Casajuana Marc , de Kort Nelleke , Trapero-Bertran Marta 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundLow back pain (LBP), with high incidence and prevalence rate, is one of the most common reasons to consult the health system and is responsible for a significant amount of sick leave, leading to high health and social costs. The objective of the study is to assess the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of a multidisciplinary biopsychosocial educational group intervention (MBEGI) of non-specific sub-acute LBP in comparison with the usual care in the working population recruited in primary healthcare centres.Methods/designThe study design is a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of a MBEGI in comparison with the usual care of non-specific sub-acute LBP.Measures on effectiveness and costs of both interventions will be obtained from a cluster randomised controlled clinical trial carried out in 38 Catalan primary health care centres, enrolling 932 patients between 18 and 65 years old with a diagnosis of non-specific sub-acute LBP. Effectiveness measures are: pharmaceutical treatments, work sick leave (% and duration in days), Roland Morris disability, McGill pain intensity, Fear Avoidance Beliefs (FAB) and Golberg Questionnaires. Utility measures will be calculated from the SF-12. The analysis will be performed from a social perspective. The temporal horizon is at 3 months (change to chronic LBP) and 12 months (evaluate the outcomes at long term).Assessment of outcomes will be blinded and will follow the intention-to-treat principle.DiscussionWe hope to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of MBEGI, see an improvement in the patients' quality of life, achieve a reduction in the duration of episodes and the chronicity of non-specific low back pain, and be able to report a decrease in the social costs. If the intervention is cost-effectiveness and cost-utility, it could be applied to Primary Health Care Centres.Trial registrationISRCTN:ISRCTN58719694
The impact of open versus closed format ICU admission practices on the outcome of high risk surgical patients: a cohort analysis
Authors: van der Sluis Frederik J , Slagt Cornelis , Liebman Barbara , Beute Jan , Mulder Jan WR , Engel Alexander F 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
In the year 2000, the organizational structure of the ICU in the Zaandam Medical Centre (ZMC) changed from an open to a closed format ICU. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of this organizational change on outcome in high risk surgical patients.

Methods
The medical records of all consecutive high risk surgical patients admitted to the ICU from 1996 to 1998 (open format) and from 2003 to 2005 (closed format), were reviewed. High-risk patients were defined according to the Identification of Risk in Surgical patients (IRIS) score. Parameters studied were: mortality, morbidity, ICU length of stay (LOS) and hospital LOS.

Results
Mortality of ICU patients was 25.7% in the open format group and 15.8% in the closed format group (p = 0.01). Morbidity decreased from 48.6% to 46.1% (p = 0.6). The average length of hospital stay was 17 days in the open format group, and 21 days in the closed format group (p = 0.03).

Conclusions
High risk surgical patients in the ICU are patients that have undergone complex and often extensive surgery. These patients are in need of specialized treatment and careful monitoring for maximum safety and optimal care. Our results suggest that closed format is a more favourable setting than open format to minimize the effects of high risk surgery, and to warrant safe outcome in this patient group.
Messing up disorder: how do missense mutations in the tumor suppressor protein APC lead to cancer?
Authors: Minde David P , Anvarian Zeinab , Rüdiger Stefan GD , Maurice Madelon M 
Published: August 2011

AbstractSummaryMutations in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene strongly predispose to development of gastro-intestinal tumors. Central to the tumorigenic events inAPCmutant cells is the uncontrolled stabilization and transcriptional activation of the protein β-catenin. Many questions remain as to how APC controls β-catenin degradation. Remarkably, the large C-terminal region of APC, which spans over 2000 amino acids and includes critical regions in downregulating β-catenin, is predicted to be natively unfolded. Here we discuss how this uncommonly large disordered region may help to coordinate the multiple cellular functions of APC. Recently, a significant number of germline and somatic missense mutations in the central region of APC were linked to tumorigenesis in the colon as well as extra-intestinal tissues. We classify and localize all currently known missense mutations in the APC structure. The molecular basis by which these mutations interfere with the function of APC remains unresolved. We propose several mechanisms by which cancer-related missense mutations in the large disordered domain of APC may interfere with tumor suppressor activity. Insight in the underlying molecular events will be invaluable in the development of novel strategies to counter dysregulated Wnt signaling by APC mutations in cancer.