bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of chemical constituents and identification of absorbed components and metabolites in rat plasma of Fu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Ke Han , Tong Wei , Xue Rui , Lu Xiaoyan , Fan Xiaohui 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills, the famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, composed of 42 medicinal herbs, have been widely used to treat various gynecological diseases. However, the chemical constituents and metabolic profiling of Fu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills remain largely unknown, which hampers improvement of the quality control and pharmacological elucidation of this formula. In the present study, a sensitive and selective ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was developed to separate and identify the comprehensive chemical constituents of Fu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills. According to the results, a total of 83 compounds were identified, including phenylpropionic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, triterpene saponins, and phthalides, and 81 compounds were first reported in Fu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills. Moreover, the absorbed components and metabolites in rat plasma after intragastric administration of Fu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills were also detected by the same analytical method. A total of 36 compounds were identified, including 21 prototypes and 15 metabolites. The latter were generated through the metabolic pathways of methylation and glucuronidation, and glucuronidated metabolites were the main constituents in the plasma. This is the first systematic study on the chemical constituents and metabolic profiling of Fu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills, and the results provide valuable chemical information for further elucidating pharmacological effects and mechanism of action of Fu‐Ke‐Zai‐Zao pills.
Artificial water catchments influence wildlife distribution in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Rich Lindsey N. , Beissinger Steven R. , Brashares Justin S. , Furnas Brett J. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTWater often limits the distribution and productivity of wildlife in arid environments. Consequently, resource managers have constructed artificial water catchments (AWCs) in deserts of the southwestern United States, assuming that additional free water benefits wildlife. We tested this assumption by using data from acoustic and camera trap surveys to determine whether AWCs influenced the distributions of terrestrial mammals (>0.5 kg), birds, and bats in the Mojave Desert, California, USA. We sampled 200 sites in 2016–2017 using camera traps and acoustic recording units, 52 of which had AWCs. We identified detections to the species‐level, and modeled occupancy for each of the 44 species of wildlife photographed or recorded. Artificial water catchments explained spatial variation in occupancy for 8 terrestrial mammals, 4 bats, and 18 bird species. Occupancy of 18 species was strongly and positively associated with AWCs, whereas 1 species (i.e., horned lark [Eremophila alpestris]) was negatively associated. Access to an AWC had a larger influence on species’ distributions than precipitation and slope and was nearly as influential as temperature. In our study area, AWCs functioned as an important influence on wildlife occupancy, which supports the long‐held assumption that AWCs may benefit wildlife in arid habitats. We encourage managers to maintain existing AWCs, particularly those in areas forecasted to have the largest decrease in water availability. We also recommend long‐term, systematic monitoring of AWCs, which will facilitate more informed management decisions. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Electrochemical performance and microstructural evolution of laser deposited Al‐Sn coating in acidic environment
Authors: Fatoba O.S. , Akinlabi E.T. , Akinlabi S.A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOutstanding performance of materials is one of the requirements of modifying the existing materials in order to meet a global demand necessary in technology innovation. Direct laser metal deposition technique due to excellent properties has replaced conventional techniques in modifying the surface of materials. The interplay between melting, fusion and optimised laser parameters are very important factors to be considered when using laser metal deposition technique. ASTM A29 steel property was enhanced through this technique by Al‐Sn reinforcements. A 3‐kW continuous wave ytterbium laser system was employed by this process. This research investigated the microstructure and corrosion properties of fabricated laser metal deposited ASTM A29 steel. The resulting microstructure and content of the inconsequential elements in the coatings fabricated were studied to obtain the results achieved. Observation of the microstructure showed typical phase of acicular α′‐martensite attributed to rapid cooling of the molten pool. The electrochemical behaviour was investigated in 1 M HCl solution at 27 °C via potentiodynamic polarization technique. The fabricated coatings had corrosion rate of 0.03435 mm/yr, current density of 3.95 ⋅ 10−6 A/cm2, and polarization resistance of 7093.4 Ω ⋅ cm2. While the control had corrosion rate of 16.308 mm/yr and polarization resistance of 8.0631 Ω ⋅ cm2.
