bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated reactions based on the sequential addition to α-imino esters
Authors: Koyama Kaichiro , Mizota Isao , Shimizu Makoto 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis article summarizes integrated sequential reactions with α-imino esters, where the umpolung addition reaction to the imino nitrogen followed by the second addition or oxidation is the crucial step. The following four types of reactions are discussed: (1) tandem N-ethylation/Mannich reaction; (2) N-alkylation/addition reaction; (3) synthesis of indolin-3-ones and tetrahydro-4-quinolones; (4) regioselective tandem N-alkylation/ C-acylation of β,γ-alkynyl α-imino esters.
On the copolymerization of monomers from renewable resources: l-lactide and ethylene carbonate in the presence of metal alkoxides
Authors: Plichta Andrzej , Florjańczyk Zbigniew , Kundys Anna , Frydrych Anita , Dębowski Maciej , Langwald Norbert 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe copolymerization of l-lactide with ethylene carbonate carried out at 120 °C in the presence of organic derivatives of aluminum, zinc and tin as catalysts leads to the formation of linear polymers of relative molecular masses in the 10 000–30 000 range containing up to 12 mol. % of carbonate monomeric units (m.u.). A decrease in Tg of copolymers down to 48 °C demonstrates the internal plasticization effect for polylactide matrix. In the first reaction step mainly lactide homopolymerization proceeds in the systems studied. Carbonate m.u. incorporate into the growing chain as a result of recurring transesterification processes. Back-biting type intramolecular transesterification reactions dominate in the system and macrocycle compounds containing 1 carbonate m.u. and 3–9 lactic acid m.u. are the main reaction products after prolonged time. On the basis of analysis of the low molecular weight products formed in the polymerization system and products of the model reaction of ethylene carbonate with metal alkoxides, the mechanism of elementary reactions leading to the incorporation of carbonate m.u. into the copolymer chains has been proposed.
Same Evidences, Different Interpretations – A Comparison of the Conflict Index between the Interstate Dyadic Events Data and Militarized Interstate Disputes Data in Peace-Conflict Models
Authors: Lin Scott Y. , Seiglie Carlos 
Published: March 2014

AbstractStudying the determinants of international conflict, researchers have found a series of influential variables, but few have addressed the robustness of the results to changes in the definition of the dependent variable, conflict. The two main sources for operationalizing conflict in empirical work are data on militarized interstate disputes (MIDs) and events data. In this paper, we find that a χ2-test indicates a correlation between events data and MIDs data. However, detailed regression analysis indicates that there are some contradictory findings depending on whether we use events data as opposed to MIDs data to measure conflict.
A self-similar Gaussian process
Authors: Sghir Aissa 
Published: March 2014

Abstract.
In this paper we introduce and study a self-similar Gaussian process
denoted by

S

H
,

K

${{S^{H,\,K}}}$

with parameters

H
∈
(
0
,
1
)

${{H\in (0,1)}}$

and

K
∈
[
0
,
1
]

