bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of information format and timing before scheduled adult surgery for peri‐operative anxiety
Authors: Hounsome J. , Lee A. , Greenhalgh J. , Lewis S. R. , Schofield‐Robinson O. J. , Coldwell C. H. , Smith A. F.
Published: September 2017

We included 34 trials with 3742 participants, identified through 6 database and supplementary searches (to May 2017): 29 were randomised; 4 were quasi‐randomised and 1 was cluster‐randomised. Disparate measurements and outcomes precluded meta‐analyses. Blinding was attempted in only 6 out of 34 (18%) trials. A multimedia format, alone or in combination with text or verbal formats, was studied in 20/34 (59%) trials: pre‐operative anxiety was unaffected in 10 out of 14 trials and reduced by the multimedia format in three; postoperative anxiety was unaffected in four out of five trials in which formats were compared. Multimedia formats increased knowledge more than text, which in turn increased knowledge more than verbal formats. Other outcomes were unaffected by information format. The timing of information did not affect pre‐operative anxiety, postoperative pain or length of stay. In conclusion, the effects of pre‐operative information on peri‐operative anxiety and other outcomes were affected little by format or timing.
STRIVING TO DELIVER: COMMERCIALIZATION AND PERFORMANCE IN IRELAND'S POSTAL SECTOR
Authors: CAHILL Catríona , PALCIC Dónal , REEVES Eoin
Published: September 2017

In 1984 the Irish postal service was corporatized from the Civil Service as An Post – a new commercial state‐owned enterprise. Focusing on the period 1984–2014 we examine the performance of An Post in the context of changes to its capital market status, competitive environment and internal organisation. Our analysis finds that during an ongoing process of commercialization the company recorded steady improvements in economic performance measured by both labour and total factor productivity. This trend of improvement ended in 2007 mainly due to the wider economic recession and increased levels of indirect competition from sources including electronic substitution of traditional mail. Looking forward, the scope for further improvements in productivity appears limited due to indirect competition and the requirement to provide a universal service. The future financial viability of An Post looks uncertain given the scale of challenges around these issues.
Breaking Traditions: An Isotopic Study on the Changing Funerary Practices in the Dutch Iron Age (800–12 bc)
Authors: Kootker L. M. , Geerdink C. , van den Broeke P. W. , Kars H. , Davies G. R.
Published: September 2017

Urnfields in the Dutch river area were replaced by cemeteries with a mixture of cremation and inhumation graves around the sixth century bc. This study provides the first biogeochemical evidence that the Iron Age communities were heterogeneous in terms of geological origins. The high percentage of non‐locally born individuals (~48%) supports the hypothesis that the change in burial practice was the result of the influx of foreign people, who were being allowed to keep their own burial customs, whereas some of the local inhabitants adapted the burial rites of foreign cultures, leading to a heterogeneous burial rite for some centuries.
The Witch as a Psychological Figure
Authors: Humphreys Nick
Published: September 2017

Using a Jungian perspective, this paper considers the psychological figure of the witch in analytic work with two male patients. The witch emerged as a personification of the patient's complexes in the transference and countertransference, and in the content of dreams, images, and other objects of association. The witch presided over experiences of captivity and captivation, an object of fear for one man and a seductive figure for the other. The witch was also a potential transformative agent and path of psychological development, revealing the creativity of the archetype in the core of the complex. This dual function is highlighted with reference to the Grimm story of Hansel and Gretel and Jung's concept of the transcendent function. The clinical material gives some consideration as to whether or not the witch can be engaged for a therapeutic development involving the integration of the complex. Both men were seen for up to two years in an NHS psychotherapy service.
Use of systematic literature reviews in Canadian government departments: Where do we need to go?
Authors: Ouimet Mathieu , Jette Danny , Fonda Marc , Jacob Steve , Bédard Pierre‐Olivier
Published: September 2017

The article reports on ongoing reflections on how to improve the structures and processes by which relevant research findings produced outside Canadian government departments (for example, in universities, think tanks or other research institutions) can be more effectively found, assessed for potential biases, synthesized and disseminated to provide support to government analysts, advisers and decision makers. The focus is on how to structure and routinize research use by government analysts and advisers within a large Canadian department that has a strategic research directorate and many program divisions. Our starting point is the current situation where literature reviews that are produced and used by government analysts and advisers do not correspond to the systematic review standards. We discuss four alternative models. In two models, the whole production process would be controlled from within the department. In the other two models, external actors such as university‐based teams or independent non‐governmental evidence centres would carry the leadership in producing those reviews.
Parental Co‐Construction of 5‐ to 13‐Year‐Olds' Global Self‐Esteem Through Reminiscing About Past Events
Authors: Harris Michelle A. , Donnellan M. B. , Guo Jen , McAdams Dan P. , Garnier‐Villarreal Mauricio , Trzesniewski Kali H.
Published: September 2017