Conceptual design and finite element analysis of a high inclusion dough shaping machine using 3D‐computer aided design (CAD) (SolidWorks)
Authors: Salahuddin M.B.M. , Atikah A.F. , Rosnah S. , Zuhair M.N.M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDue to unavailability of omit suitable machine to shape oat base cookies dough with large inclusion, inconsistency in size is a critical issue. Thus, a dough shaping machine is needed to improve the quality of the final product. The objectives of this research are to develop conceptual designs of a high inclusion dough shaping machine and to perform finite element analysis on the important part of the machine. The methodology including extraction of the design layout of the machine, development of the schematic drawing and wireframe model, the performance of stress and total deformation, and production of a complete drawing for fabrication purpose. Under finite element analysis, result of the maximum allowable stress was compared with the calculated static component strength against crack. Based on the analysis using SolidWorks, the maximum equivalent stress of the roller is 0.3469 MPa with maximum total deformation is 2.617 ⋅ 10−4 mm. The value of maximum equivalent stress is way too small as compared to that of the calculated static component strength against crack which is 15.31 MPa. Hence, the material used for the roller was found to be able to support the weight of dough without crack and avoid critical deformation during the production process.
Influence of welding parameters on lap joint between Al and Ti alloys using low power fiber laser
Authors: Janasekaran S. , Lemon S.M.B. , Yusof F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFiber laser beam welding has always been a user‐friendly and flexible method to join dissimilar materials despite differences in thermal coefficient. Many industrial applications such as automotive has replaced the conventional joining methods towards this because of the flexibility and reduction in time consumption. In the present study, dissimilar titanium alloy; Ti6Al4 V and aluminum alloy; AA2024‐0 were laser welded through a lap joint technique using a low power Yb‐fiber laser without any additional filler. The influence of welding speed on weld morphology was investigated using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The cross‐section of the joints revealed that the fusion zone (FZ) and heat affected zones (HAZ) are wider when welding speed decreases with lower laser power. This result shows that the low power fiber laser has sufficient energy to melt the base materials, forming a liquid bridge to facilitate the smooth flow of molten metal between the top and bottom layer. Therefore, at lower welding speeds with constant low laser power, it was shown that there are possibilities of laser welding between two non‐ferrous metals.
The effect of cooling rate during multiple reflow soldering on intermetallic layer of Sn‐4.0 Ag‐0.5Cu/ENImAg
Authors: Rabiatul Adawiyah M.A. , Hafiz A.B.M. , Saliza Azlina O. , Zolhafizi J. , Wan Nur Azrina W.M. , Shahrul Azmir O. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe effect of intermetallic compound layer between Sn‐4.0 Ag‐0.5Cu solder bump and electroless nickel/immersion silver (ENImAg) surface finish under different cooling rate during multiple reflow condition was investigated. The results show that the interfacial (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 intermetallic compound were formed at the early stage after the first reflow process. After multiple reflow processes, both (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 and (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 appeared as needle‐shaped at interface due to the amount of copper concentration into a solder balls. The spalling intermetallic compound of (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 was spotted in the solder which was caused by the formation of needle‐shaped from the gaps of (Cu, Ni)6Sn5. The intermetallic compound thickness and grain sizes became thicker and coarser with increasing reflow time, respectively. The results also perceived that the cooling rate condition can influence the growth of intermetallic compound formation. Faster cooling rate produced thinner intermetallic layer as well as smaller grain sizes compared to slow cooling rate. Hence, the cooling rate is a necessary parameter in the solder reflow process because it has an impact on the microstructure of morphology and intermetallic growth.
Prognosis of gas turbine remaining useful life using particle filter approach
Authors: Ahsan S. , Lemma T.A. , Muhammad M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGas turbines are commonly used in distributed power generation. Because of high speed nature, they require good maintenance for increased reliability and availability. Remaining useful life prediction is therefore an essential part of condition‐based maintenance to better foresee future state hence guaranteeing design efficiency, reduced maintenance cost, and improved safety. Gas turbines also contain a lot of sensors data that need to be processed for better prediction. In this paper, a probabilistic approach called particle filter is used for prediction. The proposed approach is tested using Turbofan degradation data provided by NASA as a benchmark problem. Meanwhile, through time the gas turbines experiences a change from normal state to degraded state attributed to aging, corrosion and erosion etc. Hence, in the context of abundant data, it is helpful to know the transition between states. For the same reason, the present paper suggests a statistical approach called Z‐test. The test results show that the proposed technique provides score and MAPE values of 559.9 and 21.6 respectively, comparable to past reported performance.