${{K\in [0,1]}}$

.
This process generalizes the well-known fractional Brownian motion
introduced by Mandelbrot and
Van Ness [SIAM Rev. 10 (1968), no. 4, 422–437], the sub-fractional Brownian motion introduced by Bojdecki, Gorostiza and Talarczyket [Statist. Probab. Lett. 69 (2004), 405–419]
and the Gaussian process introduced by Lei and Nualart [Statist. Probab. Lett. 79 (2009), 619–624] in
order to obtain a decomposition in law of the bifractional Brownian motion.
Dewatering and Stabilizing Fine-Grained Soils with Very High Moisture Content
Authors: Howard Isaac L. , Carruth William D. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the feasibility and subsequent properties of rapidly dewatering fine-grained soils with polymers and stabilizing them with Portland cement. Rapidly dewatering very high moisture soil (VHMS) from 10 % to 30 % solids for immediate re-use in a disaster environment appears feasible. The most feasible application would be saltwater slurry with a relatively low organic content [e.g., high-plasticity clay (CH) soil along a coastline]. Handling contaminated sediments in a disaster environment appears to be a suitable application. Using polymers improved shear strength and elastic modulus of cement-stabilized VHMS. On average, shear strength and elastic modulus improved 25 % and 63 %, respectively. Shear strengths of the materials produced ranged from soft to stiff clay after up to 7 days of curing, which is a useable strength for several applications.
Torsional Shear Strength and Size Effect in Laminated Veneer Lumber
Authors: Yang Bonnie (Zhuo) , Clouston Peggi L. , Arwade Sanjay R. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This study investigates the effect that specimen depth has on the torsional shear strength of full-size Eastern Species Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL). Characterization of this effect is valuable for structural design purposes as well as for use in constitutive modeling when predicting member strength of one depth based on member strength of a different depth derived from testing. To this end, torsion tests were carried out on three depths (140, 184, and 235 mm) of 1.98 m long by 44 mm thick 1.9E Eastern Species LVL. The shear strength of each depth was determined based on homogeneous, orthotropic theory for beams of rectangular cross-section. Despite a perceptible trend of slightly decreasing shear strength with increasing depth, an analysis of variance test indicated that no statistically significant depth effect exists as it relates to torsional shear strength. Further, a three dimensional finite element model of the 44 mm by 140 mm specimen indicated that stresses are uniform within the shear span of 2 times the depth plus the grip distance away from each end of the specimen. The predicted average maximum shear stress in this region compared well to the maximum shear stresses obtained experimentally.
Volume-Change Behavior of a Compacted Low-Plasticity Clay From Double-Odometer Tests
Authors: Kim Wan Soo , Borden Roy H. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The compressibility of compacted soils is not only a function of soil type and density but also stress state, which is influenced by the existing matric suction and can be described using the fundamentals of unsaturated soil mechanics. This paper presents data from double-odometer tests on low-plasticity clay that demonstrates the effects of dry density and water content on volume-change behavior. Using the data set developed, the drained constrained modulus is determined using the stress–strain relations obtained from conventional odometer tests on soaked specimens, as well as specimens at their molding moisture content. The change of modulus with respect to degree of saturation is discussed and placed in context with the model used in the Guide for Mechanistic-Empirical Design of New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures [ARA, ERES Consultants Division, 2004, “Guide for Mechanistic-Empirical Design of New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures,” Final Report NCHRP Project 1-37A, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C.]. A procedure for predicting the undrained modulus from the constitutive relation for drained loading and the predicted excess pore pressure caused by loading based on a modification of Hilf’s equation [Hilf, J. W., 1948, “Estimating Construction Pore Pressures in Rolled Earth Dams,” Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Vol. 3, International Society for Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering (ISSMGE), London, pp. 234–240] is also presented and discussed.
Performance Assessment of Geosynthetics and Cement as Subgrade Stabilization Measures
Authors: Cowell Tim , Pyo Sangchul , Gabr Mohammed A. , Borden Roy H. , Kim K. J. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Work in this paper presents the results of field testing on four instrumented roadway sections constructed on poor subgrade soils and stabilized with select fill, geosynthetics, or cement. Loading was applied using 1000 consecutive truck passes and profile surveying was performed to provide permanent deformation (rutting) data. Peak vertical stresses at the subgrade as well as moisture conditions were also monitored during testing. Results indicated that the deep undercut (31 in./790 mm) with select material backfill section produced the largest cumulative rut depths due to shallow incremental plastic strains induced during each axle pass. The use of a thin Aggregate Base Course (ABC) surface layer (3 in./75 mm) over the select material reduced the rate of rutting. The biaxial geogrid and the high strength geotextile showed a relatively equal performance in all aspects of the study. The cement stabilized section produced a slightly larger average rut depth than the geosynthetically-reinforced sections due to localized areas of pronounced cumulative rutting. However, there were several areas of the soil-cement test section that performed as well as the geosynthetically-reinforced sections.
Model Tests on Geocell Walls Under Strip Loading
