bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and determination of saponin hydrolysis products from Medicago sativa using supercritical fluid extraction, solid‐phase extraction and liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection
Authors: Kiełbasa Anna , Krakowska Aneta , Rafińska Katarzyna , Buszewski Bogusław 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSaponins are widespread secondary metabolites with various beneficial properties: fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. Alfalfa saponin molecules contain mainly: medicagenic acid, hederagenin, bayogenin, and soyasapogenol B. Structural diversity of saponins makes their determination in Medicago sativa extracts very difficult. The most popular determination technique is high‐performance liquid chromatography applied with evaporative light scattering detection. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of sapogenins from Medicago sativa by high‐performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection required hydrolysis and purification of extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction. Hydrolysis of saponins with concentrated hydrochloric acid provided high concentration of medicagenic acid. In the purification process, satisfactory results were obtained for solid‐phase extraction using octadecyl. Recoveries were from 71 to 99% with a standard deviation from 2 to 8. Hydrolysis with concentrated hydrochloric acid was the only method that allowed identification of all four analyzed sapogenins. Moreover, it is characterized by a short time of preparation, simplicity of execution, a small amount of the sample and solvents. The hydrolysis and purification methods coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection can be successfully used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the main saponins present in Medicago sativa plant extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction.
Ownership structure and firm performance of listed tourism firms
Authors: Yeh Chien Mu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOwnership structure has been identified as a critical governance component due to its effect on firm performance. Within ownership structure, issues of institutional shareholders, cash flow rights of controlling owners, and ownership discrepancy have not been examined in the tourism sector. The current study uses listed tourism firms in Taiwan to empirically examine how these three variables influence firm performance. Results show a positive effect on return on assets and Tobin's Q from the presence of institutional shareholders and cash flow rights of controlling owners. Ownership discrepancy has a negative effect on Tobin's Q. The present results can make contributions to agency theory and principles for good governance.
Short‐term Effect of Ultrasound‐Guided Iliopsoas Peritendinous Corticosteroid Injection
Authors: Han Julie S. , Sugimoto Dai , McKee‐Proctor Maxwell H. , Stracciolini Andrea , d'Hemecourt Pierre A. 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTreatment for iliopsoas tendinopathy includes ultrasound (US)‐guided iliopsoas peritendinous corticosteroid injection. Evidence is lacking regarding US‐guided iliopsoas injection efficacy in patients with iliopsoas tendinopathy and intra‐articular (IA) hip abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of US‐guided iliopsoas corticosteroid injection for iliopsoas tendinopathy in patients with and without IA hip abnormalities.MethodsThis work was a prospective study evaluating patients aged 12 to 50 years with iliopsoas tendinopathy. Participants completed a Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) questionnaire before and 6 weeks after injection. The main outcome measure was the change in HOOS subcategory scores. Independent variables included time and hip status. Normal hips were compared to abnormal hips with IA abnormalities. A 2‐way repeated measures analysis of covariance with effect size (η2) was used to determine injection effects on HOOS scores before and 6 weeks after injection.ResultsA total of 178 patients (154 female and 24 male) were analyzed. Time effects were found for both normal and abnormal hips in all HOOS subcategories: symptoms (P = .041; η2 = 0.050), pain (P = .001; η2 = 0.184), activities of daily living (P = .011; η2 = 0.076), function in sports and recreation (P = .001; η2 = 0.151), and quality of life (QOL; P = .001; η2 = 0.193). Significant differences between normal versus abnormal hips were found in the sports and recreation (P = .032; η2 = 0.056) and QOL scores (P = .001; η2 = 0.135).ConclusionsIn patients with iliopsoas tendinopathy, US‐guided iliopsoas corticosteroid injection improved outcomes regardless of coexisting IA hip abnormalities. Patients without IA hip abnormalities showed greater improvement in sports and recreation and QOL scores compared to patients with IA hip abnormalities. Ultrasound‐guided iliopsoas injection for iliopsoas tendinopathy may advance short‐term care and help continue with nonsurgical treatment regimens.
