bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accuracy of acute‐phase proteins in identifying lethargic and anorectic cats with increased serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity
Authors: Krasztel Magdalena Maria , Czopowicz Michał , Szaluś‐Jordanow Olga , Moroz Agata , Mickiewicz Marcin , Kaba Jarosław 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe mainstay of laboratory diagnostics of feline pancreatitis (FP) is measuring serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). Thus far, several studies have investigated the relationship between acute‐phase proteins (APPs) and the presence and severity of FP. Although changes in serum amyloid A (SAA) concentration have been linked with FP, its diagnostic accuracy remains unknown. We aimed to determine the accuracy of selected APPs in identifying cats with a high risk of FP based on increased fPLI. Serum fPLI was measured in cats (n = 52) that were presented to veterinary clinics with signs of lethargy and anorexia. The cats were divided into two groups (fPLI ≤3.5 μg/L; n = 27 and fPLI >3.5 μg/L, n = 25), corresponding to low and high risks of FP. Serum albumin, globulin, haptoglobin (Hp), and SAA concentrations, as well as the albumin‐to‐globulin ratio (A/G) and SAA‐to‐albumin (SAA/A) ratios, were determined and compared between groups. The accuracy of these measurements was examined using a multivariable logistic regression model and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. SAA concentrations and SAA/A ratios were significantly (P = .026 and P = .022) higher in cats with increased fPLI, with the area under ROC curve (AUROC) of 68.1% (CI 95%: 53.4%, 82.9%) and 68.6% (CI 95%: 54.0%, 83.2%), respectively. The logistic regression model combining SAA and A/G had AUROC of 75.2% (CI 95%: 62.0%, 88.4%) for identifying cats with increased fPLI. SAA as a sole analyte or combined with A/G had low to moderate accuracy in identifying anorexic, lethargic cats with increased fPLI. Serum albumin, globulin, and Hp concentrations had no discriminatory potential in these cats.
Application of Superposition Principle for Solving a Nonlinear Energy Equation
Authors: Boay Zhen Jie , Heng Shye Yunn , Asako Yutaka , Tan Lit Ken , Che Sidik Nor Azwadi bin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A new procedure to solve a nonlinear energy equation using the superposition principle is proposed. As an example of the utilization of this procedure, forced convection in a tube with temperature-dependent fluid properties was considered. The tube wall was maintained at uniform wall heat flux axially that varies with time, and the average fluid temperature at the outlet was calculated. This problem simulates convection heat transfer inside a solar collector tube. In the proposed procedure, the average fluid temperature at the outlet for a single heat pulse was determined for fluid properties evaluated at 15 different temperatures by solving the energy equation numerically assuming constant fluid properties and subsequently applying the superposition principle. The choice of the temperature at which fluid properties were evaluated as an important parameter in the simulation. This temperature was determined by using the inlet and outlet average fluid temperatures at the previous time-step multiplied by a weighting function. The average fluid temperature at the outlet obtained by this procedure was compared with the temperature obtained by solving the nonlinear energy equation using variable properties to determine the predictive accuracy of this procedure. The results for one-day operation of a sunny day with fluid velocity of 0.6 m/s, showed the highest root-mean-square (RMS) error of 0.25 K, and the highest mean absolute deviation (MAD) error of 0.16 K which agreed well with the result obtained by the numerical simulation of the nonlinear problem using variable properties.
Singularity Analysis and Dimensional Synthesis of a 2R1T 3-UPU Parallel Mechanism Based on Performance Atlas
Authors: Song Jingke , Zhao Chen , Zhao Kun , Yan Wenjiang , Chen Ziming 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In this paper, a symmetric 3-UPU (U and P represent universal and prismatic joints, individually) parallel mechanism and its variant mechanism under different geometric and assembly conditions are analyzed. Both have two rotational and one translational (2R1T) DOFs and do not involve any parasitic motion. First, the kinematic performance of the mechanisms is discussed based on the motion/force transmission index and constraint index. Then, the singularity of the mechanism is analyzed systematically based on the local performance atlases, performance curves, and the screw theory. Finally, the global design indices are determined in accordance with the local performance indices in consideration of the motion/force transmissibility and constrainability to achieve the dimensional optimization of the 2R1T 3-UPU parallel mechanism.
