bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractThe 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

BackgroundLoneliness 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.MethodsInformation 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.ResultsApproximately 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.ConclusionsLoneliness 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

AbstractObjectivesThis 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 forceMaterials and methodsTwenty 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.ResultsTCPD 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.ConclusionWITHIN 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 SIGNIFICANCETelescopic 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.
Assessing the Macroeconomic Effects of LTROs during the Great Recession
Authors: CAHN CHRISTOPHE , MATHERON JULIEN , SAHUC JEAN‐GUILLAUME 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractHow 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

BackgroundMycophenolate 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.ObjectiveThe 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.AnimalsHealthy cats (n = 6).MethodsThis 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.ResultsAll 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 ImportanceThe 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

AbstractWe 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

Summary

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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractType 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

AbstractCancer 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

AbstractOsteoporosis, 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

AbstractFossil 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.