bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inequalities in Premature Death From Colorectal Cancer by State
Authors: Jemal Ahmedin , Siegel Rebecca L. , Ma Jiemin , Islami Farhad , DeSantis Carol , Goding Sauer Ann , Simard Edgar P. , Ward Elizabeth M. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose Although disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) with regard to race, socioeconomic status, and geography are well documented, the extent to which these factors contribute to premature death resulting from CRC nationwide and by state is unknown. Patients and Methods We calculated age-standardized CRC death rates for three broad educational categories as a marker of socioeconomic status by race/ethnicity and state among individuals age 25 to 64 years from 2008 through 2010. We also calculated the proportion of premature death resulting from CRC that could potentially be averted in each state by applying the average death rate for the five states with the lowest rates among the most educated whites (Connecticut, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin) to all populations. Results Compared with those with the most education, those with the least education had significantly higher CRC death rates in virtually all states for each racial/ethnic group. For example, rate ratios ranged from 1.15 (95% CI, 0.66 to 2.01) in Delaware to 3.18 (95% CI, 2.01 to 5.05) in New Mexico among whites. Overall, half the premature deaths resulting from CRC that occurred nationwide from 2008 through 2010, or 7,690 deaths annually, would have been avoided if everyone had experienced the lowest death rates of the most educated whites. More premature deaths could be averted in southern states (60% to 70%) than in northern and western states (30% to 40%). Restricting the analyses to persons age 50 to 64 years, for whom CRC screening is recommended, resulted in similar findings. Conclusion The majority of premature deaths from CRC in southern states and half these deaths nationwide are due to racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic inequalities.
Mitigating or Exacerbating Effects of Maternal-Fetal Programming of Female Mice Through the Food Choice Environment
Authors: Brenseke Bonnie , Bahamonde Javiera , Talanian Michael , Kornfeind Ellie , Daly Jacquiline , Cobb Grayson , Zhang Jinhua , Prater M. Renee , Davis George C. , Good Deborah J. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Humans live, eat, and become overweight/obese in complex surroundings where there are many available food choices. Prenatal exposure to poor food choices predisposes offspring to increased negative health risks, including obesity. Many animal experiments have analyzed intergenerational body weight parameters in an environment without food choices, which may not be directly translatable to the human food environment. In this study, offspring from mothers with a defined high-fat diet (HFD) or low-fat diet (LFD) were arbitrarily assigned to either an exclusively LFD or HFD or to a diet where they have a choice between LFD and HFD (choice diet). Offspring displayed negative outcomes of increased body weight, body fat, serum leptin, and blood glucose levels when given the choice diet compared with offspring on the LFD. Conversely, improved energy expenditure was found for offspring given the choice diet compared with offspring from HFD dams given LFD. In addition, maternal diet-specific influences on offspring metabolic parameters were identified, especially in offspring from HFD dams, including positive outcomes of reduced leptin in LFD offspring, reduced corticosterone and cholesterol levels in HFD offspring, and increased exercise levels in choice offspring, as well as the negative outcome of increased calorie intake in LFD offspring from HFD dams. This defined model can now be used as the basis for future studies to characterize the cycle of inter- and intragenerational obesity and whether more realistic diet environments, especially those including choice, can mitigate phenotype.
Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction in Subphenotypes of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Færch Kristine , Johansen Nanna B. , Witte Daniel R. , Lauritzen Torsten , Jørgensen Marit E. , Vistisen Dorte 
Published: November 2014

AbstractContext:There is little overlap between diabetes diagnosed by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose, and it is unclear which pathophysiological defects are captured when using HbA1c for diagnosis.Objective:We examined and compared the relationship between insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in different subphenotypes of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D).Design, Setting, and Participants:A cross-sectional analysis of the Danish ADDITION-PRO study was performed (n = 1713). Participants without known diabetes were classified into subgroups of prediabetes and T2D based on fasting or 2-hour glucose criteria or HbA1c. Insulin sensitivity and insulin release were determined from glucose and insulin concentrations during the oral glucose tolerance test, and disposition indices were calculated.Results:Individuals with prediabetes or T2D diagnosed by fasting glucose had lower absolute insulin release (P ≤ .01) and higher insulin sensitivity in response to glucose intake (P ≤ .01) but a similar disposition index (P ≥ .36), compared with individuals with elevated 2-hour glucose concentrations. Individuals with HbA1c-defined T2D or prediabetes had a mixture of the pathophysiological defects observed in the glucose-defined subgroups, and individuals with normoglycemia by HbA1c had worse pathophysiological abnormalities than individuals with normoglycemia by the glucose criteria.Conclusions:On average, the diagnostic HbA1c criteria for diabetes and prediabetes identified individuals with a mixture of the pathophysiological characteristics found when using the glucose criteria, but the diversity and pathophysiology captured by the oral glucose tolerance test cannot be captured when applying the more simple HbA1c criteria. Whether the disease progression and prognosis will differ in individuals diagnosed by fasting glucose, 2-hour glucose, or HbA1c should be examined in longitudinal studies.