The current study explored parental processes associated with children's global self‐esteem development. Eighty 5‐ to 13‐year‐olds and one of their parents provided qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires, open‐ended questions, and a laboratory‐based reminiscing task. Parents who included more explanations of emotions when writing about the lowest points in their lives were more likely to discuss explanations of emotions experienced in negative past events with their child, which was associated with child attachment security. Attachment was associated with concurrent self‐esteem, which predicted relative increases in self‐esteem 16 months later, on average. Finally, parent support also predicted residual increases in self‐esteem. Findings extend prior research by including younger ages and uncovering a process by which two theoretically relevant parenting behaviors impact self‐esteem development.
A two‐phase harmony search algorithm for continuous optimization
Authors: Assad Assif , Deep Kusum
Published: September 2017

Harmony search (HS) algorithm is inspired by the music improvisation process in which a musician searches for the best harmony and continues to polish the harmony to improve its aesthetics. The efficiency of evolutionary algorithms depends on the extent of balance between diversification and intensification during the course of the search. An ideal evolutionary algorithm must have efficient exploration in the beginning and enhanced exploitation toward the end. In this paper, a two‐phase harmony search (TPHS) algorithm is proposed that attempts to strike a balance between exploration and exploitation by concentrating on diversification in the first phase using catastrophic mutation and then switches to intensification using local search in the second phase. The performance of TPHS is analyzed and compared with 4 state‐of‐the‐art HS variants on all the 30 IEEE CEC 2014 benchmark functions. The numerical results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed TPHS algorithm in terms of accuracy, particularly on multimodal functions when compared with other state‐of‐the‐art HS variants; further comparison with state‐of‐the‐art evolutionary algorithms reveals excellent performance of TPHS on composition functions. Composition functions are combined, rotated, shifted, and biased version of other unimodal and multimodal test functions and mimic the difficulties of real search spaces by providing a massive number of local optima and different shapes for different regions of the search space. The performance of the TPHS algorithm is also evaluated on a real‐life problem from the field of computer vision called camera calibration problem, ie, a 12‐dimensional highly nonlinear optimization problem with several local optima.
Medical treatment of dyskinetic cerebral palsy: translation into practice
Authors: Termsarasab Pichet
Published: September 2017

This commentary is on the systematic review by Masson et al. on pages 1237–1248.
Can State Tax Policy Increase Economic Activity and Reduce Inequality?
Authors: Cutler Harvey , Shields Martin , Davies Stephen
Published: September 2017

Previous research shows that when changes in national commodity and income tax rates affect labor supply decisions differently, relative rates can be altered to increase welfare. In the U.S., 40 states impose both a sales and income tax; however, the reliance varies widely. This paper uses a computable general equilibrium model to examine tax policy changes in Colorado. The findings suggest that the revenue neutral changes to income and sales tax rates can affect both the level of economic activity and the distribution of income. When labor force participation is highly sensitive to income tax rate changes—which this paper suggests is the case—progressive changes to Colorado's tax policy changes can both reduce inequality and increase output and employment.
Epidemiology of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Burucoa Christophe , Axon Anthony
Published: September 2017

The study of Helicobacter pylori genetic variability brought us interesting data on the history of mankind. Based on multilocus sequence typing and more recently on whole‐genome sequencing, paleomicrobiology still attracts the attention of global researchers in relation to its ancestor roots and coexistence with humans. Three studies determining the prevalence of virulence factors illustrates the controversial results obtained since 30 years by studies trying to associate prevalence of different virulence markers and clinical outcomes of H. pylori infection. Three articles analyzed the prevalence and risk of multiple (genetically distinct isolates) and mixed (susceptible and resistant isolates) infections. A number of studies confirm that H. pylori prevalence is falling worldwide especially in the developed world and in children but that the level of infection is higher in certain ethnic minorities and in Migrants. There is little new in identifying the mode of H. pylori transmission though intrafamilial spread appears to be important. There have, however, been some interesting papers on the presence of the organism in food, water, and the oral cavity.
Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Bessède Emilie , Arantes Vitor , Mégraud Francis , Coelho Luiz Gonzaga
Published: September 2017

Important progress is being made in endoscopic methods which allow clinicians to predict the presence of Helicobacter pylori based on characteristics of gastric mucosa and to obtain targeted biopsies. There are also important developments in molecular methods with various techniques derived from standard PCR, applied both on gastric biopsies and stool specimens. Progress is being made in microfluidic systems to get a reliable diagnosis in a very short time. The interest of the 13C urea breath test has been confirmed as well as stool antigen tests. Attempts are being made to find biological markers of premalignant conditions by serology, other than pepsinogens.
Helicobacter: Inflammation, immunology and vaccines
Authors: Robinson Karen , Kaneko Kazuyo , Andersen Leif Percival
Published: September 2017

Helicobacter pylori is usually acquired in early childhood and the infection persists lifelong without causing symptoms. In a small of cases, the infection leads to gastric or duodenal ulcer disease, or gastric cancer. Why disease occurs in these individuals remains unclear, however the host response is known to play a very important part. Understanding the mechanisms involved in maintaining control over the immune and inflammatory response is therefore extremely important. Vaccines against H. pylori have remained elusive but are desperately needed for the prevention of gastric carcinogenesis. This review focuses on research findings which may prove useful in the development of prognostic tests for gastric cancer development, therapeutic agents to control immunopathology, and effective vaccines.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection 2017
Authors: O'Connor Anthony , Lamarque Dominique , Gisbert Javier P. , O'Morain Colm
Published: September 2017