On the Modeling of Gas and Liquid Leaks Through Packed Glands
Authors: Aweimer Ali Salah Omar , Bouzid Abdel-Hakim 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The prediction of gas and liquid leak rates through packed glands is overlooked and the very few studies available in the literature focus on the packing axial stress distribution. For better prediction of leakage, the change of porosity with length due to this nonuniform axial stress must be accounted for. Our previous theoretical model on leakage predictions are based on uniform capillaries. In this paper, a new model that accounts for the change of the capillary diameter with the axial stress for gaseous leak and a straight capillary model for liquid leaks are developed. The first slip flow condition is used to predict gas and liquid flow considering straight capillary model and a nonuniform capillary model the area of which dependents on the axial stress in the packing rings. An approach that uses an analytical-computational methodology based on the number and the size of pores obtained experimentally is adopted to predict gas and liquid leak rates in both the uniform and nonuniform compressed packed gland models. The Navier–Stokes equations associated with slip boundary condition at the wall are used to predict leakage. Experimental tests with helium, argon, nitrogen, and air for gazes and water and kerosene for liquids are used to validate the models. The porosity parameters characterization is conducted experimentally with a reference gas, namely, helium at different gland stresses and pressures.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Volumetric Absorption Solar Collector-Driven Direct Contact Membrane Distillation System
Authors: Garg Kapil , Rathore Akshay , Yadav Rahul , Das Sarit K. , Tyagi Himanshu 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Solar-powered membrane distillation (SP-MD) technology has proven to be an ideal solution for providing fresh water in remote and off-grid locations. In this study, a novel solar energy-driven direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) cycle is proposed in which a nanofluid-based volumetric absorption solar collector (VASC) is used to drive the DCMD process. The present work focuses on the use of volumetric collector instead of commercially available surface absorption-based solar collector in case of two-loop indirect SP-MD systems, which are installed to control the scaling and corrosion issues in solar collectors. The thermodynamic performance of this two-loop indirect solar-powered DCMD (SP-DCMD) system has been evaluated with the help of a mathematical model prepared in matlab. For modeling the DCMD unit, the ɛ-number of transfer unit (NTU) method used for designing heat exchangers has been employed. The performance of the overall system is evaluated by gained output ratio (GOR), thermal efficiency (η) of the membrane distillation, and water flux (Jw), and effects of various operating parameters related to both DCMD and VASC systems have been understood on the overall system performance. Finally, it has been shown that VASC-driven DCMD system has been approximately 4–15% higher gained output ratio compared to surface absorption-based solar collector (SASC)-driven DCMD system under similar operating conditions.
Numerical Calibration and Investigation of the Influence of Reynolds Number on Measurements With Five-Hole Probes in Compressible Flows
Authors: Schäffer Christian , Speck Konstantin , Gümmer Volker 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This paper presents an investigation into the numerical and experimental calibration of a five-hole probe and effects of Reynolds number variations on the characteristics of the probe. The test object is a cone-type drilled elbow probe with a head diameter of 1.59 mm and a cone angle of 60 deg. The experimental calibration maps of four different probes of the same type and nominal geometry are compared. A significant variation of the curves can be observed especially at high yaw angles. This led to a visual inspection of the probes with a 3D measurement system. The actual geometry of the three used probes and the surface and radii in particular varied significantly from that of the unused spare probe. Furthermore, a numerical calibration map of the ideal probe was generated for a Mach number of Ma = 0.3. A comparison between the experimental and numerical calibration coefficients revealed that total pressure, yaw and pitch angle were reproduced reasonably well. The dynamic pressure coefficient, however, has a considerable offset. Finally, a parameter study of the effect of varying the Reynolds number over different yaw angles was conducted. The calibration Reynolds number is of the order of Re = 1 · 104 and was varied between 0.5 · 104 &lt; Re &lt; 6 · 104. While the results suggest that only minor measurement errors occur for yaw angle, total pressure and static pressure, a relatively large error was observed for pitch angle measurements.
