bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on CuCa3Ti4O12 Modified BiFeO3‐Based Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Wang Ben , Gong Lixiu , Wang Shumei , Zhou Zhufa , Ma Guilin 
Published: July 2013

(BiFeO3)1−x–(CuCa3Ti4O12)x (x = 0.00, 0.10 and 0.20) ceramics had been prepared via the mixed route. The crystal structure transformation of BiFeO3 (BFO) from rhombohedral to pseudotetragonal phase was induced by 20 mol% CuCa3Ti4O12 (CCTO). Impedance measurements suggested the increase in grain boundary resistance, and CCTO addition could block the conduction path and stabilize the motion of defects. The dielectric constant and the loss tangent of BFO as a function of frequency were found to be incremental on increasing CCTO contents. The enhancement of magnetization would be attributed to the effective suppression of the spiral spin structure and the structure transformation.
A nonsemen copulatory fluid influences the outcome of sperm competition in Japanese quail
Authors: Finseth F. R. , Iacovelli S. R. , Harrison R. G. , Adkins‐Regan E. K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSperm competition is a powerful and widespread evolutionary force that drives the divergence of behavioural, physiological and morphological traits. Elucidating the mechanisms governing differential fertilization success is a fundamental question of sperm competition. Both sperm and nonsperm ejaculate components can influence sperm competition outcomes. Here, we investigate the role of a nonsemen copulatory fluid in sperm competition. Male Japanese quail possess a gland that makes meringue‐like foam. Males produce and store foam independent of sperm and seminal fluid, yet transfer foam to females during copulation. We tested whether foam influenced the outcome of sperm competition by varying foam state and mating order in competitive matings. We found that the presence of foam from one male decreased the relative fertilization success of a rival, and that foam from a given male increased the probability he obtained any fertilizations. Mating order also affected competitive success. Males mated first fertilized proportionally more eggs in a clutch and had more matings with any fertilizations than subsequent males. We conclude that the function of foam in sperm competition is mediated through the positive interaction of foam with a male's sperm, and we speculate whether the benefit is achieved through improving sperm storage, fertilizing efficiency or retention. Our results suggest males can evolve complex strategies to gain fertilizations at the expense of rivals as foam, a copulatory fluid not required for fertilization, nevertheless, has important effects on reproductive performance under competition.
Long‐Term Variability of Inflammatory Markers and Associated Factors in a Population‐Based Cohort
Authors: Nash Scott D. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Klein Ronald , Klein Barbara E.K. , Javier Nieto F. , Chappell Rick , Schubert Carla R. , Tsai Michael Y. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate long‐term variability in serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and to determine associated risk factors for high‐risk inflammatory profiles.DesignProspective population‐based cohort study.ParticipantsParticipants (N = 1,443) of the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study and the Beaver Dam Eye Study, two population‐based prospective studies of aging in the same cohort.MeasurementsIn participants aged 43 to 79 at the initial examination (1988–1990), serum high‐sensitivity CRP was measured from three time‐points (1988–1990, 1998–2000, 2009–2010), and serum IL‐6 was measured from two (1998–2000, 2009–2010).ResultsWhen IL‐6 levels were categorized into tertiles, 50.8% of participants were in the same group 10 years later (weighted kappa (κ) = 0.34). When CRP was categorized into three risk groups, 53.4% of participants were in the same group 10 years later (κ = 0.36), and 32.4% were in the same group at all three examinations (κ = 0.27). IL‐6 increased from a geometric mean of 1.54 pg/L to 1.78 pg/L over 10 years, whereas CRP increased from a geometric mean of 1.67 mg/L to 2.25 mg/L over 10 years and then decreased to 1.93 mg/L over the next 10 years. These 10‐year decreases in CRP were not observed in those not reporting statin use. Factors associated with long‐term higher levels of IL‐6 and CRP were older age (IL‐6), obesity, smoking, lower physical activity (IL‐6), lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (IL‐6), and a history of statin (non)use (CRP).ConclusionInflammatory marker levels tracked over the long term into older age with within‐person increases were observed. Several potentially modifiable risk factors were associated with long‐term higher levels of inflammatory markers.