This review summarizes important studies regarding Helicobacter pylori therapy published from April 2016 to April 2017. The main themes that emerge involve studies assessing the efficacy of bismuth and nonbismuth quadruple regimens. While in recent years, much of the emphasis on the use of bismuth has focussed on its utility in a second‐line setting, an increasing number of studies this year have shown excellent efficacy in first‐line therapy. The efficacy of bismuth as a second‐line after sequential and concomitant therapy was particularly noteworthy. Antibiotic resistance was more intensely studied this year than for a long time, and definite trends are presented regarding an increase in resistance, including the fact that clarithromycin resistance in particular is now at a level where the continued use of clarithromycin triple therapy first‐line as a mainstream treatment is not recommended. Another exciting trend to emerge this year is the utility of vonoprazan as an alternative to PPI therapy, especially in resistant and difficult‐to‐treat groups.
Helicobacter pylori infection and extragastric diseases in 2017
Authors: de Korwin Jean‐Dominique , Ianiro Gianluca , Gibiino Giulia , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: September 2017

The huge variety of extragastric diseases linked to Helicobacter pylori infection is widely known, and new studies are conducted every year on this topic. Neurological disorders and metabolic syndrome are some of the main issues debated in the most recent literature. Articles on the association of H. pylori with skin diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, immunologic impairment, kidney dysfunction, allergic asthma, and respiratory diseases have been published as well. In this perspective, eradication therapy for this infection could become a mandatory measure in prevention strategy.
Enhanced piezoelectric properties of (Bi,Na)TiO3–(Bi,K)TiO3 ceramics prepared by two‐step sintering process
Authors: Lee Gunhyun , Ji Jae‐Hoon , Koh Jung‐Hyuk
Published: September 2017

To enhance the piezoelectric properties and lower the sintering temperature of lead‐free (Bi,Na) TiO3‐(Bi,K) TiO3 ceramics, two‐step sintering process was employed and investigated. As a representative lead‐free piezoelectric materials, (Bi,Na) TiO3‐(Bi,K) TiO3 has been selected for the two‐step sintering process. The two‐step sintering process can be the advisable fabrication process, especially for the case of volatile materials were contained. The two‐step sintering process can also minimize the evaporation of volatile components. By lowering the sintering temperature and increasing the sintering time in the second step, grain size was enlarged and density was improved. By optimizing the holding time from the 0.80Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.20Bi0.5K0.5TiO3 ceramics, improved bulk density of 5.81 g/cm3, piezoelectric charge coefficient of 170 pC/N and dielectric constant of 1471.29 were obtained. As a result, piezoelectric and structural properties can be enhanced. In this research, we will report the enhanced crystalline and piezoelectric properties of (Bi,Na) TiO3‐(Bi,K) TiO3 ceramics prepared by the two‐step sintering process.
Enhancement of photocatalytic performance of P25‐TiO2 nanoparticles by 3D nanoporous anodic alumina at room temperature
Authors: Chung Chen‐Kuei , Liao Ming‐Wei , Kuo En‐Hao , Wang Zhou‐Wei
Published: September 2017

The commercial Degussa P25‐TiO2 nanoparticles consisting of a mixed phase are a crucial environmental catalyst but encounter the robust coating problem onto the solid support for poor photocatalysis. Here, we have demonstrated a useful green method for greatly improving water‐flushing robust coating as well as photocatalysis by over‐etched three‐dimensional (3D) nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) that can be fabricated by large‐scale electrochemical‐anodic‐oxidation processing at room temperature instead of high‐temperature sintering for traditional ceramic foams up to 1200°C. Also, no additional high‐temperature calcination of 400~900°C was needed. The 3D porous morphology exhibited more TiO2 particles attachment on the rough surface and enlarged pore channels than the 2D. Moreover, the over‐etched 3D AAO exhibited the most attachment of TiO2 nanoparticles after water flushing due to high‐porosity‐and‐contact‐area 3D morphology which enhances the bonding between the substrate and nanoparticles for robust coating. XRD and SEM were used for analyzing the mixed phase and 2D‐3D morphology of the P25‐TiO2 nanoparticles on AAO. After immersion in Methylene blue solution and 20 hour of UV illumination, TiO2 nanoparticles on the over‐etched 3D AAO with robust coating showed the best decomposition rate compared to other supports including Si wafer, typical 2D and 3D AAO.
Wear behavior of conventional and spark plasma sintered Al2O3‐NbC nanocomposites
Authors: Alecrim Lais , Ferreira Julieta , Salvador Maria Dolores , Borrell Amparo , Pallone Eliria
Published: September 2017