“Janus-type” Ruthenium Complex Bearing Both Phosphonic Acids and Pyrene Groups for Functionalization of ITO and HOPG Surfaces
Authors: Yang Li , Ozawa Hiroaki , Koumoto Mayuko , Yoshikawa Kai , Matsunaga Mariko , Haga Masa-aki 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
A novel Janus-type ruthenium complex bearing both phosphonic acid and pyrene groups was tethered to both ITO and HOPG surfaces in different tethering modes. On the ITO surface, the phosphonic groups were selectively attached to the ITO, resulting in the hydrophobic surface because of the exposed pyrene groups on the top. On the other hand, on the HOPG surface, pyrene groups interacted with the HOPG surface through noncovalent interaction, resulting in a hydrophilic surface exposing phosphonic acid groups. This selectivity makes it possible to fabricate redox-active ruthenium complex and graphene composite by layer-by-layer growth of molecular units.
HER2 Heterogeneity Affects Trastuzumab Responses and Survival in Patients With HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Hee Jin , Seo An Na , Kim Eun Joo , Jang Min Hye , Suh Koung Jin , Ryu Han Suk , Kim Yu Jung , Kim Jee Hyun , Im Seock-Ah , Gong Gyungyub , Jung Kyung Hae , Park In Ae , Park So Yeon 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
Heterogeneity of HER2 gene amplification is found in a subset of breast cancers. We investigated the impact of HER2 heterogeneity on trastuzumab responses and clinical outcomes in 112 patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Methods:
Regional and genetic heterogeneity of HER2 gene amplification was determined in three different areas of each tumor by immunohistochemistry and silver in situ hybridization. We also assessed the overall levels of HER2 amplification and the proportion of tumor cells with a HER2/CEP17 ratio of more than 2.2 or strong and complete membranous (3+) expression of HER2 protein.

Results:
HER2 regional and genetic heterogeneity based on the HER2/CEP17 ratio was confirmed in 8.7% and 2.7% of cases, respectively. Poor response to trastuzumab was associated with overall low-level or equivocal amplification, HER2 regional heterogeneity by the HER2/CEP17 ratio, the HER2/CEP17 ratio of more than 2.2 in less than 80% of tumor cells, and HER2 immunohistochemical expression of 3+ in less than 75% of tumor cells. In survival analyses, low-level or equivocal HER2 amplification, HER2 regional heterogeneity based on the HER2/CEP17 ratio, and the HER2/CEP17 ratio of more than 2.2 in less than 80% of tumor cells were associated with shorter time to progression and lower overall survival in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusions:
These results suggest that accurate assessment of HER2 status, including HER2 heterogeneity, is important in predicting trastuzumab responses and outcomes in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
Prognostic Stratification of Ulcerated Melanoma
Authors: Bønnelykke-Behrndtz Marie L. , Schmidt Henrik , Christensen Ib J. , Damsgaard Tine E. , Møller Holger J. , Bastholt Lars , Nørgaard Peter H. , Steiniche Torben 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
For patients with melanoma, ulceration is an important prognostic marker and interestingly also a predictive marker for the response of adjuvant interferon. A consensual definition and accurate assessment of ulceration are therefore crucial for proper staging and clinical management. We evaluated the prognostic impact of the extent and type of ulceration and the epidermal involvement theoretically preceding it (consumption of epidermis and cleft formation) or seen subsequent to the inflammation (reepithelialization and reactive epidermal hyperplasia), aiming for better prognostic stratification of ulcerated lesions.

Methods:
From H&E-stained sections, the status (presence vs absence), extent (percentage of the total tumor length), and type (infiltrative vs attenuative) of ulceration and epidermal involvement were evaluated from 385 patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Results:
The presence of ulceration (hazard ratio [HR], 1.83), an attenuative type of ulceration (HR, 3.02), and excessive ulceration (HR, 3.57) were independent predictors of poor melanoma-specific survival. Further subdivision of minimal/moderate ulceration showed independent prognostic value only for lesions with epidermal involvement of the surrounding epidermis (HR, 1.78).

Conclusion:
The extent and type of ulceration and involvement of the surrounding epidermis provided more accurate prognostic information than the mere absence or presence and may be useful markers allowing better stratification of ulcerated lesions.