Nutrient limitation constrains thermal tolerance in freshwater phytoplankton
Authors: Bestion Elvire , Schaum C‐Elisa , Yvon‐Durocher Gabriel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThermal tolerance can depend critically on environmental context (e.g., resource availability and biotic interactions), yet it is often measured only under idealized conditions. Here, we investigated how the concentration of phosphate (a limiting resource for algal growth in freshwater ecosystems) influences the thermal optimum for growth rate in five species of freshwater phytoplankton. We found that low‐phosphate concentrations led to a sharp decline in species’ thermal optima, by up to 15°C relative to replete conditions, with the magnitude of the decline varying between species. Rapid global environmental change is expected to lead to rising temperatures, while nutrient concentrations in freshwaters are forecast to increase in waterbodies subject to eutrophication and decline in large lentic systems that become warmer and more stratified. Our findings suggest that phytoplankton that experience warming and nutrient limitation concurrently will be more vulnerable to environmental change.
MXene‐Based Nonlinear Optical Information Converter for All‐Optical Modulator and Switcher
Authors: Wu Leiming , Jiang Xiantao , Zhao Jinlai , Liang Weiyuan , Li Zhongjun , Huang Weichun , Lin Zhitao , Wang Yunzheng , Zhang Feng , Lu Shunbin , Xiang Yuanjiang , Xu Shixiang , Li Jianqing , Zhang Han 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) Ti3C2Tx (T = F, O, or OH) MXene, a graphene‐like material, is successfully fabricated for an investigation in nonlinear optics. Its nonlinear refractive index (n2 ≈ 10−4 [cm2 W−1]) and third‐order nonlinear susceptibility (≈ 10−7 [e.s.u.]) are experimentally confirmed by spatial self‐phase modulation (SSPM) techniques. Applying its strong Kerr effect, a novel all‐optical switcher based on 2D MXene is designed to realize the modulation of pump light to probe light. This indicates that MXene could act as an information converter in an optical light‐control‐light system. Meanwhile, probe light is induced by the pump light to excite diffraction rings, and the ring numbers of the probe light can be controlled to increase by the regulation of the other pump light. Through modulation of the pump light, the “ON” and “OFF” modes in the all‐optical switcher/modulator can be achieved. This work highlights the potential of Ti3C2Tx MXene materials applied in all‐optical switcher/modulators, which can be considered an important step toward MXene‐based advanced photonics devices.
Venous super‐drained posterior interosseous artery flap for dorsal hand defects
Authors: Sönmez Erhan , Aksam Ersin , Durgun Mustafa , Karaaslan Onder 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundPosterior interosseous artery flap PIAF is one of the most preferred reconstructive options for upper extremity defects. As a reverse flap, venous congestion is always a threatening factor. In this report authors aimed to present their experience with venous super‐drained posterior interosseous artery flap VS‐PIAF.MethodsBetween January 2013 to September 17, 2017 patients were treated with VS‐PIAF. Tumor excision, trauma, traffic accident, burn contracture release, and industrial injuries were the causes of defects. Defects were located on the dorsum of the hand, first web space, ulnar and radial side of the hand, and the palm. All the defects were reconstructed with a VS‐PIAF, which a distal superficial end‐to‐end venous anastomosis was added to overcome venous congestion problems.ResultsThe flap sizes were between 5 × 7 cm and 8 × 12 cm. All the flaps have survived completely without any early or late complications. No venous problems were seen. The donor areas were healed uneventfully. The mean follow‐up time was 15.3 months. The results of reconstructions were satisfactory, no functional restrictions was seen.ConclusionThe major drawback of PIAF is venous congestion problems that can be manageable with adding a distal superficial end‐to‐end venous anastomose. VS‐PIAF is a robust, much safer and easy‐to‐learn reconstructive method for upper extremity defects.