This study aims to investigate the dry sliding wear behavior of Al2O3‐5vol.% NbC nanocomposites sintered by two different consolidation techniques: conventional sintering (CS) and spark plasma sintering (SPS) at temperatures ranging from 1450 to 1600°C. The dry sliding wear tests were performed on a tribometer with a ball‐on‐disc configuration using an Al2O3 ball as a counterpart material, with a normal contact load of 15 and 30 N, a sliding distance of 2000 m and a sliding speed of 0.1 m/s at room temperature and ambient environment. The sintering methods, mechanical properties and applied load acted directly on the wear mechanism of the nanocomposites. The samples sintered by SPS exhibited higher densification and hardness, in addition to a lower friction coefficient and wear rate. Based on the wear rate, these nanocomposites exhibited a moderate regime with 15 N of load, and several regimes when 30 N of applied load was used. The main wear mechanisms observed were plastic deformation, abrasion and grain pull‐out. The excellent results show that Al2O3‐NbC nanocomposites are ideal for the manufacture of new products such as cutting tools.
Structure‐property relationships in BiScO3–PbTiO3–PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 ceramics near the morphotropic phase boundary
Authors: Talanov Mikhail V. , Bush Alexander A. , Кamentsev Konstantin E. , Sirotinkin Vladimir P. , Segalla Andrei G.
Published: September 2017

The phase structure, dielectric, ferroelectric, and piezoelectric properties of (1−2x)BiScO3–xPbTiO3–xPbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 ceramics (x = 0.30‐0.46) were studied. It was found that an increase in x leads to a structural phase transition between the rhombohedral and tetragonal phase via an intermediate monoclinic phase and to a crossover from the nonergodic relaxor state to the ferroelectric one. It was proposed that at x > 0.42 the phase transition changes from second to first order. The assumption about the existence of a tricritical point on the phase diagram at x ≈ 0.42 with the enhanced dielectric response has been made. The observed structure‐property relationships of the studied solid solutions are discussed. It is shown that the solid solutions with x = 0.42 are characterized by the high piezoelectric parameters (d33 = 509 pC/N, d31 = −178 pC/N, dh = 153 pC/N), which makes possible their applications in sonar equipment.
Loneliness and friendships among eight‐year‐old children: time‐trends over a 24‐year period
Authors: Lempinen Lotta , Junttila Niina , Sourander Andre
Published: September 2017

Background

Loneliness in childhood has a wide range of negative consequences for well‐being and mental health later in life. This study reports time‐trends in children's loneliness and the association between children's loneliness and psychiatric symptoms over a 24‐year period.

Methods

Information on 3,749 eight‐year‐old Finnish‐speaking children born in 1981, 1991, 1997, and 2004 was gathered at four time points from the area covered by Turku University Hospital in southwest Finland. The actual numbers of participants at these time points were 986 (1989), 891 (1999), 930 (2005), and 942 (2013), with participation rates of 86%–95%. The study design and methods were similar at every time point. Information on children's loneliness and friendships was obtained from the children and also parents and teachers evaluated how many friends children had and their psychiatric symptoms.

Results

Approximately 20% of the children reported loneliness at each time point, 5% always felt lonely, and 25% wished they had more friends. Conduct and emotional problems, and hyperactivity were independently associated with loneliness in the multiple‐regression analysis. The strength of these associations remained at similar levels over the 24‐year study period. Living in a nonnuclear family, parents with a lower level of vocational education, and negative life events among the girls in the study were all associated with loneliness.

Conclusions

Loneliness was a common phenomenon in childhood, and no notable changes were found during the 24‐year study period. Psychiatric symptoms were strongly associated with loneliness. It is important to pay attention to children's loneliness and make it an integral part of school health care. Further epidemiological research is needed.
Effect of telescopic distal extension removable partial dentures on oral health related quality of life and maximum bite force: A preliminary cross over study
Authors: Elsyad Moustafa Abdou , Mostafa Aisha Zakaria
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This cross over study aimed to evaluate the effect of telescopic distal extension removable partial dentures on oral health related quality of life and maximum bite force

Materials and methods

Twenty patients with complete maxillary edentulism and partially edentulous mandibles with anterior teeth only remaining were selected for this cross over study. All patients received complete maxillary dentures and mandibular partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP, control). After 3 months of adaptation, PRDP was replaced with conventional telescopic partial dentures (TPD) or telescopic partial dentures with cantilevered extensions (TCPD) in a quasi‐random method. Oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) was measured using OHIP‐14 questionnaire and Maximum bite force (MBF) was measured using a bite force transducer. Measurements were performed 3 months after using each of the following prostheses; PRDP, TPD, and TCPD.

Results

TCPD showed the OHIP‐14 lowest scores (i.e., the highest patient satisfaction with their OHRQoL), followed by TPD, and PRDP showed the highest OHIP‐14 scores (i.e., the lowest patient satisfaction with OHRQoL). TCPD showed the highest MBF (70.7 ± 3.71), followed by TPD (57.4 ± 3.43) and the lowest MBF (40.2 ± 2.20) was noted with PRDP.