Association of dietary habits with levels of physical activity and screen time among adolescents living inSaudiArabia
Authors: Al‐Hazzaa H. M. , Al‐Sobayel H. I. , Abahussain N. A. , Qahwaji D. M. , Alahmadi M. A. , Musaiger A. O. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding the inter‐relationships between lifestyle factors in youth is important with respect to the development of effective promotional programmes for healthy eating and active living. The present study aimed to explore the associations of dietary habits (DH) with physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) among Saudi adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years of age relative to gender.MethodsData were obtained from theArabTeensLifestyleStudy, a school‐based multicentre lifestyle study conducted in 2009/2010 in three major cities inSaudiArabia. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling technique was used. The number of participants with complete data forDHandPAwas 2886 and the respective number forDHandSTwas 2822. Assessment included weight, height,body mass index, total dailyST(televisionviewing, video/computer games and Internet use),PAandDHusing self‐reported questionnaires.ResultsFemales were significantly more sedentary and less active than males (P < 0.001). Two‐way analysis of covariance, controlling for age, showed significant (P < 0.05) gender byPAand gender bySTinteractions for severalDH. Logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations of higherPAwith a higher consumption of fruit, vegetables, milk,French fries/potato chips and energy drinks, whereas higherSTwas significantly associated with a higher consumption of sugar‐sweetened drinks, fast foods, cake/doughnuts and energy drinks.ConclusionsHealthful dietary habits were associated mostly withPA, whereas sedentary behaviours, independent ofPA, negatively impacted upon eating behaviours. The lowPAlevels and high sedentary levels ofSaudi females represent a great concern. The results reported in the present study have important implications for both youth public health policies and intervention programmes.
Narratives of breathlessness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kvangarsnes Marit , Torheim Henny , Hole Torstein , Öhlund Lennart S 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore patient perceptions of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation and the patients' experiences of their relations with health personnel during care and treatment.BackgroundPatients suffering from acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often experience life‐threatening situations and undergo noninvasive positive‐pressure ventilation via bi‐level positive airway pressure in a hospital setting. Theory on trust, which often overlaps with the issue of power, can shed light on patient's experiences during an acute exacerbation.DesignNarrative research design was chosen.MethodsTen in‐depth qualitative interviews (n = 10) were conducted with patients who had been admitted to two intensive care units in Western Norway during the autumn of 2009 and the spring of 2010. Narrative analysis and theories on trust and power were used to analyse the interviews.ResultsBecause of their breathlessness, the patients perceived that they were completely dependent on others during the acute phase. Some stated that they had experienced an altered perception of reality and had not understood how serious their situation was. Although the patients trusted the health personnel in helping them breathe, they also told stories about care deficiencies and situations in which they felt neglected.ConclusionsThis study shows that patients with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often feel wholly dependent on health personnel during the exacerbation and, as a result, experience extreme vulnerability.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings give nurses insight into building trust and a good relationship between patient and caregiver during an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease.
Dynamic Trading with Predictable Returns and Transaction Costs
Authors: GÂRLEANU NICOLAE , PEDERSEN LASSE HEJE 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTWe derive a closed‐form optimal dynamic portfolio policy when trading is costly and security returns are predictable by signals with different mean‐reversion speeds. The optimal strategy is characterized by two principles: (1) aim in front of the target, and (2) trade partially toward the current aim. Specifically, the optimal updated portfolio is a linear combination of the existing portfolio and an “aim portfolio,” which is a weighted average of the current Markowitz portfolio (the moving target) and the expected Markowitz portfolios on all future dates (where the target is moving). Intuitively, predictors with slower mean‐reversion (alpha decay) get more weight in the aim portfolio. We implement the optimal strategy for commodity futures and find superior net returns relative to more naive benchmarks.