Authors: Ram Rathan Lal B. , Mandal J. N. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Thermal power stations in India produce an enormous quantity of fly ash as a by-product. Fly ash utilization and disposal in an environmental friendly manner is a foremost concern in India. In the present study, an attempt has been made for proper utilization of fly ash as an alternative backfill material in geocell walls. This study also provides an approach for the use of waste plastic water bottles as geocells. The geocell diameter and height used in the model testing is 70 mm. Two types of structural geometry were considered in the study: gravity wall type and facing wall type. The lateral deformation of geocell wall and settlement of the backfill were studied under strip loading by varying facing angle of the wall, with and without reinforcement in the backfill. For both the type of walls, model testing results show that the maximum lateral deformation of geocell wall, backfill settlement, and failure surcharge pressures increased with decreasing facing angle of wall. For the reinforced case, the lateral deformation of the geocell wall was reduced considerably. When the reinforcement placed at top and total layers, the maximum lateral deformation of the geocell wall occurred at mid height of the wall. However, for bottom layers reinforced backfill, the maximum lateral deformation occurred at the top.
Genomics of CpG Methylation in Developing and Developed Zebrafish
Authors: McGaughey David M , Abaan Hatice Ozel , Miller Ryan M , Kropp Peter A , Brody Lawrence C 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
DNA methylation is a dynamic process through which specific chromatin modifications can be stably transmitted from parent to daughter cells. A large body of work has suggested that DNA methylation influences gene expression by silencing gene promoters. However, these conclusions were drawn from data focused mostly on promoter regions. Regarding the entire genome, it is unclear how methylation and gene transcription patterns are related during vertebrate development. To identify the genome-wide distribution of CpG methylation, we created series of high-resolution methylome maps of Danio rerio embryos during development and in mature, differentiated tissues. We found that embryonic and terminal tissues have unique methylation signatures in CpG islands and repetitive sequences. Fully differentiated tissues have increased CpG and LTR methylation and decreased SINE methylation relative to embryonic tissues. Unsupervised clustering analyses reveal that the embryonic and terminal tissues can be classified solely by their methylation patterning. Novel analyses also identify a previously undescribed genome-wide exon methylation signature. We also compared whole genome methylation with genome-wide mRNA expression levels using publicly available RNA-seq datasets. These comparisons revealed previously unrecognized relationships between gene expression, alternative splicing, and exon methylation. Surprisingly, we found that exonic methylation is a better predictor of mRNA expression level than promoter methylation. We also found that transcriptionally skipped exons have significantly less methylation than retained exons. Our integrative analyses reveal highly complex interplay between gene expression, alternative splicing, development, and methylation patterning in zebrafish.
Phenotypic Analysis of a Family of Transcriptional Regulators, the Zinc Cluster Proteins, in the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida glabrata
Authors: Klimova Natalia , Yeung Ralph , Kachurina Nadezda , Turcotte Bernard 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Candida glabrata is the second most important human fungal pathogen. Despite its formal name, C. glabrata is in fact more closely related to the nonpathogenic budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, less is known about the biology of this pathogen. Zinc cluster proteins form a large family of transcriptional regulators involved in the regulation of numerous processes such as the control of the metabolism of sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, as well as drug resistance. The C. glabrata genome encodes 41 known or putative zinc cluster proteins, and the majority of them are uncharacterized. We have generated a panel of strains carrying individual deletions of zinc cluster genes. Using a novel approach relying on tetracycline for conditional expression in C. glabrata at the translational level, we show that only two zinc cluster genes are essential. We have performed phenotypic analysis of nonessential zinc cluster genes. Our results show that two deletion strains are thermosensitive whereas two strains are sensitive to caffeine, an inhibitor of the target of rapamycin pathway. Increased salt tolerance has been observed for eight deletion strains, whereas one strain showed reduced tolerance to salt. We have also identified a number of strains with increased susceptibility to the antifungal drugs fluconazole and ketoconazole. Interestingly, one deletion strain showed decreased susceptibility to the antifungal micafungin. In summary, we have assigned phenotypes to more than half of the zinc cluster genes in C. glabrata. Our study provides a resource that will be useful to better understand the biological role of these transcription factors.
Determination of Prognostic Factors in Japanese Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer Using the Data From a Randomized Controlled Trial, Japan Clinical Oncology Group 9912
Authors: Takahari Daisuke , Boku Narikazu , Mizusawa Junki , Takashima Atsuo , Yamada Yasuhide , Yoshino Takayuki , Yamazaki Kentaro , Koizumi Wasaburo , Fukase Kazutoshi , Yamaguchi Kensei , Goto Masahiro , Nishina Tomohiro , Tamura Takao , Tsuji Akihito , Ohtsu Atsushi 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background.
In advanced gastric cancer (AGC), no globally accepted prognostic scoring system has been developed. Therefore, we explored baseline prognostic factors in Japanese AGC patients using the data from a randomized controlled trial, Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) 9912, which investigated the efficacy of systemic chemotherapy as a first-line treatment.