Conclusion

WITHIN The Limitations of This Study, Mandibular Telescopic Distal Extension Removable Partial Dentures with Cantilevered Extensions Were Associated with Improved Oral Health Related Quality of Life and Maximum Bite Force Compared to Telescopic or Conventional PRDP.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Telescopic distal extension removable prostheses is an esthetic restoration in partially edentulous patients with free end saddle. This article describes the addition of cantilevered extensions of this prosthesis. The results showed that telescopic distal extension removable prostheses with cantilevered extensions were associated with improved oral health related quality of life and maximum bite force compared to telescopic or conventional RPDs.
Statins for Primary Prevention in Older Adults: An Unresolved Conundrum
Authors: Rich Michael W. , Pieper Carl F.
Published: September 2017

This editorial comments on the article by Orkaby et al.
Assessing the Macroeconomic Effects of LTROs during the Great Recession
Authors: CAHN CHRISTOPHE , MATHERON JULIEN , SAHUC JEAN‐GUILLAUME
Published: September 2017

In response to the 2008–2009 crisis, faced with distressed financial intermediaries, the European Central Bank (ECB) embarked in longer term refinancing operations (LTROs) with full allotment. Using an estimated DSGE model with a frictional banking sector, we find that such liquidity injections have played a key role in averting a major credit crunch. A counterfactual analysis suggests that, absent these nonconventional measures, output, consumption, investment, and the GDP deflator would have been 2.5%, 0.5%, 9.7%, and 0.5% lower on average over 2009, respectively.
Shadow Banks and Macroeconomic Instability
Authors: MEEKS ROLAND , NELSON BENJAMIN , ALESSANDRI PIERGIORGIO
Published: September 2017

We develop a macroeconomic model in which commercial banks can offload risky loans to a “shadow” banking sector, and financial intermediaries trade in securitized assets. The model can account both for the business cycle comovement between output, traditional bank, and shadow bank credit, and for the behavior of macroeconomic variables in a liquidity crisis centered on shadow banks. We find that following a liquidity shock, stabilization policy aimed solely at the market in securitized assets is relatively ineffective.
Financial Development, Credit, and Business Cycles
Authors: PINHEIRO TIAGO , RIVADENEYRA FRANCISCO , TEIGNIER MARC
Published: September 2017

How does financial development affect the magnitude of the business cycles fluctuations? We examine this question in a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents and endogenous credit constraints based on Kiyotaki (1998). We show that there is a hump‐shaped relationship between the degree of financial frictions and the amplification of unexpected productivity shocks. This nonmonotonic relation is due to the fall in financial frictions having two opposite effects on the response of output. One effect is the reallocation of productive inputs between agent types, which, while active, increases with the fall in financial frictions. The other effect is the change in the demand of inputs, which decreases with the fall in financial frictions. At low levels of financial development, the reallocation effect dominates and a fall in financial frictions increases the amplification of productivity shocks. In contrast, at higher levels of financial development, a fall in financial frictions decreases the shock amplification because the reallocation effect disappears while the effect on the demand of inputs is still present.
Pharmacokinetics of Mycophenolic Acid after Intravenous Administration of Mycophenolate Mofetil to Healthy Cats
Authors: Slovak J.E. , Rivera S.M. , Hwang J.K. , Court M.H. , Villarino N.F.
Published: September 2017

Background

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), the prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA), is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative immunosuppressant in feline medicine. Pharmacokinetic information is not available for cats.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether MMF is biotransformed into the active metabolite MPA and to evaluate the disposition of MPA after a 2‐hour constant rate intravenous (IV) infusion of MMF in healthy cats.

Animals

Healthy cats (n = 6).

Methods

This was a prospective pilot study. All cats were administered MMF at 20 mg/kg every 12 hours over a 2‐hour constant rate infusion for 1 day. The concentrations of MPA and its derivatives in blood were determined using a validated UHPLC–UV method.

Results

All cats biotransformed MMF into MPA. The mean AUC0‐14 h ranged from 6 to 50 h*mg/L after IV dosing of MMF. Transient large bowel diarrhea was recorded in 2 of 6 cats after medication administration.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

The disposition of MPA in plasma was highly variable, which could result in high interindividual variability in the safety and efficacy of treatment with MMF in cats.
Effect of feeding on the pharmacokinetics of oral minocycline in healthy adult horses
Authors: Echeverria K. O. , Lascola K. M. , Giguère S. , Foreman J. H.
Published: September 2017

Minocycline is commonly used to treat bacterial and rickettsial infections in adult horses but limited information exists regarding the impact of feeding on its oral bioavailability. This study's objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics of minocycline after administration of a single oral dose in horses with feed withheld and with feed provided at the time of drug administration. Six healthy adult horses were administered intravenous (2.2 mg/kg) and oral minocycline (4 mg/kg) with access to hay at the time of oral drug administration (fed) and with access to hay delayed for 2 hr after oral drug administration (fasted), with a 7‐day washout between treatments. Plasma concentration versus time data was analyzed based on noncompartmental pharmacokinetics. Mean ± SD bioavailability (fasted: 38.6% ± 4.6; fed: 15.7% ± 2.3) and Cmax (fasted: 1.343 ± 0.418 μg/ml; fed: 0.281 ± 0.157 μg/ml) were greater in fasted horses compared to fed horses (p < .05 both). Median (range) Tmax (hr) in fasted horses was 2.0 (1.5–3.5) and in fed horses was 5.0 (1.0–8.0) and was not significantly different between groups. Overnight fasting and delaying feeding hay 2 hr after oral minocycline administration improve drug bioavailability and thus plasma concentrations.
Silicate liquid immiscibility in impact melts
Authors: Hamann Christopher , Fazio Agnese , Ebert Matthias , Hecht Lutz , Wirth Richard , Folco Luigi , Deutsch Alex , Reimold Wolf Uwe
Published: September 2017

