bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on properties of polylactic acid/lemongrass fiber biocomposites prepared by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Jing Huaishuai , He Hui , Liu Hao , Huang Bai , Zhang Cheng 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper, poly(lactic acid) grafted with maleic anhydride (PLA‐g‐MAH) was prepared by melt grafting, and added into poly(lactic acid)/lemongrass fiber (PLA/LF) biocomposites after analyzing the chemical properties of LF. The effect of PLA‐g‐MAH on the properties of PLA/LF biocomposites was studied. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to characterize the crystallinity, isothermal crystallization behavior, thermal stability and microstructure of the biocomposites. In addition, the mechanical properties of biocomposites prepared by fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology were also characterized. The results show that, the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin are 22.5%, 36.4%, and 22.8%, respectively in the composition of LF. With the addition of LF, the flexural modulus, crystallinity and crystallization rate of biocomposites are improved. After PLA‐g‐MAH was added, the crystallization rate of PLA is further slightly increased, but the crystallinity is not changed much. The mechanical properties of the PLA/LF biocomposites are improved to the greatest extent when 5 wt% PLA‐g‐MAH was added. PLA‐g‐MAH can significantly reduce the internal cavity and fiber peeling phenomenon, and there is no obvious gap between phases so that interface compatibility of PLA and LF is improved obviously.
SMTP‐44D improves diabetic neuropathy symptoms in mice through its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Shinouchi Ryosuke , Shibata Keita , Hashimoto Terumasa , Jono Shiori , Hasumi Keiji , Nobe Koji 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDiabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of diabetes. However, there are few approved effective therapies for painful or insensate DN. Recent studies have implicated oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of DN, and suppressing these could be an important therapeutic strategy. We previously reported that Stachybotrys microspora triprenyl phenol‐44D (SMTP‐44D) exhibits both antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SMTP‐44D in a mouse model of streptozotocin‐induced DN. SMTP‐44D was administered for 3 weeks after the disease induction, and its effects were evaluated on the basis of mechanical and thermal thresholds, blood flow in the bilateral hind paw, and blood flow and conduction velocity in the sciatic nerve. Furthermore, the levels of inflammatory factors, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and malondialdehyde (MDA), in the sciatic nerve were assessed. Neurological degeneration was assessed by measuring myelin thickness and g‐ratio in the sciatic nerve. SMTP‐44D treatment significantly improved allodynia, hyperalgesia, blood flow, and conduction velocity in DN model mice in a dose‐dependent manner. Neurological degeneration was also significantly improved, accompanied by decreased levels of inflammatory factors (TNF‐α, 57.8%; IL‐1β, 51.4%; IL‐6, 62.8%; and MDA, 40.7% reduction rate against the diabetes mellitus + normal saline group). Thus, SMTP‐44D can improve allodynia and hyperalgesia in DN without affecting the body weight and blood glucose levels, which may be due to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In conclusion, SMTP‐44D could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of DN.
Football transfer fee premiums and Europe's big five
Authors: Depken Craig A. , Globan Tomislav 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article studies the transfer market for international football players. Analyzing a sample of 5,760 player transfers over 14 years, we provide evidence that clubs in English football pay larger transfer fee premiums compared to clubs in the top leagues of France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. While the popular press often mentions the English premiums, we empirically demonstrate both their existence and their causal source. Using annual data, we show that the dramatic increase in English premiums is causally linked to the 2012 television contracts the EPL signed with domestic and international broadcasters. These findings have policy implications for the clubs, players, and governing bodies of European football, as well as indirect consequences for export‐oriented football clubs.