Patients and Methods.
Prognostic factors and prognostic indices for overall survival were screened and evaluated in patients enrolled in JCOG9912 using the Cox proportional hazard model. The Royal Marsden Hospital prognostic model was also applied to the JCOG9912 trial.

Results.
A total of 650 (92.3%) of the 704 patients randomized in the JCOG9912 trial, for whom complete data were available for multivariate analyses, was included in the present study (5-fluorouracil arm, n = 215; irinotecan plus cisplatin arm, n = 216; S-1 arm, n = 219). The median survival time (MST) for all patients was 11.8 months. To construct a prognostic index, we selected four risk factors by multivariate analysis: performance status ≥ 1, number of metastatic sites ≥ 2, no prior gastrectomy, and elevated alkaline phosphatase. MSTs were 17.0 months for patients categorized into the low-risk group, who had zero or one risk factor (n = 225); 10.4 months for patients in the moderate-risk group, who had two or three risk factors (n = 368); and 5.0 months for patients in the high-risk group, who had all four risk factors (n = 57).

Conclusion.
In the present study, we propose a new prognostic index for patients with AGC. This can be used for more appropriate patient stratification in future clinical trials.
Self-Reported Financial Burden and Satisfaction With Care Among Patients With Cancer
Authors: Chino Fumiko , Peppercorn Jeffrey , Taylor Donald H. , Lu Ying , Samsa Gregory , Abernethy Amy P. , Zafar S. Yousuf 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background.
Health care-related costs and satisfaction are compelling targets for quality improvement in cancer care delivery; however, little is known about how financial burden affects patient satisfaction.

Methods.
This was an observational, cross-sectional, survey-based study assessing patient-reported financial burden (FB). Eligible patients were ≥21 years with solid tumor malignancy and were receiving chemotherapy or hormonal therapy for ≥1 month. The Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short-Form assessed patient satisfaction with health care. Subjective FB related to cancer treatment was measured on a 5-point Likert scale.

Results.
Of 174 participants (32% response rate), 47% reported significant/catastrophic FB. Participants reported highest satisfaction with interpersonal manner and lowest satisfaction with financial aspects of care. In adjusted analysis, high FB was negatively associated with general satisfaction (coefficient: −.29), satisfaction with technical quality (coefficient: −.26), and satisfaction with financial aspects of care (coefficient: −.62). Older age was associated with higher scores in all satisfaction subscales except patient-physician communication and financial aspects. Annual household income of &lt;$20,000 was associated with lower satisfaction scores in all subscales except time spent with doctor. High FB was not associated with patient satisfaction scores for accessibility and convenience, communication, interpersonal manner, or time spent with doctor.