We have investigated silicate emulsions in impact glasses and impact melt rocks from the Wabar (Saudi Arabia), Kamil (Egypt), Barringer (USA), and Tenoumer (Mauritania) impact structures, and in experimentally generated impact glasses and laser‐generated glasses (MEMIN research unit) by scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Textural evidence of silicate liquid immiscibility includes droplets of one glass disseminated in a chemically distinct glassy matrix; sharp phase boundaries (menisci) between the two glasses; deformation and coalescence of droplets; and occurrence of secondary, nanometer‐sized quench droplets in Si‐rich glasses. The compositions of the conjugate immiscible liquids (Si‐rich and Fe‐rich) are consistent with phase separation in two‐liquid fields in the general system Fe2SiO4–KAlSi3O8–SiO2–CaO–MgO–TiO2–P2O5. Major‐element partition coefficients are well correlated with the degree of polymerization (NBO/T) of the Si‐rich melt: Fe, Ca, Mg, and Ti are concentrated in the poorly polymerized, Fe‐rich melt, whereas K, Na, and Si prefer the highly polymerized, Si‐rich melt. Partitioning of Al is less pronounced and depends on bulk melt composition. Thus, major element partitioning between the conjugate liquids closely follows trends known from tholeiitic basalts, lunar basalts, and experimental analogs. The characteristics of impact melt inhomogeneity produced by melt unmixing in a miscibility gap are then compared to impact melt inhomogeneity caused by incomplete homogenization of different (miscible or immiscible) impact melts that result from shock melting of different target lithologies from the crater's melt zone, which do not fully homogenize and equilibrate due to rapid quenching. By taking previous reports on silicate emulsions in impact glasses into account, it follows that silicate impact melts of variable composition, cooling rate, and crystallization history might readily unmix during cooling, thereby rendering silicate liquid immiscibility a much more common process in the evolution of impact melts than previously recognized.
A global survey of alternative splicing in allopolyploid cotton: landscape, complexity and regulation
Authors: Wang Maojun , Wang Pengcheng , Liang Fan , Ye Zhengxiu , Li Jianying , Shen Chao , Pei Liuling , Wang Feng , Hu Jiang , Tu Lili , Lindsey Keith , He Daohua , Zhang Xianlong
Published: September 2017

Alternative splicing (AS) is a crucial regulatory mechanism in eukaryotes, which acts by greatly increasing transcriptome diversity. The extent and complexity of AS has been revealed in model plants using high‐throughput next‐generation sequencing. However, this technique is less effective in accurately identifying transcript isoforms in polyploid species because of the high sequence similarity between coexisting subgenomes.

Here we characterize AS in the polyploid species cotton. Using Pacific Biosciences single‐molecule long‐read isoform sequencing (Iso‐Seq), we developed an integrated pipeline for Iso‐Seq transcriptome data analysis (https://github.com/Nextomics/pipeline-for-isoseq).

We identified 176 849 full‐length transcript isoforms from 44 968 gene models and updated gene annotation. These data led us to identify 15 102 fibre‐specific AS events and estimate that c. 51.4% of homoeologous genes produce divergent isoforms in each subgenome. We reveal that AS allows differential regulation of the same gene by miRNAs at the isoform level. We also show that nucleosome occupancy and DNA methylation play a role in defining exons at the chromatin level.

This study provides new insights into the complexity and regulation of AS, and will enhance our understanding of AS in polyploid species. Our methodology for Iso‐Seq data analysis will be a useful reference for the study of AS in other species.
Regulation of the tumor suppressor PTEN by natural anticancer compounds
Authors: Kim Do‐Hee , Suh Jinyoung , Surh Young‐Joon , Na Hye‐Kyung
Published: September 2017

The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) has phosphatase activity, with phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)‐trisphosphate (PIP3), a product of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), as one of the principal substrates. PTEN is a negative regulator of the Akt pathway, which plays a fundamental role in controlling cell growth, survival, and proliferation. Loss of PTEN function has been observed in many different types of cancer. Functional inactivation of PTEN as a consequence of germ‐line mutations or promoter hypermethylation predisposes individuals to malignancies. PTEN undergoes posttranslational modifications, such as oxidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, SUMOylation, and ubiquitination, which influence its catalytic activity, interactions with other proteins, and subcellular localization. Cellular redox status is crucial for posttranslational modification of PTEN and its functional consequences. Oxidative stress and inflammation are major causes of loss of PTEN function. Pharmacologic or nutritional restoration of PTEN function is considered a reliable strategy in the management of PTEN‐defective cancer. In this review, we highlight natural compounds, such as curcumin, indol‐3 carbinol, and omega‐3 fatty acids, that have the potential to restore or potentiate PTEN expression/activity, thereby suppressing cancer cell proliferation, survival, and resistance to chemotherapeutic agents.
Plant non‐starch polysaccharides that inhibit key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Dan , Gao He , Tang Wei , Nie Shaoping
Published: September 2017