Flower‐Like Superstructures: Structural Features, Applications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Al Kobaisi Mohammad , Jadhav Ratan W. , Jones Lathe A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMimicking natural objects such as flowers, is an objective of scientists not only because of their attractive appearance, but also to understand the natural phenomena that underpin real world applications such as drug delivery, enzymatic reactions, electronics, and catalysis, to name few. This article reviews the types, preparation methods, and structural features of flower‐like structures along with their key applications in various fields. We discuss the various types of flower‐like structures composed of inorganic, organic‐inorganic hybrid, inorganic‐protein, inorganic‐enzyme and organic compositions. We also discuss recent development in flower‐like structures prepared by self‐assembly approaches. Finally, we conclude our review with the future prospects of flower‐like micro‐structures in key fields, being biomedicine, sensing and catalysis.
Confining Sulfur in N‐Doped Hollow Porous Carbon Spheres for Improved Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xiao Yingbo , Guo Sijia , Li Dixiong , Wang Jia , Li Xin , Ouyang Yuan , Zeng Qinghan , He Wenchao , Zhang Qi , Huang Shaoming 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRationally designing sulfur host which allows fast redox kinetics and can confine soluble polysulfides (PSs) is crucial for high‐performance lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs). Herein, N‐doped hollow porous carbon spheres (NHPCS) with large specific surface area (1526 m2 g−1) and strong interaction toward PSs were fabricated by a template method and applied as an efficient sulfur host. Benefiting from the hollow porous structure and function design, the NHPCS shows a high sulfur loading of 78.9 wt.% and improved adsorption capacity for PSs. Finally, the LSBs with the S@NHPCS as the cathode exhibit higher initial capacity of 1263 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and lower decay rate (0.07 % per cycle) than S@CNT after 500 cycles at 1 C.
Islands in cosmology
Authors: Hartman Thomas , Jiang Yikun , Shaghoulian Edgar 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
A quantum extremal island suggests that a region of spacetime is encoded in the quantum state of another system, like the encoding of the black hole interior in Hawking radiation. We study conditions for islands to appear in general spacetimes, with or without black holes. They must violate Bekenstein’s area bound in a precise sense, and the boundary of an island must satisfy several other information-theoretic inequalities. These conditions combine to impose very strong restrictions, which we apply to cosmological models. We find several examples of islands in crunching universes. In particular, in the four-dimensional FRW cosmology with radiation and a negative cosmological constant, there is an island near the turning point when the geometry begins to recollapse. In a two-dimensional model of JT gravity in de Sitter spacetime, there are islands inside crunches that are encoded at future infinity or inside bubbles of Minkowski spacetime. Finally, we discuss simple tensor network toy models for islands in cosmology and black holes.
Automated Perfusion Calculations vs. Visual Scoring of Collaterals and CBV-ASPECTS
Authors: Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Sporns Peter B. , Ospel Johanna , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Kabiri Reza , Flottmann Fabian A. , Menon Bijoy K. , Horn Mackenzie , Liebeskind David S. , Honda Tristan , Ribo Marc , Ruiz Manuel Requena , Kabbasch Christoph , Lichtenstein Thorsten , Maurer Christoph J. , Berlis Ansgar , Hellstern Victoria , Henkes Hans , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Seker Fatih , Ernst Marielle S. , Liman Jan , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Brehm Alex 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Use of automated perfusion software has gained importance for imaging of stroke patients for mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aim to compare four perfusion software packages: 1) with respect to their association with 3‑month functional outcome after successful reperfusion with MT in comparison to visual Cerebral Blood Volume - Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (CBV-ASPECTS) and collateral scoring and 2) with respect to their agreement in estimation of core and penumbra volume.