Forced Response Due to Vane Stagger Angle Variation in an Axial Compressor
Authors: Maroldt Niklas , Amer Mona , Seume Joerg R. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Recent developments in turbomachinery design require an improved prediction accuracy of blade vibrations to maintain safe operations. This article aims to investigate the accuracy of numerical aeroelastic approaches for the calculation of blade vibrations. For validation, extensive aerodynamic and forced response measurements in an 1.5-stage axial compressor with a blade integrated disk (Blisk) are presented. The excitation intensity of the vibration is controlled by varying the stagger angle of the inlet guide vane (IGV). In addition, a second engine order is imposed by a nonsymmetric circumferential vane angle distribution to simulate a multistage behavior. Experimental validated Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations in both the frequency and the time domain are compared to assess the prediction accuracy of the numerical approaches. The numerical results agree with the experiments for low and intermediate vane angles. However, at high IGV stagger angles and when exciting multiple engine orders, the inaccuracy in the prediction of flow separation by the RANS simulations leads to an overprediction of vibration amplitudes. This exaggeration becomes even more pronounced in the frequency domain simulations. Time domain methods with a time lag formulation tend to be efficient and more accurate approaches for large separated flow regimes.
An Optical Micro-Fluidic Viscometer
Authors: Galambos Paul , Forster Fred 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A new method for measuring viscosity relative to a reference fluid and applicable to a continuous process micro-fluidic device is presented. The measurement is based on the volume flow rate ratio and interface location between two co-flowing streams in a micro-fabricated T-channel and utilizes the inversion of a closed-form solution for the velocity distribution in a rectangular channel. Neither absolute flow rates or pressure differences are required. Since optical detection is the basis for the measurement, the method lends itself to the measurement of intrinsic viscosity, which requires measurement of both absolute viscosity and concentration. Experimental verification of the method yielded measurements of absolute viscosity within two percent of standard methods for dilute aqueous dextran suspensions.
Crack Growth in Polysilicon MEMS
Authors: Van Arsdell William W. , Brown Stuart B. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
We have developed an experimental protocol for studying slow crack growth in MEMS materials, and we have used this protocol to show that polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) MEMS are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. Using a model of the nonlinear dynamics of the specimen, we were able to estimate crack length and crack closure from the frequency response of the specimen. The procedure can resolve 1 nm crack extensions and crack growth rates below 10−13m/s. Crack closure, which has a pronounced effect on the dynamics of this nonlinear system, is possibly associated with the native oxide which grows on the faces of the crack. The data show that subcritical crack growth in polysilicon MEMS is driven by the synergistic effects of water and stress. In contrast to macroscale stress corrosion cracking behavior, we have not found a clear relationship between crack growth rate, stress intensity, and humidity.
Social Cognitive and Ecological Factors Influence Physical Activity Among Thai Adolescents
Authors: Sriramatr Sonthaya , Maphong Raweewan 
Published: February 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the intrapersonal, social, and physical environmental factors associated with physical activity (PA) practice in Thai adolescents. Methods: A total of 5536 adolescents aged 14–17 years participated in the survey. Confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modeling were conducted to determine associations between intrapersonal, social, and physical environmental factors with PA. Results: The mean age of participants was 15.50 (1.12) years. Community environment had an overall effect on PA (β = 0.08). Perceived family support had direct (β = −0.14) and indirect (β = 0.17) effects on PA through perceived barriers (β = 0.14). Perceived barriers were directly related to PA (β = −0.23) and indirectly (β = −0.16) related to PA through self-efficacy (β = −0.14) and through perceived benefits and self-efficacy (β = −0.02). Perceived usefulness was indirectly related to PA through self-efficacy (β = 0.07). Self-efficacy was directly related to PA (β = 0.43). Girls were more likely to report more perceived barriers (βtotal = 0.13). The model explained 45% of the variance in PA. Conclusion: Self-efficacy and perceived barriers are important intrapersonal factors, whereas perceived family support is an important interpersonal factor for PA among Thai adolescents.