Characterization and stability analysis of oil‐based copper oxide nanofluids for medium temperature solar collectors
Authors: Akhter J. , Gilani S.I. , Al‐kayiem H.H. , Ali M. , Masood F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThermal oils are widely used as heat transfer fluids in medium temperature applications. Addition of small amounts of nanoparticles in such fluids can significantly improve their thermophysical properties. This paper presents experimental investigation of an oil‐based nanofluids prepared by dispersing different concentrations (0.25 wt%–1.0 wt%) of copper oxide nanoparticles in Therminol‐55 oil using two‐step method. Shear mixing and ultrasonication were used for uniform distribution and de‐agglomeration of nanoparticles to enhance the stability of the suspensions. The effect of nanoparticles concentrations on thermophysical properties of the nanofluids was analysed by measuring thermal conductivity, dynamic viscosity, effective density and specific heat capacity at different temperatures (25 °C–130 °C). Thermal conductivity exhibited increasing trend with rising temperature and increase in nanoparticles loading. A significant decrease in dynamic viscosity and effective density against increasing temperature makes it suitable for medium temperature applications. Nano‐oils with improved thermal properties are expected to increase the efficiency of concentrating solar thermal collectors.
Ophthalmologic manifestations in Taiwanese patients with mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Lin Hsiang‐Yu , Chan Wei‐Chun , Chen Lee‐Jen , Lee Yuan‐Chieh , Yeh Shu‐I , Niu Dau‐Ming , Chiu Pao Chin , Tsai Wen‐Hui , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Chuang Chih‐Kuang , Lin Shuan‐Pei 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundMucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of rare lysosomal storage disorders characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in various tissues and organs. Ocular problems that affect the cornea, trabecular meshwork, sclera, retina, and optic nerve are very common in these patients. However, there was limited literature focusing on comprehensive ocular findings in different types of MPS.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical ophthalmologic features and electrodiagnostic results of 50 Taiwanese patients with a diagnosis of MPS (34 males and 16 females; age range, 1.1–34.9 years; nine with MPS I, 17 with MPS II, 17 with MPS IV, and seven with MPS VI).ResultsAmong 44 patients with available data for visual acuity, 15 patients (34%) had a visual acuity of less than 0.5 (6/12) equivalent in their better eye, including 71% of those with MPS VI, 38% with MPS IV, 29% with MPS I, and 14% with MPS II. Severe corneal opacities existed in 57% of MPS VI patients and 11% of MPS I patients, compared with none for MPS II and MPS IV patients. Among 80 eyes with available data of refraction, 11 eyes (14%) had myopia (≦−0.50 D), 55 eyes (69%) had hyperopia (≧0.50 D), and 55 eyes (69%) had high astigmatism (≧1.50 D). Ocular hypertension was found in 45% (28/62) of eyes. There were 16% (14/90), 11% (10/90), 13% (12/90), 31% (27/86), and 79% (30/38) of MPS eyes with lens opacities, optic disc swelling, optic disc cupped, retinopathy, and visual pathway dysfunction, respectively. Intraocular pressure was positively correlated with the severity of corneal opacity (p < 0.01).ConclusionsOcular complications with significant reduction in visual acuity are common in MPS patients. Diagnostic problems may arise in these patients with severe corneal opacification, especially for those with MPS VI and MPS I.