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic disease becoming ever more common, is the result of disturbed glyco‐ and lipid metabolism. On the basis of their inhibitory effects against several key enzymes linked to T2DM, synthetic antidiabetic agents have been developed and used for diabetic therapy, some with adverse side effects. Fortunately, many plant non‐starch polysaccharides (NSPs) have been shown to possess inhibitory effects on the same T2DM‐related enzymes. Through a simple literature search we found that α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, lipase, and dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV are the enzymes most often reported in the context of T2DM. In this short review we discuss published evidence for inhibition of these enzymes and the implications for treating T2DM.
Molecular targets of vitexin and isovitexin in cancer therapy: a critical review
Authors: Ganesan Kumar , Xu Baojun
Published: September 2017

Cancer is a primary public health problem and the second leading cause of death worldwide. It causes life‐threatening malignancies and results in high financial costs for both patients and the healthcare system. Hence, it is important to develop effective long‐term strategies pertaining to prevention and control of cancers. Plant‐derived secondary metabolites have been shown to have positive roles against various cancers. A number of plant extracts have been evaluated for possible use in the treatment of cancer; some have provided direction for new strategies for the research and development of antitumor agents. Here, we provide comprehensive data on various cancers, potential molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic implications of just two plant‐derived compounds, vitexin and isovitexin. Information on the chemotherapeutic potential of vitexin and isovitexin was collected from a library database and through electronic searches (ScienceDirect, Pubmed, and Google Scholar). Both in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that vitexin and isovitexin are chemopreventive compounds with activity against various cancers through proapoptotic processes and/or autophagy.
Tocotrienols for bone health: a translational approach
Authors: Shen Chwan‐Li , Klein Annika , Chin Kok‐Yong , Mo Huanbiao , Tsai Peihsuan , Yang Rong‐Sen , Chyu Ming‐Chien , Ima‐Nirwana Soelaiman
Published: September 2017

Osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease, is characterized by low bone mass and microstructural deterioration of bone tissue resulting in aggravated bone fragility and susceptibility to fractures. The trend of extended life expectancy is accompanied by a rise in the prevalence of osteoporosis and concomitant complications in the elderly population. Epidemiological evidence has shown an association between vitamin E consumption and the prevention of age‐related bone loss in elderly women and men. Animal studies show that ingestion of vitamin E, especially tocotrienols, may benefit bone health in terms of maintaining higher bone mineral density and improving bone microstructure and quality. The beneficial effects of tocotrienols on bone health appear to be mediated via antioxidant/anti‐inflammatory pathways and/or 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A mechanisms. We discuss (1) an overview of the prevalence and etiology of osteoporosis, (2) types of vitamin E (tocopherols versus tocotrienols), (3) findings of tocotrienols and bone health from published in vitro and animal studies, (4) possible mechanisms involved in bone protection, and (5) challenges and future direction for research.
Harnessing stratigraphic bias at the section scale: conodont diversity in the Homerian (Silurian) of the Midland Platform, England
Authors: Jarochowska Emilia , Ray David C. , Röstel Philipp , Worton Graham , Munnecke Axel
Published: September 2017

Fossil abundance and diversity in geological successions are subject to bias arising from shifting depositional and diagenetic environments, resulting in variable rates of fossil accumulation and preservation. In simulations, this bias can be constrained based on sequence‐stratigraphic architecture. Nonetheless, a practical quantitative method of incorporating the contribution of sequence‐stratigraphic architecture in community palaeoecology and diversity analyses derived from individual successions is missing. As a model of faunal turnover affected by the stratigraphic bias, we use the ‘Mulde event’, a postulated mid‐Silurian interval of elevated conodont turnover, which coincides with global eustatic sea‐level changes and which has been based on regionally constrained observations. We test whether conodont turnover is highest at the boundary corresponding to the ‘event’ and post‐‘event’ interval against the alternative that conodont turnover reflects habitat tracking and peaks at facies shifts. Based on the previously documented, parasequence‐level stratigraphic framework of sections in the northern and central part of the Midland Platform, the relative controls of sequence‐stratigraphic architecture, time and depositional environment over conodont distribution are evaluated using permutational multivariate analysis of variance. The depositional environment controls the largest part of variability in conodont assemblage composition, whereas the postulated ‘Mulde event’, or genuine temporal change in conodont diversity, cannot be detected. Depending on the binning of the stratigraphic succession, contrasting diversity and turnover patterns can be produced. The simple approach proposed here, emulating partitioning of β diversity into spatial and temporal components, may help to constrain the stratigraphic bias, even at the scale of an individual section.
Can Moral Realists Deflect Defeat Due to Evolutionary Explanations of Morality?
Authors: Klenk Michael
Published: September 2017

I address Andrew Moon's recent discussion (2016, this journal) of the question whether third‐factor accounts are valid responses to debunking arguments against moral realism. Moon argues that third‐factor responses are valid under certain conditions but leaves open whether moral realists can use his interpretation of the third‐factor response to defuse the evolutionary debunking challenge. I rebut Moon's claim and answer his question. Moon's third‐factor reply is valid only if we accept externalism about epistemic defeaters. However, even if we do, I argue, the conditions Moon identifies for a valid third‐factor response are not met in the case of moral realism.
Grounding the Unreal
Authors: deRosset Louis
Published: September 2017

