bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 in chronic methamphetamine users
Authors: Luo Yayan , He Hongbo , Ou Yufen , Zhou Yanling , Fan Ni 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveChronic methamphetamine use causes aberrant changes in cytokines. Our aim was to analyze the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, and IL‐18 in chronic methamphetamine users. Associations between cytokines levels with the demographic properties, methamphetamine use properties, and psychiatric symptoms in chronic methamphetamine users were also evaluated.MethodsSeventy‐eight chronic methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospitalization and 64 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 were detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms of chronic methamphetamine users were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory.ResultsSerum levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 were significantly increased in methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospital admission (average days since last methamphetamine use = 39.06 ± 7.48) when compared to those in controls. Serum IL‐6 levels showed significant positive associations with BDI score and current frequency of methamphetamine use in chronic methamphetamine users.ConclusionsOur results suggest that increased TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18 levels may have an important role in chronic methamphetamine use‐associated psychopathological symptoms.
Dependence of the substituent energy on the level of theory
Authors: Jabłoński Mirosław , Krygowski Tadeusz M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMost often, the substituent effects are described using rather troublesome Hammett constants. Quite recently, it has been proposed to use the so‐called substituent energy, which is based on total energies of the X‐substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and phenyl. This article concerns the influence of the applied level of theory (i.e., both the basis set and the method) on the determined values of the substituent energies. For this purpose, the energies of the NH2 and NO2 groups in 16 unique positions of naphthalene, anthracene, tetracene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were calculated using 10 different basis sets and 23 various exchange‐correlation functionals representing the entire Jacob's Ladder, from local, through gradient‐ and meta‐gradient‐corrected, to hybrid and double‐hybrid ones. Additionally, using even larger 6‐311++G(2df,2p) basis set, the energies of NH2, NO2, CN, and Cl were also computed. Both the basis set and the method used have little effect on the substituent energy if the substituent is in the benzene‐like position. On the contrary, the effect of the level of theory is pronounced especially in the case of the most spatially crowded 4‐substituted phenanthrene. Substituent energies have been shown to be very useful theoretical parameters describing the proximity effect in the substituted derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Fabrication of a novel biopolymer‐based nanocomposite (nanoTiO2‐chitosan‐plum kernel shell) and adsorption of cationic dyes
Authors: Pehlivan Erol , Parlayıcı Şerife 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigates the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) onto a novel biosorbent. Rapid industrialization pollutes water resources, causing serious environmental problems. Physical and chemical treatments were performed for biosorbent modification.RESULTSIn the present work, nano (n)TiO2 was inserted into chitosan (Cts)‐epichlorohydrin (ECH)‐plum kernel shell (PKS) and the final product was characterized by various modern techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Under optimized conditions, the maximum adsorption capacities of MB and MG by Cht/PKS/nTiO2‐ECH (termed nTiO2‐Composite) determined by the Langmuir model were 86.96 and 108.70 mg g−1, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH°, ΔS° and Ea were calculated, confirming the interaction of dyes with nTiO2‐Composite as exothermic and spontaneous.CONCLUSIONSThis study shows that the newly synthesized nTiO2‐Composite has a very high performance in dye removal. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
N‐Annulated perylene diimide dimers and tetramer non‐fullerene acceptors: impact of solvent processing additive on their thin film formation behavior