Final inversion of the Midcontinent Rift during the Rigolet Phase of the Grenvillian Orogeny
Authors: Hodgin Eben B. , Swanson-Hysell Nicholas L. , DeGraff James M. , Kylander-Clark Andrew R.C. , Schmitz Mark D. , Turner Andrew C. , Zhang Yiming , Stolper Daniel A. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Despite being a prominent continental-scale feature, the late Mesoproterozoic North American Midcontinent Rift did not result in the break-up of Laurentia, and subsequently underwent structural inversion. The timing of inversion is critical for constraining far-field effects of orogenesis and processes associated with the rift's failure. The Keweenaw fault in northern Michigan (USA) is a major thrust structure associated with rift inversion; it places ca. 1093 Ma rift volcanic rocks atop the post-rift Jacobsville Formation, which is folded in its footwall. Previous detrital zircon (DZ) U-Pb geochronology conducted by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) assigned a ca. 950 Ma maximum age to the Jacobsville Formation and led researchers to interpret its deposition and deformation as postdating the ca. 1090–980 Ma Grenvillian Orogeny. In this study, we reproduced similar DZ dates using LA-ICP-MS and then dated 19 of the youngest DZ grains using high-precision chemical abrasion–isotope dilution–thermal ionization mass spectrometry (CA-ID-TIMS). The youngest DZ dated by CA-ID-TIMS at 992.51 ± 0.64 Ma (2σ) redefines the maximum depositional age of the Jacobsville Formation and overlaps with a U-Pb LA-ICP-MS date of 985.5 ± 35.8 Ma (2σ) for late-kinematic calcite veins within the brecciated Keweenaw fault zone. Collectively, these data are interpreted to constrain deposition of the Jacobsville Formation and final rift inversion to have occurred during the 1010–980 Ma Rigolet Phase of the Grenvillian Orogeny, following an earlier phase of Ottawan inversion. Far-field deformation propagated &gt;500 km into the continental interior during the Ottawan and Rigolet phases of the Grenvillian Orogeny.
Reconciling persistent sub-zero temperatures in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica, with Neogene dynamic marine ice-sheet fluctuations
Authors: Halberstadt Anna Ruth W. , Kowalewski Douglas E. , DeConto Robert M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
In the Ross Sea sector of Antarctica, periodic large-scale marine ice-sheet fluctuations since the mid-Miocene are recorded by drill core and seismic data, revealing a dynamic ice-sheet response to past increases in temperature and atmospheric CO2. In the adjacent, predominantly ice-free McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDVs), preserved terrestrial landscapes reflect persistent cold conditions and have been interpreted as indicators of a stable polar ice sheet, implying that the Antarctic Ice Sheet was largely insensitive during past warm periods. These disparate data-based perspectives highlight a long-standing debate around the past stability of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, with direct implications for the future ice-sheet response to ongoing climate warming. We reconcile marine records of dynamic ice-sheet behavior and episodic open-marine conditions with nearby ancient terrestrial landscapes recording consistent cold-polar conditions. Coupled ice-sheet and regional climate models nested at a high resolution are used to investigate surface temperatures in the MDVs during past warm periods. We find that high-elevation regions of the MDVs remain below freezing even when ice-free conditions prevail in the nearby Ross Sea. We compare observed landscapes with the spatial extent of modeled persistent cold conditions required for preservation of these ancient features, demonstrating that frozen MDVs landscapes could have coexisted with receded or collapsed ice sheets during past warm periods.