‘Round and round’: Metatheatre, illusion, and reality in The Fantasticks
Authors: Stephenson Bradley 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The Fantasticks by Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt is one of the most beloved and well-known musicals in the world. However, it is often dismissed as frivolous entertainment or church basement fluff. The concept of metatheatre, coined by Lionel Abel to describe plays about life seen as already theatricalized, is a potent analytical tool that can reveal a more sophisticated edge to the longest running musical in the world. Throughout the musical, The Fantasticks plays with truth and illusion, blending them and merging them in complex whirligigs that stir up the theatricalized and theatricalizing forces permeating the show, while touching the metaphysical imaginations of its audiences. This article explores some of the metatheatrical elements of the play (role playing within the role, the play within the play, self-reference) to illuminate the complex metatheatrical interplay of truth and illusion in relation to the audiences’ imaginations.
Male infertility: biomolecular aspects
Authors: Pizzol Damiano , Bertoldo Alessandro , Foresta Carlo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMale infertility is a problem that faces increasing interest, and the continuous development of assisted reproduction techniques solicits attempts to identify a precise diagnosis, in particular for idiopathic infertile couples and those undergoing assisted reproductive technique cycles. To date, diagnosis of male infertility is commonly based on standard semen analysis, but in many cases, this is not enough to detect any sperm abnormality. A better understanding of biomolecular issues and mechanism of damaged spermatogenesis and the refinement of the molecular techniques for sperm evaluation and selection are important advances that can lead to the optimization of diagnostic and therapeutic management of male and couple infertility. Faced with a growing number of new proposed techniques and diagnostic tests, it is fundamental to know which tests are already routinely used in the clinical practice and those that are likely to be used in the near future. This review focuses on the main molecular diagnostic techniques for male infertility and on newly developed methods that will probably be part of routine sperm analysis in the near future.
The lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in peripheral blood represents a novel prognostic marker in patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Stotz Michael , Szkandera Joanna , Stojakovic Tatjana , Seidel Julia , Samonigg Hellmut , Kornprat Peter , Schaberl-Moser Renate , Seggewies Fridericke , Hoefler Gerald , Gerger Armin , Pichler Martin 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIntra-tumoral macrophages have been involved as important players in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Recently, inflammatory parameters of the systemic inflammatory response have also been proposed as usefully prognostic biomarkers. One of these, the lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in peripheral blood has been shown as a prognostic factor in hematologic and some solid tumors. In this study we analyzed for the first time the prognostic value of LMR in a large middle European cohort of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients.Data from 474 consecutive patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were evaluated retrospectively. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. To further evaluate the prognostic significance of the LMR, univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were calculated.Increased LMR at diagnosis was significantly associated with well-established prognostic factors, including high tumor stage and tumor grade (p<0.05). In univariate analysis, we observed that an increased LMR was a significant factor for better CSS in PC patients (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.57–0.85; p<0.001). In multivariate analysis including age, Karnofsky Index, tumor grade, tumor stage, administration of chemotherapy, LMR and surgical resection, we confirmed increased LMR as an independent prognostic factor for CSS (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.66–0.99; p=0.04).In conclusion, we identified LMR as an independent prognostic factor in PC patients. Our results indicate that the LMR might represent a novel and useful marker for patient stratification in PC management.
A theoretical antioxidant pharmacophore for natural hydroxycinnamic acids
Authors: Szeląg Małgorzata , Urbaniak Alicja , Bluyssen Hans A.R. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The structure-activity relationship analysis has been performed for trans- and cis-hydroxycinnamic acids, to determine their theoretical antioxidant pharmacophore. Based on the detailed conformational studies, the most stable rotamers have been selected. We have analyzed the descriptors of four antioxidant mechanisms important in free radical scavenging: hydrogen atom transfer, sequential proton loss electron transfer, single electron transfer - proton transfer and transition metal chelation, based on the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) calculations in vacuum and polar media. The results explain the activity difference between cinnamic acid and its derivatives. The descending order of antioxidant potential is as follows: caffeic > sinapinic ~ ferulic > p-coumaric > o-coumaric > m-coumaric ~ phenol. The results have shown that transisomers indicate higher reactivity than cis- and may be considered as good antioxidants. It has been determined that the highest antioxidant ability is related to the hydroxyl group in para position, supported by planar structure and stability of radical forms. π-Type delocalization of unpaired electron on aromatic ring, double bond and para O-atom is the key to radical stabilization. The ortho-dihydroxy substitution in benzene ring positively influences the ability to neutralize free radicals and makes caffeic acid the antioxidant pharmacophore of hydroxycinnamic acids.