Country Size, Currency Unions, and International Asset Returns
Authors: HASSAN TAREK A. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTDifferences in real interest rates across developed economies are puzzlingly large and persistent. I propose a simple explanation: bonds issued in the currencies of larger economies are expensive because they insure against shocks that affect a larger fraction of the world economy. I show that, indeed, differences in the size of economies explain a large fraction of the cross‐sectional variation in currency returns. The data also support additional implications of the model: the introduction of a currency union lowers interest rates in participating countries, and stocks in the nontraded sector of larger economies pay lower expected returns.
Borrow Cheap, Buy High? The Determinants of Leverage and Pricing in Buyouts
Authors: AXELSON ULF , JENKINSON TIM , STRÖMBERG PER , WEISBACH MICHAEL S. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTPrivate equity funds pay particular attention to capital structure when executing leveraged buyouts, creating an interesting setting for examining capital structure theories. Using a large, international sample of buyouts from 1980 to 2008, we find that buyout leverage is unrelated to the cross‐sectional factors, suggested by traditional capital structure theories, that drive public firm leverage. Instead, variation in economy‐wide credit conditions is the main determinant of leverage in buyouts. Higher deal leverage is associated with higher transaction prices and lower buyout fund returns, suggesting that acquirers overpay when access to credit is easier.
Effect of Melamine Foam Cleaning on the Surface Condition of Composite Resin Artificial Teeth
Authors: Tanaka Rika , Kurogi Tadafumi , Murata Hiroshi 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the abrasive and cleaning effects of melamine foam and other cleaning agents on the surfaces of composite resin artificial tooth specimens.Materials and MethodsA stained composite resin artificial tooth in a used denture was cleaned using a denture brush and melamine foam, and the stain removal effect was evaluated macroscopically. Next, 5 types of cleaning material (fourfold‐compression melamine foam, MEL; brush with water, BRU; denture dentifrice without abrasive, POL; denture dentifrice with abrasive, TAF; conventional dentifrice, AQU) and 15 plate‐shaped specimens made of composite resin for artificial teeth were used for wear tests. The surface roughness was measured using a laser scanning microscope. Furthermore, the surface properties were observed using a digital microscope. Surface roughness data were analyzed by two‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test.ResultsArtificial tooth stains that could not be removed by brushing became removable using melamine foam. With regard to surface roughness in the context of the wear test, significant differences were not indicated between MEL and POL, whereas BRU‐, TAF‐, and AQU‐treated specimens showed significantly increased surface roughness (p < 0.05). In the comparison among the cleaning materials, TAF‐ and AQU‐treated specimens showed significantly rougher surfaces than those treated with MEL, BRU, and POL (p < 0.05).ConclusionsMacroscopic observations suggest that melamine foam would be effective for the removal of stains on composite resin artificial teeth. Traces of wear were not observed in specimens treated with melamine foam and the denture dentifrice not containing abrasives. It was suggested that these two materials would be desirable and useful to use for composite resin tooth cleaning.