Radiation properties of graphene‐based optically transparent dipole antenna
Authors: Kosuga Shohei , Suga Keisuke , Suga Ryosuke , Watanabe Takeshi , Hashimoto Osamu , Koh Shinji 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe radiation properties of a graphene‐based optically transparent half‐wavelength dipole antenna in microwave bands was investigated. The resonance frequencies of a reference Au antenna and a graphene antenna having the same antenna structures were 9.5 and 21.6 GHz, respectively, owing to the difference in conductivity. Despite the low conductivity of graphene, the gain of the graphene antenna was 1 dB higher than that of the Au antenna. We also showed the feasibility of using graphene‐based optically transparent antenna through the measurements of transmission characteristics between two graphene antenna.
Novel structure and design of enhanced‐bandwidth hybrid quadrature patch coupler
Authors: Bekasiewicz Adrian , Koziel Slawomir 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA novel structure and design optimization procedure of an enhanced‐bandwidth hybrid quadrature patch coupler is proposed. Improved performance of the circuit has been obtained by parameterizing the coupler sections using splines, which introduces additional degrees of freedom. Due to computational complexity of the parameter adjustment problem, a sequential design procedure is applied. In each iteration, a selected number of spline control points is used and their radial coordinates are optimized. The design found this way is then used as a starting point for the next iteration with an increased number of spline control points. The final design parameterized by 20 control points exhibits over 50% bandwidth at the operational frequency of 10 GHz, and acceptable footprint of 13.8 mm × 15.7 mm.
A dual‐band antenna for extending cellular coverage by using energy‐harvesting strategy
Authors: Dhoore K. , Expósito I. , Cuiñas I. , Verhaevert J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe widespread use of sensor nodes forces a straightforward, low‐cost, and easy‐to‐implement design of these nodes. Instead of using separate batteries and antennas, this letter proposes a dual‐band microstrip antenna for both communication and energy‐harvesting applications. The energy required for the sensor node is harvested from the broadcast television band and then used in the cellular phone communication band. A previous design of a circular polarized broadband patch antenna is adapted and optimized for the defined requirements with the electromagnetic simulation software CST Studio Suite. The simulations helped in an antenna design with a reflection coefficient below −10 dB in the 600 MHz ‐ 700 MHz television frequency band for the energy harvesting. Furthermore, the antenna is also able to operate in the 850 MHz cellular mobile phone communication band, in order to provide coverage in shadowed remote areas or even to be of use for the transmission of the sensor data. The final design is prototyped and then characterized through the measurement of the reflection coefficient.
A single session of visual feedback improves range of motion in patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain: A randomized and controlled study
Authors: Ribeiro Daniela , Silva Anabela G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionChronic pain is associated with cortical reorganization, and interventions targeting cortical remapping, such as visual feedback of the painful body segment, seem promising. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of visual feedback of the neck, using mirrors on pain intensity. Secondary aims were to evaluate the impact of visual feedback on neck range of motion and unadjusted cognitive processes.MethodsPain intensity, range of motion, fear of movement, catastrophizing and anxiety were assessed before and after 10 repetitions of each of the neck movements, with (experimental group; n = 21) and without (control group; n = 21) visual feedback of the neck.ResultsA significant increase in the range of motion of all neck movements (p < 0.05) was found in the experimental group when compared with the control group. Increases in range of motion varied between 2.5° and 3.4°. No significant effects were found for the remaining variables (p > 0.05).ConclusionsThe study findings suggest that performing a series of 10 active movements of the neck while observing the reflection of the neck in a mirror might help to improve neck range of motion. Furthermore, our results support further studies investigating the effect of longer interventions using visual feedback of the neck, either alone or combined with other interventions.
Survival and characteristics of pediatric salivary gland cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zamani Martin , Grønhøj Christian , Schmidt Jensen Jakob , von Buchwald Christian , Charabi Birgitte Wittenborg , Hjuler Thomas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library for studies from 2000 to 2017 including children aged 0‐19 with salivary gland cancer was performed. In 19 studies, 749 children (median age of 14.2 years, female to male ratio of 1.4:1) were included; 72% had parotid tumors and 95% underwent surgery, of whom 65% had surgery alone and 24% with adjuvant radiotherapy. Low‐grade and stage mucoepidermoid carcinoma were the most frequent cancer. The 5‐year overall‐ and disease‐free survival was 94% and 83%. Recurrence was observed in 20% at a median of 1.1 years from diagnosis.