Seven-year tobacco tax plan in Ukraine: a case study of the actors, tactics and factors motivating policy passage
Authors: Weiger Caitlin , Hoe Connie , Cohen Joanna E 
Published: February 2022

ObjectiveIn December 2017, the Ukrainian Rada passed legislation that would increase tobacco taxes for the next 7 years to meet requirements of the European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement (EU-UAA). We analysed factors motivating passage of Ukraine’s 7-year tobacco tax plan as well as tactics used by both opponents and proponents to describe how the plan was passed.DesignA case study approach was used. Data were gathered from semistructured interviews (n=12) and document review (n=24) and analysed using inductive and deductive coding.ResultsThe European Union-Ukraine Association Agreement, a significant budget deficit and a history of tobacco tax success were all contextual factors contributing to policy passage. Proponents of high tobacco taxes capitalised on this opportunity, using media advocacy, generating scientific evidence and collaborating effectively across multiple sectors to support the passage of the plan. Opponents used media advocacy and lobbied to water down several features of the plan, resulting in smaller increases that might not meet EU-UAA requirements.ConclusionIndustry interference via lobbying continues to hamper passage of high tobacco taxes and should be addressed via legislation that aligns with Article 5.3 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Proponents should look for windows of opportunity caused by external events, create a multisectoral coalition, including tax experts and use media advocacy to support tax increases. Further work should continue to document what contextual factors support tobacco control policy change.
Investigating the efficacy and safety of elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, in patients with Parkinson’s disease with chronic constipation: a multicentre, placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group study (CONST-PD)
Authors: Hatano Taku , Oyama Genko , Shimo Yasushi , Ogaki Kotaro , Nishikawa Noriko , Fukae Jiro , Nakamura Ryota , Kurita Naohide , Tsunemi Taiji , Oji Yutaka , Saiki Shinji , Nishioka Kenya , Takeshige-Amano Haruka , Taniguchi Daisuke , Ogawa Takashi , Kamo Hikaru , Eguchi Hiroto , Fuse Atsuhito , Nakajima Asuka , Kano Masayoshi , Nakajima Sho , Yanagisawa Naotake , Hattori Nobutaka 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionChronic constipation worsens the quality of life (QOL) of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Elobixibat, an ileal bile acid transporter inhibitor, is a useful laxative, but its effect on chronic constipation in patients with PD remains unclear. Therefore, we designed a placebo-controlled, randomised, double-blind study to investigate the efficacy and safety of elobixibat in patients with PD with chronic constipation.Methods and analysisThe study will consist of 2-week observation and 4-week treatment periods. Patients with clinically established PD will record the status of spontaneous bowel movements and use of rescue medications/concomitant medications in a Bowel Movement Diary from the start of the observation period at visit 1 (week −2). At visit 2 (week 0), patients will be assessed for final registration based on the diary records and physical examinations, and allocated to either the elobixibat or placebo group. Daily intake of the investigational drug will be recorded in the diary. Patients will undergo laboratory tests and answer constipation-related, PD-related and QOL-related questionnaires at visits 2 and 4 (week 4). Subjective symptoms and objective findings will be collected at visits 2, 3 (week 2) and 4. Since patients’ motor function might be improved by treatment of constipation, the use of dopamine preparations will also be monitored. Bowel movement data and other parameters will be compared between groups.Safety information will be collected as adverse events, specifically focusing on those occurring in association with study conduct.Ethics and disseminationThis study will be conducted in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration, the Clinical Trials Act of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and related laws and regulations. The study was approved by the Juntendo University Certified Review Board. The results will be disseminated through an online study registry (Japan Registry of Clinical Trials), presented at scientific conferences, and published in medical journals.Trial registration numberJPRN-jRCTs031200172; Pre-results.