A novel SMAD6 variant in a patient with severely calcified bicuspid aortic valve and thoracic aortic aneurysm
Authors: Park Jong Eun , Park Jin Seok , Jang Shin Yi , Park Seok Hee , Kim Jong‐Won , Ki Chang‐Seok , Kim Duk‐Kyung 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect with a prevalence of 1%–2% in the general population. NOTCH1, SMAD6, and GATA5 are associated with BAV in humans, but few cases have been reported that did not involve NOTCH1. Here, we identified novel in‐frame variants in SMAD6 (c.1168_1173dup; p.Gly390_Ile391dup) in a BAV patient, who presented with dilatation of the ascending aorta and severe calcification of the aortic valve.MethodsTwenty BAV associated genes were screened by exome sequencing. Functional effects of SMAD6 variant were investigated using bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling assays through in vitro functional study.ResultsExome sequencing revealed he had novel in‐frame variants in the SMAD6 gene (c.1168_1173dup; p.Gly390_Ile391dup). SMAD6 is known to be an inhibitory protein in the BMP signaling pathway. In vitro functional study of the p.Gly390_Ile391dup variant revealed impaired inhibition of BMP signaling and BMP‐induced alkaline phosphatase activity.ConclusionIn conclusion, we identified a novel SMAD6 variant causing a severely calcified BAV and TAA, which contributes to our understanding of the clinical and genetic background of SMAD6‐related BAV.
Water/fat separation for distortion‐free EPI with point spread function encoding
Authors: Hu Zhangxuan , Wang Yishi , Dong Zijing , Guo Hua 
Published: March 2019

PurposeEffective removal of chemical‐shift artifacts in echo‐planar imaging (EPI) is a challenging problem especially with severe field inhomogeneity. This study aims to develop a reliable water/fat separation technique for point spread function (PSF) encoded EPI (PSF‐EPI) by using its intrinsic multiple echo‐shifted images.Theory and MethodsEPI with PSF encoding can achieve distortion‐free imaging and can be highly accelerated using the tilted‐CAIPI technique. In this study, the chemical‐shift encoding existing in the intermediate images with different time shifts of PSF‐EPI is used for water/fat separation, which is conducted with latest water/fat separation algorithms. The method was tested in T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and diffusion weighted imaging in healthy volunteers.ResultsThe ability of the proposed method to separate water/fat using intrinsic PSF‐EPI signals without extra scans was demonstrated through in vivo T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and diffusion weighted imaging experiments. By exploring different imaging contrasts and regions, the results show that this PSF‐EPI based method can separate water/fat and remove fat residues robustly.ConclusionBy using the intrinsic signals of PSF‐EPI for water/fat separation, fat signals can be effectively suppressed in EPI even with severe field inhomogeneity. This water/fat separation method for EPI can be extended to multiple image contrasts. The distortion‐free PSF‐EPI technique, thus, has the potential to provide anatomical and functional images with high‐fidelity and practical acquisition efficiency.
Mapping and correcting hyperpolarized magnetization decay with radial keyhole imaging
Authors: Niedbalski Peter J. , Willmering Matthew M. , Robertson Scott H. , Freeman Matthew S. , Loew Wolfgang , Giaquinto Randy O. , Ireland Christopher , Pratt Ronald G. , Dumoulin Charles L. , Woods Jason C. , Cleveland Zackary I. 
Published: March 2019

PurposeHyperpolarized (HP) media enable biomedical imaging applications that cannot be achieved with conventional MRI contrast agents. Unfortunately, quantifying HP images is challenging, because relaxation and radio‐frequency pulsing generate spatially varying signal decay during acquisition. We demonstrate that, by combining center‐out k‐space sampling with postacquisition keyhole reconstruction, voxel‐by‐voxel maps of regional HP magnetization decay can be generated with no additional data collection.Theory and MethodsDigital phantom, HP 129Xe phantom, and in vivo 129Xe human (N = 4 healthy; N = 2 with cystic fibrosis) imaging was performed using radial sampling. Datasets were reconstructed using a postacquisition keyhole approach in which 2 temporally resolved images were created and used to generate maps of regional magnetization decay following a simple analytical model.ResultsMean, keyhole‐derived decay terms showed excellent agreement with the decay used in simulations (R2 = 0.996) and with global attenuation terms in HP 129Xe phantom imaging (R2 > 0.97). Mean regional decay from in vivo imaging agreed well with global decay values and displayed spatial heterogeneity that matched expected variations in flip angle and oxygen partial pressure. Moreover, these maps could be used to correct variable signal decay across the image volume.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that center‐out trajectories combined with keyhole reconstruction can be used to map regional HP signal decay and to quantitatively correct images. This approach may be used to improve the accuracy of quantitative measures obtained from hyperpolarized media. Although validated with gaseous HP 129Xe in this work, this technique can be generalized to any hyperpolarized agent.