Accuracy of Ringless Casting and Accelerated Wax‐Elimination Technique: A Comparative In Vitro Study
Authors: Prasad Rahul , Al‐Keraif Abdulaziz Abdullah , Kathuria Nidhi , Gandhi P.V. , Bhide S.V. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether the ringless casting and accelerated wax‐elimination techniques can be combined to offer a cost‐effective, clinically acceptable, and time‐saving alternative for fabricating single unit castings in fixed prosthodontics.Materials and MethodsSixty standardized wax copings were fabricated on a type IV stone replica of a stainless steel die. The wax patterns were divided into four groups. The first group was cast using the ringless investment technique and conventional wax‐elimination method; the second group was cast using the ringless investment technique and accelerated wax‐elimination method; the third group was cast using the conventional metal ring investment technique and conventional wax‐elimination method; the fourth group was cast using the metal ring investment technique and accelerated wax‐elimination method. The vertical marginal gap was measured at four sites per specimen, using a digital optical microscope at 100× magnification. The results were analyzed using two‐way ANOVA to determine statistical significance.ResultsThe vertical marginal gaps of castings fabricated using the ringless technique (76.98 ± 7.59 μm) were significantly less (p < 0.05) than those castings fabricated using the conventional metal ring technique (138.44 ± 28.59 μm); however, the vertical marginal gaps of the conventional (102.63 ± 36.12 μm) and accelerated wax‐elimination (112.79 ± 38.34 μm) castings were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe ringless investment technique can produce castings with higher accuracy and can be favorably combined with the accelerated wax‐elimination method as a vital alternative to the time‐consuming conventional technique of casting restorations in fixed prosthodontics.
Practice‐Based Evidence from 29‐Year Outcome Analysis of Management of the Edentulous Jaw Using Osseointegrated Dental Implants
Authors: Dhima Matilda , Paulusova Vladimira , Lohse Christine , Salinas Thomas J. , Carr Alan B. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this retrospective study was to summarize practice‐based evidence associated with long‐term outcomes (>20 years) in the management of edentulous patients. The patient population was managed with implant‐supported prostheses, following the original osseointegration protocol, provided over the period from 1983 to 1991 in the group prosthodontics practice at the Mayo Clinic. The data are an example of practice quality assurance monitoring and are used to refine care delivery when needed and to provide information regarding expected outcomes in a shared decision‐making interaction with prospective patients.Materials and MethodsTwo hundred and sixty four patients with at least one edentulous jaw were identified. Of these, 255 completed their care and follow‐up at the Mayo Clinic (209 mandible only, 35 maxilla only, 11 mandible and maxilla). Prosthodontic outcomes categorized as anticipated or unanticipated prosthetic and biologic events and the respective interventions required for each were recorded to assess follow‐up event dynamics for this care modality.ResultsThe mean duration of follow‐up for 190 of the 255 patients (65 died at a mean follow‐up of 12.6 years) was 13.0 years (median 13.6; range 0.3 to 28). At least one prosthetic event was experienced by 148 patients (58%), and 81 (32%) experienced at least one biologic event. Overall, patients experienced 3.8 times more prosthetic events than biologic events. Twenty‐four (9%) patients experienced 35 implant failures. Overall survival rates at 20 years were 86% for prostheses, 15% survived free of any event, and 92% experienced survival free of implant failure (95% confidence interval).ConclusionAnticipated and unanticipated prosthetic events occur throughout the life of the hybrid prosthesis. Prosthetic events significantly surpass (four times more) biologic events and occur significantly later in the follow‐up. For this patient group, 8.6% (22/255) had implant‐supported prostheses remade during follow‐up in this patient population. These findings support the recommendation that prosthodontic care for missing teeth be thought of in a “chronic condition” context, recognizing that long‐term outcome monitoring to provide realistic care expectations is important for demonstrating care value in oral health promotion.
Prairie Rattlesnake Envenomation in 27 New World Camelids
Authors: Sonis J.M. , Hackett E.S. , Callan R.J. , Holt T.N. , Hackett T.B. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundMorbidity and case fatality from rattlesnake envenomation is regionally specific because of variability in relative toxicity of the species of snake encountered. A previous report of rattlesnake envenomation inNewWorld camelids (NWC) from the western coastalUnitedStates documented high case fatality rates and guarded prognosis for survival.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo describe clinical findings, treatments, and outcome ofNWCwith prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) envenomation in theRockyMountain region of theUnitedStates.AnimalsTwenty‐sevenNWCadmitted to theColoradoStateUniversityVeterinaryTeachingHospital for evaluation of acute rattlesnake envenomation between 1992 and 2012.MethodsMedical records ofNWCevaluated for rattlesnake envenomation as coded by the attending clinician and identified by a database search were reviewed retrospectively. Month of admission, signalment, area of bite, clinical and clinicopathologic data, treatments, and outcome were recorded.ResultsTwenty‐five llamas and 2 alpacas were admitted for envenomation. Llamas were overrepresented compared to hospital caseload. The face was the most common site of envenomation, observed in 96% of recorded cases. Presenting clinical signs included fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, and respiratory distress. Nine animals required a tracheotomy. Median hospitalization time was 3 days and overall survival rate was 69%.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCase fatality rate for prairie rattlesnake envenomation inNWCwas lower than that reported in theWestern coastal region of theUnitedStates and similar to that reported for prairie rattlesnake envenomation in horses.