Methods
This retrospective, multicenter cohort study (2015–2019) analyzed data from 8 centers. We included patients who were functionally independent before and underwent successful MT of the middle cerebral artery. Primary outcome measurements were the relationship of core and penumbra volume calculated by each software, qualitative assessment of collaterals and CBV-APECTS with 3‑month functional outcome and disability (modified Rankin scale >2). Quantitative differences between perfusion software measurements were also assessed.

Results
A total of 215 patients (57% women, median age 77 years) from 8 centers fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Multivariable analyses showed a significant association of RAPID core (common odds ratio, cOR 1.02; p = 0.015), CBV-ASPECTS (cOR 0.78; p = 0.007) and collaterals (cOR 0.78; p = 0.001) with 3‑month functional outcome (shift analysis), while RAPID core (OR 1.02; p = 0.018), CBV-ASPECTS (OR 0.77; p = 0.024), collaterals (OR 0.78; p = 0.007) and OLEA core (OR 1.02; p = 0.029) were significantly associated with 3‑month functional disability. Mean differences on core estimates between VEOcore and RAPID were 13.4 ml, between syngo.via and RAPID 30.0 ml and between OLEA and RAPID −3.2 ml.

Conclusion
Collateral scoring, CBV-ASPECTS and RAPID were independently associated with functional outcome at 90 days. Core and Penumbra estimates using automated software packages varied significantly and should therefore be used with caution.
Re-directing socialist persuasion through affective reiteration: a discourse analysis of ‘Socialist Memes’ on the Chinese internet
Authors: Zhang Ruichen 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPrevious research has noted the ambiguous persuasive potentials of reiteration: repeating a statement, slogan or image can work both positively and negatively, can both help and hinder the effectiveness of a political message. Considering that repeated propaganda in China is broadly ineffective in generating wholehearted public support, this article is interested in how and when repetition does achieve meaningful persuasion. Drawing on affect theory to address these multiple potentials, it critically reconsiders the nature of persuasion itself, arguing that affective engagement is crucial in sustaining and consolidating temporary tendencies that lead to alteration in the social fabric. Looking at humorous ‘socialist memes’ popularised on the Chinese internet in recent years, the article conducts a discourse analysis on the patterns they reveal to break down this reiterative practice as an unfolding event, revealing how its humour disrupts official language and engages the public affectively. It argues that practice of repeating these memes produces interpretive ambiguities around the official language, and in doing so re-directs socialist persuasion towards a liberalised end.
Temporal discounting and smoking cessation: choice consistency predicts nicotine abstinence in treatment-seeking smokers
Authors: Grosskopf Charlotte M. , Kroemer Nils B. , Pooseh Shakoor , Böhme Franziska , Smolka Michael N. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Smokers discount delayed rewards steeper than non-smokers or ex-smokers, possibly due to neuropharmacological effects of tobacco on brain circuitry, or lower abstinence rates in smokers with steep discounting. To delineate both theories from each other, we tested if temporal discounting, choice inconsistency, and related brain activity in treatment-seeking smokers (1) are higher compared to non-smokers, (2) decrease after smoking cessation, and (3) predict relapse.

Methods
At T1, 44 dependent smokers, 29 non-smokers, and 30 occasional smokers underwent fMRI while performing an intertemporal choice task. Smokers were measured before and 21 days after cessation if abstinent from nicotine. In total, 27 smokers, 28 non-smokers, and 29 occasional smokers were scanned again at T2. Discounting rate k and inconsistency var(k) were estimated with Bayesian analysis.

Results
First, k and var(k) in smokers in treatment were not higher than in non-smokers or occasional smokers. Second, neither k nor var(k) changed after smoking cessation. Third, k did not predict relapse, but high var(k) was associated with relapse during treatment and over 6 months. Brain activity in valuation and decision networks did not significantly differ between groups and conditions.

Conclusion
Our data from treatment-seeking smokers do not support the pharmacological hypothesis of pronounced reversible changes in discounting behavior and brain activity, possibly due to limited power. Behavioral data rather suggest that differences between current and ex-smokers might be due to selection. The association of choice consistency and treatment outcome possibly links consistent intertemporal decisions to remaining abstinent.
Asymptotic Performance of Port-Based Teleportation
Authors: Christandl Matthias , Leditzky Felix , Majenz Christian , Smith Graeme , Speelman Florian , Walter Michael 
Published: November 2020