Compositional changes of the floral scent volatile emissions from Asian skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius, Araceae) over flowering sex phases
Authors: Oguri Suguru , Sakamaki Kensuke , Sakamoto Hikaru , Kubota Kikue 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionFlowering of the Asian skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius, Araceae) shows a sequential expression of female, bisexual and male sex phases. The protogynous thermogenic inflorescence has unpleasant odours, but the contributing chemical composition is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo determine the volatile composition of odour emissions from each S. renifolius flowering phase.MethodologyThe dynamic headspace method was used to collect floral volatiles from six intact S. renifolius inflorescences in their natural habitat. Collected volatiles from the three flowering phases were analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC–MS/O).ResultsFemale‐phase inflorescences were characterised by an earthy‐rotten‐minty odour, while male‐phase inflorescences typically exhibited a rotten‐oily odour. Approximately 160 compounds were detected in volatiles from the three phases. Common to all phases were 3‐methylbutyl 3‐methylbutanoate, 1,8‐cineole, dimethyl disulphide and sabinene, together accounting for 52 to 54% of total volatiles. GC–MS/O revealed that at least 28 volatiles including eight S‐containing compounds contributed to the unpleasant odour of S. renifolius. Among them, dimethyl disulphide (onion‐like), methional (potato‐like), and the tentatively identified methyl dithioformate (garlic‐like) were intense odour‐active compounds in each floral phase. Additionally, 2‐isopropyl‐3‐methoxypyrazine (IPMP) was a major contributor to the earthy odour that was characteristic of the female phase.ConclusionsNo marked changes were observed in floral volatile compositions over the three flowering phases of S. renifolius. Instead, flower phase‐dependent proportional changes of minor components (e.g. IPMP and 2,3‐butanedione) altered the odour characteristics between the female and male phases.
Managing PV power injection and storage, enabling a larger direct consumption of renewable energy: A case study for the Belgian electricity system
Authors: Meuris Marc , Lodewijks Pieter , Ponnette Raf , Meinke‐Hubeny Frank , Valkering Pieter , Belmans Ronnie , Poortmans Jef 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAn overall model and scenario for increasing the share of renewable electricity consumption in the Belgium grid is proposed by simulating different PV and home battery capacities. The model is balancing the electricity generation of these renewable sources on an hourly basis with the historical consumption profiles of 2014, 2015, and 2016 to estimate how much renewable energy can be consumed directly. The model considers the problem of potential overloads on the low voltage grid, by limiting with curtailment the total PV injection on the low voltage grid to a level that can be currently sustained. A simple algorithm for grid injection limitation of this curtailment during daytime and nighttime is proposed, with and without the use of batteries. The share of renewable electricity consumption is calculated, investigating the impact of battery sizing and different levels for the power injection limit. Above a certain level, additional battery capacity has no effect. With increasing total PV deployment, the optimal power injection limit is reduced. A realistic and effective deployment scenario for renewable electricity from wind and PV is developed (up to 9 GW wind and 50 GWp PV for the Belgian case). It is possible to reach a share of consumed renewable electricity of almost 50% with a curtailment of 9% without the use of batteries. With higher PV deployment and a minimal amount of home battery capacity (1.5 kWh/kWp), a 70% share of consumed renewable energy is realized, with a curtailment of less than 20%.