Serum cytokine patterns in immunoglobulin m monoclonal gammopathy‐associated polyneuropathy
Authors: Stork Abraham C. J. , Rijkers Ger T. , Vlam Lotte , Cats Elisabeth A. , de Jong Ben A. W. , Fritsch‐Stork Ruth D. E. , Veldink Jan H. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Notermans Nicolette C. , van der Pol W‐Ludo 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Polyneuropathy with immunoglobulin M monoclonal gammopathy (IgM‐PNP) is associated with the presence of IgM antibodies against nerve constituents such as myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG) and gangliosides. Methods: To test whether B‐cell‐stimulating cytokines are increased in IgM‐PNP, we measured serum concentrations of 11 cytokines in 81 patients with IgM‐PNP and 113 controls. Results: Median interleukin (IL)‐6 concentrations were higher in patients with IgM‐PNP, and median IL‐10 concentrations were higher in the subgroup with anti‐MAG IgM antibodies. These serum concentrations were not increased in 110 patients with multifocal motor neuropathy. Discussion: Median IL‐6 and IL‐10 serum concentrations differ between patients with anti‐MAG neuropathy and other patients with IgM‐PNP compared with healthy and neuropathy controls. These differences may indicate differences in immune‐mediated disease mechanisms. Muscle Nerve 59:694–698, 2019
Association of index finger palpatory assessment of pubovisceral muscle body integrity with MRI‐documented tear
Authors: Sheng Ying , Low Lisa Kane , Liu Xuefeng , Ashton‐Miller James A. , Miller Janis M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAimsPubovisceral (PV) muscle tears are associated with pelvic floor disorders. The goal of this study was to determine whether index finger palpatory assessment of PV muscle body integrity through the lateral vaginal wall is a reliable indicator of PV muscle tear severity diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsWe studied 85 women, 7 weeks after vaginal birth. All had at least one risk factor for obstetric‐related PV muscle tear. The ordinal outcome measure of MRI‐documented PV muscle tear was defined as: none, less than 50% unilateral tear, 50% or greater unilateral tear or less than 50% bilateral tear, and 50% or greater bilateral tear. PV muscle body integrity by palpatory assessment was scored on a matrix, with each side scored independently and classified as PV muscle body “present” (assuredly felt), “equivocal” (not sure if felt), or “absent” (assuredly not felt). Proportional odds models were constructed to estimate the relationship between PV muscle body integrity palpatory assessment and MRI‐documented PV muscle tears.ResultsThirty‐five percent of study participants exhibited varying degrees of MRI‐documented PV muscle tears. Using palpatory assessment, we identified “PV muscle body present bilaterally” in 20%, “equivocal unilaterally or present contralaterally” in 8%, “equivocal or absent unilaterally” or “equivocal bilaterally” in 62%, and “absent bilaterally” in 9%. The odds ratio for estimating MRI results from palpatory assessment was 3.62 (95% confidence interval = 1.70‐7.73, P = 0.001).ConclusionsA rapid and inexpensive palpatory assessment in the clinic was highly associated with the risk of MRI‐documented PV muscle tear and is a useful component of a clinical assessment.
Reducing pain in children with cancer: Methodology for the development of a clinical practice guideline
Authors: Loeffen Erik A.H. , Kremer Leontien C.M. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , Mulder Renée L. , Font‐Gonzalez Anna , Dupuis Lee L. , Campbell Fiona , Tissing Wim J.E. ,   on behalf of the Pain in Children with Cancer Guideline Development Panel
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlthough pain is one of the most prevalent and bothersome symptoms children with cancer experience, evidence‐based guidance regarding assessment and management is lacking. With 44 international, multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and nine patient representatives, we aimed to develop a clinical practice guideline (following GRADE methodology), addressing assessment and pharmacological, psychological, and physical management of tumor‐, treatment‐, and procedure‐related pain in children with cancer. In this paper, we present our thorough methodology for this development, including the challenges we faced and how we approached these. This lays the foundation for our clinical practice guideline, for which there is a high clinical demand.