AbstractQuantum teleportation is one of the fundamental building blocks of quantum Shannon theory. While ordinary teleportation is simple and efficient, port-based teleportation (PBT) enables applications such as universal programmable quantum processors, instantaneous non-local quantum computation and attacks on position-based quantum cryptography. In this work, we determine the fundamental limit on the performance of PBT: for arbitrary fixed input dimension and a large number N of ports, the error of the optimal protocol is proportional to the inverse square of N. We prove this by deriving an achievability bound, obtained by relating the corresponding optimization problem to the lowest Dirichlet eigenvalue of the Laplacian on the ordered simplex. We also give an improved converse bound of matching order in the number of ports. In addition, we determine the leading-order asymptotics of PBT variants defined in terms of maximally entangled resource states. The proofs of these results rely on connecting recently-derived representation-theoretic formulas to random matrix theory. Along the way, we refine a convergence result for the fluctuations of the Schur–Weyl distribution by Johansson, which might be of independent interest.
Sonographic evaluation of lateral meniscal extrusion: implementation and validation
Authors: Winkler Philipp W. , Csapo Robert , Wierer Guido , Hepperger Caroline , Heinzle Bernhard , Imhoff Andreas B. , Hoser Christian , Fink Christian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Meniscal extrusion (ME) is an important indicator of and prognostic factor for various knee pathologies. To date, no standardized protocol for the ultrasound-based examination of lateral ME exists. The purpose of the present study was to test the reliability and validity of lateral ME measurements using a standardized ultrasound-based examination protocol.

Materials and Methods
A group consisting of 11 healthy volunteers (Group I, male and female, 18–45 years) as well as a group of 10 consecutive patients who had undergone all-inside lateral meniscal radial tear repair were included (Group II, male and female, 23–43 years). Lateral ME, the main outcome parameter, was measured by ultrasound (US; both groups) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; Group II only). Both knees of all subjects were examined in an unloaded state and under axial compression of the knee (50% of body weight). Repeated measurements obtained in Group I by 2 observers were used for reliability testing, and the validity of US was assessed through comparison with MRI data (Group II).

Results
A total of 66 US images of Group I, obtained by each observer, were analyzed for reliability testing. Forty US and MR images of Group II were assessed for validation. Results showed good interrater (ICC = 0.904) and excellent intrarater (ICC = 0.942) reliability of US-based measurements of lateral ME. Agreement with MRI results was poor (ICC = 0.439), with US systematically overestimating results by 1.1 mm on average.

Conclusions
Ultrasound is a reliable, quick and cost-effective technique for lateral ME measurement, but results are not readily comparable with MRI.

Trial registration
The study was registered in the European Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT-Number: 2017-005037-24).
Labordiagnostik in der Intensivmedizin
Authors: Petros Sirak , Weidhase Lorenz 
Published: November 2020

ZusammenfassungDie sorgfältige Anamneseerhebung und die klinische Untersuchung bleiben nach wie vor die wichtigsten diagnostischen Säulen. In der Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin werden zahlreiche Laborparameter erhoben. Die Rate an übermäßigen Laboranordnungen während der Patientenaufnahme beträgt fast 50 %. Oft sind die anamnestischen Angaben unzureichend, um eine gezielte Labordiagnostik vorzunehmen. Die Sorge, etwas zu übersehen, führt auch zu einer erweiterten Diagnostik. Zur Vereinfachung der Behandlungsabläufe werden oft a priori festgelegte Laborprofile benutzt, die symptombezogen angeordnet sind. Zahlreiche Laborparameter sind bei kritisch kranken Patienten außerhalb des Normbereichs. Allerdings wird der Normbereich anhand der Daten gesunder Personen definiert, der jedoch eine klare Unterscheidung zwischen Stressadaptation und klinisch relevanten korrekturbedürftigen Störungen nicht erlaubt. Die pathophysiologischen Veränderungen in vielen Körperregionen infolge der akuten Schädigung, der Reaktion des Organismus und auch der Therapiemaßnahmen führen zu Veränderungen zahlreicher Laborparameter. Ziellose Laborentnahmen tragen zur iatrogenen Anämie und zum Kostenanstieg bei. Außerdem werden die Ergebnisse solcher Entnahmen entweder kaum wahrgenommen oder können im schlimmsten Fall weitere unnötige diagnostische Schritte bzw. eine nicht gerechtfertigte Therapiemaßnahme verursachen. Die Point-of-Care-Labordiagnostik zur Einschätzung der zellulären Homöostase, die die Blutgasanalyse, ein Blutbild sowie die Bestimmung der Serumelektrolyte und des Serumlaktats beinhaltet, sowie die Laborparameter zur Berechnung der intensivmedizinisch relevanten Scores sind einheitlich erforderlich. Darüber hinaus sollte jedoch die Labordiagnostik bezogen auf konkrete klinische Fragestellung klug gewählt werden.
Der Brexit zwischen britischem Autonomiestreben und Handelsgewinnen
Authors: Schäfer Hans-Bernd , Kämmerer Jörn Axel 
Published: November 2020