Authors: Laventure Audrey , Stanzel Samantha , Payne Abby‐Jo , Lessard Benoît H , Welch Gregory C 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDWe aim to determine whether the rationale of designing a tetrameric non‐fullerene acceptor (NFA) to minimize its aggregation compared to its dimer counterparts proves to be a valid strategy in the context of organic photovoltaic (OPV) processing involving solvent additives. We investigate the impact of the molecular design and the processing additive on the thin film formation behavior of four N‐annulated perylene diimide (NPDIx) derivatives. We compare three dimers and a tetramer, processed from a solution containing 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO), which are used as NFAs and as a processing solvent additive, respectively, in the OPV fabrication.RESULTSWe prepared OPV devices using the PTB7‐Th:NPDIx model system and rationalized the change in their power conversion efficiency (PCE) based on the thin film morphology of the four NDPIx compounds. While the PCE of the OPV devices prepared using the dimers and 1% (v/v) DIO showed a 20–30% drop, those prepared using the tetramer and the same processing conditions showed an 80% drop. Our analysis demonstrates that DIO processing solvent additive‐induced crystallization of the tetramer is the cause of its low performance in OPV devices.CONCLUSIONOur results highlight that relying solely on the tetramer perylene diimide design strategy to prevent the aggregation observed in dimers is not always reliable when processing solvent additives are used in the OPV fabrication. Both the molecular design and the processing solvent additive impact the aggregation behavior of the NFA and need to be taken into account to optimize OPV devices active layer morphology. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Change and attribution of pan evaporation throughout the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau during 1979–2017 using China meteorological forcing dataset
Authors: Yao Tianci , Lu Hongwei , Yu Qing , Feng Wei , Xue Yuxuan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPan evaporation (Epan) analysis in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP) is important for improving the understanding of the climatic and environmental changes in the QTP and China. However, uneven station coverage, sparse and inconsistent observations hamper the in‐depth understanding of the spatiotemporal Epan patterns throughout the QTP over long time periods. Based on the PenPan model driven by the monthly gridded China meteorological forcing dataset, this study attempted to estimate monthly and annual grid pan evaporation (EPenPan) for the pan with a depth of 10 cm and a diameter of 20 cm at 0.1° resolution throughout the QTP and its surrounding areas during 1979–2017, then the spatiotemporal variations in EPenPan as well as the potential causative climatic variables were thoroughly examined. Results showed that the spatiotemporal patterns of EPenPan were in reasonably good agreement with the observations. The high values of mean annual EPenPan tended to distribute in the areas with water limitation or strong solar radiation like the southwest QTP. The wide decreases in annual EPenPan have reversed in the study area in around 1993, with some exceptions such as the continuous increase in the southwest QTP and monotonous decrease in the areas to the west and east of the Qaidam Basin. Comparatively, the trends in annual EPenPan in the QTP were less than the surrounding areas in the different periods, and overall accelerating annual EPenPan appeared in the both areas after 1993. With the Budyko curve, it was expected that drought severity would increase in the south of the surrounding areas in future, but the warming and wetting in the other areas would be kept. The wind speed (WS) was the primary contributor to decreasing annual EPenPan in the study area before 1993. Nevertheless, the most dominant factor for increasing EPenPan was vapour pressure deficit in the QTP and WS in the surrounding areas during 1994–2017.
Women's entrepreneurship in developing countries from a family perspective: Past and future
Authors: Jaim Jasmine 
Published: August 2021

AbstractStudies of the distinct experience of women entrepreneurs in non‐Western settings are rare. Extant studies of women's entrepreneurship focus, almost exclusively, on developed Western economies and tend to underplay the role of the family, which has become unnaturally separated from entrepreneurship research. Based on a structured literature review, this article advances the understanding of how family related issues shape women's gendered experience as entrepreneurs in developing countries. It addresses the diversity of experiences of women entrepreneurs, and discusses both the positive and negative aspects of familial issues, as well as some broader contextual features related to the family. It offers an agenda for future research on this topic, and provides a useful guide for policy makers and practitioners intending to facilitate women's entrepreneurship in developing countries.