Conclusion.
FB is a potentially modifiable correlate of poor satisfaction with cancer care including general satisfaction and satisfaction with the technical quality of care. Addressing cancer-associated FB may lead to improved satisfaction, which in turn can influence adherence, outcomes, and quality of life.
Changes Over Time in High Out-of-Pocket Health Care Burden in U.S. Adults With Diabetes, 2001–2011
Authors: Li Rui , Barker Lawrence E. , Shrestha Sundar , Zhang Ping , Duru O. Kenrick , Pearson-Clarke Tony , Gregg Edward W. 
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE
High out-of-pocket (OOP) costs can be an obstacle to health care access and treatment compliance. This study investigated trends in high OOP health care burden in people with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2001–2011 data, we examined trends in the proportion of people aged 18–64 years with diabetes facing a high OOP burden. We also examined whether the trend differed by insurance status (private insurance, public insurance, or no insurance) or by income level (poor and near poor, low income, middle income, or high income).

RESULTS
In 2011, 23% of people with diabetes faced high OOP burden. Between 2001–2002 and 2011, the proportion of people facing high OOP burden fell by 5 percentage points (P &lt; 0.01). The proportion of those who were publicly insured decreased by 22 percentage points (P &lt; 0.001) and of those who were uninsured by 12 percentage points (P = 0.01). Among people with diabetes who were poor and near poor and those with low income, the proportion facing high OOP burden decreased by 21 (P &lt; 0.001) and 13 (P = 0.01) percentage points, respectively; no significant change occurred in the proportion with private insurance or middle and high incomes between 2001–2002 and 2011.

CONCLUSIONS
The past decade has seen a narrowing of insurance coverage and income-related disparities in high OOP burden in people with diabetes; yet, almost one-fourth of all people with diabetes still face a high OOP burden.
Cardiometabolic Implications of Postpartum Weight Changes in the First Year After Delivery
Authors: Kew Simone , Ye Chang , Hanley Anthony J. , Connelly Philip W. , Sermer Mathew , Zinman Bernard , Retnakaran Ravi 
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE
The cumulative effect of postpartum weight retention from each pregnancy in a woman’s life may contribute to her ultimate risk of diabetes and vascular disease. However, there is little direct evidence supporting this hypothesis. In this context, we sought to evaluate the cardiometabolic implications of patterns of postpartum weight change and the time course thereof in the first year after pregnancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Three hundred five women underwent cardiometabolic characterization at recruitment in pregnancy and at 3 and 12 months postpartum. Based on their respective weight changes between prepregnancy and 3 months postpartum (loss or gain) and between 3 and 12 months postpartum (loss or gain), participants were stratified into four groups: loss/loss, gain/loss, loss/gain, and gain/gain.

RESULTS
Most women (81.0%) had higher weight at 3 months postpartum compared with prepregnancy. Between 3 and 12 months, most women (74.4%) lost weight. At 3 months, there were modest differences between the four groups in mean adjusted LDL cholesterol (P = 0.01) and apolipoprotein-B (apoB; P = 0.02) but no significant differences in adjusted blood pressure, fasting and 2-h glucose, HDL, triglycerides, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), adiponectin, and C-reactive protein. By 12 months postpartum, however, clear gradients emerged, with mean adjusted diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.02), HOMA-IR (P = 0.0003), LDL (P = 0.001), and apoB (P &lt; 0.0001) all progressively increasing from the loss/loss group to gain/loss to loss/gain to gain/gain. Similarly, at 12 months, mean adjusted adiponectin showed a stepwise decrease from loss/loss to gain/loss to loss/gain to gain/gain (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS
An adverse cardiometabolic profile emerges as early as 1 year postpartum in women who do not lose weight between 3 and 12 months after delivery.