ZusammenfassungIn den Verhandlungen zwischen der Europäischen Union und dem Vereinigten Königreich um ihre künftigen Rechts- und Wirtschaftsbeziehungen geht es nicht nur um ökonomische Vorteile, sondern auch um die Vereinbarkeit von Rechtskulturen. Die Brexiteers verteidigen britisches Recht und den britischen Parlamentarismus gegen eine nicht nur bei der Rechtsetzung, sondern auch bei der Rechtsprechung integrationistische überstaatliche Entwicklung. Die britische Regierung lehnt für die Zukunft jegliche Rolle des Europäischen Gerichtshofs für die Gestaltung der Beziehungen mit der EU ab. Dies begrenzt die Möglichkeiten, ökonomische Vorteile zu verwirklichen.
Behavioral responses to numerical differences when two invasive ants meet: the case of Lasius neglectus and Linepithema humile
Authors: Trigos-Peral Gema , Abril Sílvia , Angulo Elena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTwo of the world’s most invasive ants, Linepithema humile and Lasius neglectus, are destined to overlap in range as they continue to spread throughout Europe. Although L. humile arrived first, and is therefore more numerically abundant, L. neglectus is the more behaviorally dominant of the two. We performed lab trials to determine whether L. humile could use numerical abundance to overcome the behavioral dominance of L. neglectus and whether the ants’ behavioral patterns shifted when the species co-occurred. We found that L. neglectus was more aggressive when less abundant, whereas the opposite was true of L. humile. When L. neglectus was outnumbered, it employed aggressive behaviors, such as biting or chemical attacks, more frequently than L. humile; it also utilized a behavioral sequence that included mandible opening and biting. Our results for these species support the hypothesis that species modulate their behavior towards competitors, which facilitates the understanding of how multiple invasive ant species can co-occur in a given area. Moreover, our study shows that the co-occurrence of invasive species could result from the use of two strategies: (1) the Bourgeois strategy, in which aggressiveness changes based on numerical dominance and (2) the dear-enemy strategy, in which aggressiveness is reduced when competitors co-occur. Since these strategies may lead to territory partitioning, we suggest that the behavioral flexibility displayed by both species when they overlap may allow local co-occurrence and increase their likelihood of co-occurrence during their range expansion in Europe, which could have a negative cumulative impact on invaded areas.
Management and prognostic analysis of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) in FIGO stage IV and its special type
Authors: Wang Kai , Chen Yaxia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractGTN is a group malignant diseases from placental trophoblastic cells. There are very few cases of GTN with FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage IV all over the world, and the special types (patients with metastatic lesions and with no evidence of GTN neither in genitalia nor in lungs) have rarely been reported. It is necessary to conduct large retrospective studies aimed at exploring the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of this disease. In this retrospective study, 716 patients with GTN were treated at Zhejiang University School of Medicine Women’s Hospital between January 1999 and September 2019; 26 patients were diagnosed as stage IV GTN; Among the 26 stage IV GTN patients, 5 were defined as the special types. The 5-year OS rate of the total 26 FIGO stage IV GTN patients was 69.0%. There was no significant difference of survival rate between stage IV GTN and its special type. And no significant differences in blood type, antecedent pregnancy type, the interval from last known pregnancy, pretreatment serum HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) level, maximum diameter of tumors, FIGO score, underwent surgery or not and pathological pattern by the outcomes. Age, number of tumor lesions, primary chemotherapy regimen was EMA-CO or EP-EMA protocol and chemoresponse affected the prognosis significantly. Only number of tumor lesions > 8 was independent prognostic factors associated with poorer OS.