The scientific successes of the last 400 years strongly suggest a picture on which our scientific theories exhibit a layered structure of dependence and determination. Economics is dependent on and determined by psychology; psychology in its turn is, plausibly, dependent on and determined by biology; and so it goes. It is tempting to explain this layered structure of dependence and determination among our theories by appeal to a corresponding layered structure of dependence and determination among the entities putatively treated by those theories. In this paper, I argue that we can resist this temptation: we can explain the sense in which,e.g., the biological truths are dependent on and determined by chemical truths without appealing to properly biological or chemical entities. This opens the door to a view on which, though there are more truths than just the purely physical truths, there are no entities, states, or properties other than the purely physical entities, states, and properties. I argue that some familiar strategies to explicate the idea of a layered structure of theories by appeal to reduction, ground, and truthmaking encounter difficulties. I then show how these difficulties point the way to a more satisfactory treatment which appeals to something very close to the notion of ground. Finally, I show how this treatment provides a theoretical setting in which we might fruitfully frame debates about which entities there really are.
RFID Tag Performance: Linking the Laboratory to the Field through Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Ellis Scott C. , Rao Shashank , Raju Dheeraj , Goldsby Thomas J.
Published: September 2017

Despite the promise that the technology offers, RFID adoption continues to lag behind initial projections. Industry studies intimate that, in part, this lag is attributable to the RFID performance gap – the difference between desired RFID tag read‐rates and those experienced in the field. To explore this phenomena, we employ a mixed research methodology involving intensive case studies of three major retailers as well as large‐scale laboratory and field data collection and analysis. Our case studies indicate that major retailers are incurring several operational inefficiencies, including slowed processing times, manual counts to verify inventory levels, and use of “safety factors,” to overcome RFID tag read failures. The practical significance of these findings motivates our subsequent investigation of laboratory test criteria that, when passed, result in RFID tags that perform reliably in the field. To facilitate quantitative analyses, we apply unsupervised learning techniques – i.e., the sequential application of cluster analysis and association rules – to a dataset of 45,416 observations that merge RFID tag laboratory test performance data with read‐rate performance data collected from retail supply chains. Our findings identify a pool of RFID tags in which over 99% of the tags have at least a 99% read‐rate. Thus, for academics, our study advances a novel unsupervised learning protocol that can be applied to “big data” to gain insights into meaningful supply chain issues, such as RFID tag performance. For practitioners, we establish laboratory test criteria that can be used to identify RFID tags that operate reliably in real‐world applications.
Psychological Inflexibility Predicts of Suicidal Ideation Over Time in Veterans of the Conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: DeBeer Bryann B. , Meyer Eric C. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Kittel Julie A. , Gulliver Suzy B. , Morissette Sandra B.
Published: September 2017

Psychological inflexibility, or how individuals respond to distressing internal experiences, may be a modifiable risk factor for suicide in veterans. It was hypothesized that psychological inflexibility would predict suicidal ideation after accounting for established risk factors at baseline and 1 year later. Post‐9/11 veterans (N = 309) completed clinical interview and self‐report measures at baseline and 1‐year follow‐up. Results indicated that psychological inflexibility predicted severity of suicidal ideation at both baseline and 1 year later, after accounting for established risk factors. Psychological inflexibility is an important marker of risk for suicidal ideation, and could be a target for interventions aimed at reducing suicide.
Twelve‐month longitudinal parasitological assessment of lymphatic filariasis‐positive individuals: impact of a biannual treatment with ivermectin and albendazole
Authors: Kanamitie John N. , Ahorlu Collins S. , Otchere Joseph , Aboagye‐Antwi Fred , Kwansa‐Bentum Bethel , Boakye Daniel A. , Biritwum Nana‐Kwadwo , Wilson Michael D. , de Souza Dziedzom K.
Published: September 2017

Objective

Mass drug administration (MDA) for the control of lymphatic filariasis (LF), in Ghana, started in the year 2000. While this had great success in many implementation units, there remain areas with persistent transmission, after more than 10 years of treatment. A closer examination of the parasite populations could help understand the reasons for persistent infections and formulate appropriate strategies to control LF in these areas of persistent transmission.

Materials and methods

In a longitudinal study, we assessed the prevalence of microfilaraemia (mf) in two communities with 12 years of MDA in Ghana. In baseline surveys 6 months after the National MDA in 2014, 370 consenting individuals were tested for antigenaemia using immunochromatographic test (ICT) cards and had their mf count determined through night blood surveys. 48 ICT positives, of whom, 17 were positive for mf, were treated with 400 μg/kg ivermectin + 400 mg albendazole and subsequently followed for parasitological assessment at 3‐month intervals for 1 year. This overlapped with the National MDA in 2015.

Results

There was a 68% parasite clearance 3 months after treatment. The pre‐treatment mf count differed significantly from the post‐treatment mf counts at 3 months (P = 0.0023), 6 months (P = 0.0051), 9 months (P = 0.0113) and 12 months (P = 0.0008).

Conclusion

In these settings with persistent LF transmission, twice‐yearly treatment may help accelerate LF elimination. Further large‐scale evaluations are required to ascertain these findings.