Separation of AsV from aqueous solutions
using chelating polymers containing
FeIII -loaded phosphorus groups
Authors: Negrea Adina , Ciopec Mihaela , Negrea Petru , Lupa Lavinia , Popa Adriana , Davidescu Corneliu M. , Ilia Gheorghe 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
AsV ions were removed by batch equilibrium with FeIII-loaded chelating polymers containing aminophosphinic or aminophosphonic groups. It was effectively removed AsV from a synthetic wastewater as well as from a real drinking water containing 40 μg As per liter. Sorption is best described by pseudo-second order kinetics and a Langmuir isotherm.
A Direct Entropic Approach to Uniform and Spatially Continuous Dynamical Models of Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Fuchs Hans U. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIf we accept temperature and entropy as primitive quantities, we can construct a direct approach to a dynamical thermal theory of spatially continuous and uniform processes. The theory of uniform models serves as a simple entry point for learners of modern thermodynamics. Such models can be applied fruitfully to an understanding of (the dynamics of) thermoelectric processes and devices. Entropy, temperature, charge, and voltage allow us to describe the role of energy concisely, and constitutive quantities can be given their natural entropic interpretation. In this paper, aggregate dynamical models of a Peltier device will be created and simulations will be compared to non-steady-state experimental data. Such overall models give us a simple image of the transport of charge and transport, production, and storage of entropy and can be easily extended to the spatially continuous case. Process diagrams for a uniform model can be used to visualize these processes and the role of energy. Device efficiency can be easily read from the model. Apart from external parameters such as load resistances or temperature differences, it depends upon three parameters of the device: internal electric resistance, entropy conductance, and Seebeck coefficient. The Second Law efficiency of a generator suggests how to define the figure of merit (
Some Considerations on the Back Door Theorem and Conditional Randomization
Authors: Molina Julieta , Pantazis Lucio , Sued Mariela 
Published: November 2014

AbstractIn this work, we propose a different “surgical modified model” for the construction of counterfactual variables under non-parametric structural equation models. This approach allows the simultaneous representation of counterfactual responses and observed treatment assignment, at least when the intervention is done in one node. Using the new proposal, the d-separation criterion is used to verify conditions related with ignorability or conditional ignorability, and a new proof of the back door theorem is provided under this framework
Political Generations in American Politics: Insights from Research in International Relations
Authors: Luecke Tim 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe last decade has witnessed renewed interest in the concept of political generations and the role of generations in foreign and domestic politics. The purpose of this article is to discuss a number of patterns and insights concerning political generations in American politics that derive from my own research in international relations. In pursuit of this goal, I summarize a theory of political generations and explain how it was applied empirically. In the second half of the essay, I discuss what generational analysis might tell us about the study of political change and stability, the presidency, voters, social movements, parties, and bureaucracies. Finally, I briefly engage the methodological problems that can arise from the fact that political generations are in important respects socially constructed through public discourses, in the context of the work on the “Millennial Generation” conducted by the Pew Research Center. While this article can only suggest patterns and initial ideas for further development and research, the hope is that it will help to push forward research on political generations across disciplinary sub-fields.
Revisiting hardboard properties from the fiber sorting point of view
Authors: Tikhonova Elena , Irle Mark , Lecourt Michael 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of fiber dimensions on hardboard properties. Fiber size is determined by the amount of energy applied during refining, and fiber size affects board properties; that is, production cost and board performance are closely related. Therefore, in the present paper, the effects of fiber dimensions on hardboard performance have been investigated. To optimize the hardboard process, fiber size was varied via screening, and the screen fractions were further classified using a Bauer-McNett apparatus. Hardboards were produced with mixtures of classified fibers. Bending strength, internal bond, and thickness swelling of the final boards were evaluated according to EN 310, EN 319, and EN 317, respectively. The effects of fiber size on the investigated properties were analyzed by means of multivariate linear regression. Generally, a higher proportion of small fibers appears to improve board performance presumably due to the higher specific surface area of fibers, which facilitate interfiber bonding.
The variation of tangential rheological properties caused by shrinkage anisotropy and moisture content gradient in white birch disks
Authors: Fu Zongying , Zhao Jingyao , Huan Siqi , Sun Xiaomin , Cai Yingchun 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The focus of this study is the variation of practical shrinkage strain, elastic strain, viscoelastic creep strain, and mechanosorptive creep characteristics of white birch (Betula platyphylla Suk) disks caused by shrinkage anisotropy (ShrA) and its interaction with moisture content (MC) gradient. The rheological properties of white birch disks have been analyzed as a function of MC based on two different drying schedules at constant and increasing temperature. The drying conditions influence the strains remarkably. The stress characteristics and stress reversal mechanism under the conditions of increasing temperature are discussed based on stress analysis diagrams. Under both drying schedules, the wood disks are initially subjected to tangential tensile stress, and with decreasing MC, the tensile stress turns into compressive stress. Before stress reversal, the stresses of ShrA and MC gradient are aligned in the same direction and then point in opposite directions.