Phase I Dose Escalation of Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in Tumor‐Bearing Equidae
Authors: Théon A.P. , Pusterla N. , Magdesian K.G. , Wilson W.D. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThere is no information on the use of doxorubicin in horses with tumors.ObjectiveTo determine dose‐limiting toxicosis (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of doxorubicin in tumor‐bearing horses.AnimalsSeventeen horses with 34 localized or multicentric advanced tumors.MethodsTwo‐stage dose‐ranging design involving intrapatient and interpatient dose escalation. Treatment protocol included 6 treatment cycles given at 3‐week intervals with dosages ranging from 40 to 85 mg/m2. Clinical signs, hematologic, and nonhematologic changes were evaluated.ResultsTotal doses ranged from 1,127 to 2,900 mg in 12 horses that completed the assigned treatment protocols. TheMTDwas 75 mg/m2. Hypersensitivity reactions and neutropenia were dose limiting. Hypersensitivity was dose‐dependent but schedule invariant. Neutropenia was dose‐ and cycle‐dependent but dose‐escalation schedule invariant. Cardiotoxicity was not observed.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThe recommended dosage of doxorubicin to treat horses is 70 mg/m2given at 3‐week intervals as single agent. Adjunctive treatment with antihistamines and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs is recommended to control hypersensitivity.
Prospectively Recorded versus Medical Record‐Derived Spinal Cord Injury Scores in Dogs with Intervertebral Disk Herniation
Authors: Van Wie E.Y. , Fosgate G.T. , Mankin J.M. , Jeffery N.D. , Kerwin S.C. , Levine G.J. , Greatting H.H. , Chen A.V. , Barker A.K. , Levine J.M. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundValidated spinal cord injury (SCI) scores have been established for veterinary species but are not uniformly used in practice.Hypothesis/objectivesTo determine the level of agreement of SCI scores at the time of admission versus those assigned from reconstructed medical records in a population of dogs with intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH).AnimalsEighty‐six client‐owned dogs with confirmed IVDH.MethodsRetrospective study. Medical records were reviewed for history, physical examination, neurologic examination, and recorded Modified Frankel score (MFS) and Texas spinal cord injury score (TSCIS) at the time of admission. Three raters, all board‐certified neurologists, assigned MFS and TSCIS based on digitized abstracted medical records to each patient. These scores were then compared to the recorded score at the time of admission.ResultsActual agreement for MFS and TSCIS derived from medical records by the 3 raters compared to prospectively derived MFS and TSCIS was 77.9 and 51.2%, respectively. A kappa value of 0.572 (95% CI 0.450, 0.694; P < .001) and an ICC of 0.533 (95% CI 0.410, 0.646; P < .001) were calculated for MFS scores. A kappa value of 0.100 (95% CI 0.000, 0.222; P = .107), and an ICC of 0.503 (95% CI 0.377, 0.620; P < .001) were calculated for TSCIS scores.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceResults showed that SCI scores recorded at the time of admission often do not agree with those retrospectively abstracted from medical records. Agreement was less when using the more complex TSCIS scale and therefore the MFS scale might be more appropriate for use in retrospective studies.