Quality of life and psychological distress in cancer survivors: The role of psycho‐social resources for resilience
Authors: Harms Craig A. , Cohen Lynne , Pooley Julie Ann , Chambers Suzanne K. , Galvão Daniel A. , Newton Robert U. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between scores on the Protective Factors for Resilience Scale (PFRS) (as a measure of a person's psycho‐social resources for resilience) and quality of life as well as symptoms of psychological distress for adult cancer survivors.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 295 cancer survivors (59% female) provided background demographic information and completed the PFRS as well as measures of quality of life and psychological distress previously validated with cancer survivors. Most of the survivors were diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer.ResultsAnalysis of the data confirmed the factor structure for the PFRS for cancer survivors. While controlling for Body Mass Index and age, psycho‐social resources were a unique and positive predictor for all quality of life measures as well as being a unique and negative predictor for the measures of psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and somatization). There was a high degree of consistency regarding these findings for male and female survivors.ConclusionsThe PFRS is a brief and valid measure of psycho‐social resources for resilience in adult cancer survivors, and scores on the PFRS proved to be a good predictor of quality of life and psychological distress of these cancer survivors. Using the PFRS to assess the psycho‐social resources for resilience would be helpful when developing interventions to enhance the psychological health of adults as they adapt to a diagnosis of cancer.
Comparing high and low levels of continuous positive airway pressure on lung aeration in patients with pleural drainage: A feasibility study for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: dos Santos Elinaldo da Conceição , Pontes Campos Achiles Eduardo , do Carmo Odielson Ferreira , Lunardi Adriana Claudia 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe explored the feasibility of use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with 15‐ and 4‐cmH2O for a randomized controlled trial with patients with pleural drainage.MethodsTen patients with traumatic pleural effusion drained within 24 hr, with controlled pain received randomly CPAP with 0‐, 4‐, and 15‐cmH2O. Computed tomography was used to assess the lung aeration. Patients reported the level of tolerability. Air leak was also observed as a parameter of safety. The levels of pressure were compared using the Friedman test followed by the Tukey test as post hoc.ResultsThe lung area under CPAP with 15 cmH2O (median = 3,913 mm2; IQR = 3,416–4,390 mm2) was greater than 4 (median = 3,495 mm2; IQR = 3,075–3,954 mm2) and 0 cmH2O (median = 3,382 mm2; IQR = 2,962–3,658 mm2; p < 0.001). There was no difference between lung areas under CPAP with 4 and 0 cmH2O. All levels of pressure were well tolerated by patients. No air leak was observed during the assessments.ConclusionCPAP with 15 cmH2O is able to expand lungs of patients with pleural drainage. CPAP with 4 cmH2O seems not have therapeutic effect. In addition, CPAP with 15 cmH2O is well tolerated and safe in this population.
Developing and deploying a tethered robot to map extremely steep terrain
Authors: McGarey Patrick , Yoon David , Tang Tim , Pomerleau François , Barfoot Timothy D. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMobile robots outfitted with a supportive tether are ideal for gaining access to extreme environments for mapping when human or remote observation is not possible. This paper is a field report covering both the development and field testing of our Tethered Robotic eXplorer (TReX) to map a steep, tree‐covered rock outcrop in a gravel mine. TReX is a mobile robot designed for the purpose of mapping extremely steep and cluttered environments for geologic and infrastructure inspection. In comparison to other systems, our design improves tethered mobility by enabling rotational freedom on steep slopes using a center‐pivoting tether management payload. To map the terrain, we leverage the rotation of an actuated tether spool with an attached two‐dimensional (2D) lidar, which rotates to both manage tether and produce 3D scans. Given that mapping requires vehicle motion, we also evaluate two existing, real‐time approaches to estimate the trajectory of the robot and rectify motion distortion from individual scans before alignment into the map: (a) a continuous‐time, lidar‐only approach that handles asynchronous measurements using a physically motivated, constant‐velocity motion prior, and (b) a method that computes visual odometry from streaming stereo images to use as a motion estimate during scan collection. Once rectified, individual scans are matched to the global map by an efficient variant of the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm. Our results include a comparison of estimated maps and trajectories to ground truth (measured by a remote survey station), an example of mapping in highly cluttered terrain, and lessons learned from the design and deployment of TReX.