Finite element modeling of temporal bone graft changes in XLIF: Quantifying biomechanical effects at adjacent levels
Authors: Ramakrishna Vivek A. S. , Chamoli Uphar , Larosa Alessandro G. , Mukhopadhyay Subhas C. , Prusty B. Gangadhara , Diwan Ashish D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractExtreme lateral interbody fusion allows for the insertion of a large‐footprint interbody cage while maintaining the presence of natural stabilizing ligaments and the facets. It is unclear how the load‐distribution mechanisms through these structures alter with temporal changes in the bone graft. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of temporal bone graft changes on load distribution among the cage, graft, and surrounding spinal structures using finite element analysis. Thoracolumbosacral spine computed tomography data from an asymptomatic male subject were segmented into anatomical regions of interest and digitally stitched to generate a surface mesh of the lumbar spine (L1‐S1). The interbody cage was inserted into the L4‐L5 region during surface meshing. A volumetric mesh was generated and imported into finite element software for pre‐processing, running nonlinear static solves, and post‐processing. Temporal stiffening was simulated in the graft region with unbonded (Soft Callus, Temporal Stages 1–3, Solid Graft) and bonded (Partial Fusion, Full Fusion) contact. In flexion and extension, cage stress reduced by 20% from the soft callus to solid graft state. Force on the graft was directly related to its stiffness, and load‐share between the cage and graft improved with increasing graft stiffness, regardless of whether contact was fused with the endplates. Fused contact between the cage‐graft complex and the adjacent endplates shifted load‐distribution pathways from the ligaments and facets to the implant, however, these changes did not extend to adjacent levels. These results suggest that once complete fusion is achieved, the existing load paths are seemingly diminished.
Fast and specific detection of staphylococcal PJI with bacteriophage‐based methods within 104 sonicate fluid samples
Authors: Šuster Katja , Cör Andrej 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe number of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) cases is increasing along with total joint arthroplasties. There is currently no diagnostic test available with 100% sensitivity to identify PJI. The aim of the study was to assess and compare two different bacteriophage K‐based methods with standard microbiological culturing methods to detect staphylococci. Samples were retrieved from 104 patients undergoing revision surgery due to suspected PJI. Implants were subjected to sonication and sonicate fluid (SF) was assessed with the methods of qPCR detection of bacteriophage K DNA and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) detection after bacteriophage K lysis. The results were compared with the results of standard microbiological culturing methods. PJI was confirmed in 33 cases according to the PJI definition. Using the methods of ATP and bacteriophage K DNA detection 100% specificity and predictive value were achieved. The sensitivity of qPCR detection was higher (81.25%) than the sensitivity of ATP detection (62.50%) when analyzing SF directly. The sensitivity of the methods significantly improved (to 94.12%) with SF pre‐cultivation. Importantly, both methods provided results in 3–4 h when analyzing SF directly, while results from pre‐cultivated SF were obtained 19–20 h after sample collection. Our results suggest that bacteriophage‐based methods are specific and sensitive and importantly, faster than standard culturing methods. The addition of new bacteriophages to expand the bacterial detection spectrum could lead to the development of a faster, more sensitive, specific, and also economical, and handy method for PJI diagnosis.
Neanderthals on the Lower Danube: Middle Palaeolithic evidence in the Danube Gorges of the Balkans
Authors: Borić Dušan , Cristiani Emanuela , Hopkins Rachel , Schwenninger Jean‐Luc , Gerometta Katarina , French Charly A. I. , Mutri Giuseppina , Ćalić Jelena , Dimitrijević Vesna , Marín‐Arroyo Ana B. , Jones Jennifer R. , Stevens Rhiannon , Masciana Alana , Uno Kevin , Richter Kristine Korzow , Antonović Dragana , Wehr Karol , Lane Christine , White Dustin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe article presents evidence about the Middle Palaeolithic and Middle to Upper Palaeolithic transition interval in the karst area of the Danube Gorges in the Lower Danube Basin. We review the extant data and present new evidence from two recently investigated sites found on the Serbian side of the Danube River – Tabula Traiana and Dubočka‐Kozja caves. The two sites have yielded layers dating to both the Middle and Upper Palaeolithic and have been investigated by the application of modern standards of excavation and recovery along with a suite of state‐of‐the‐art analytical procedures. The presentation focuses on micromorphological analyses of the caves’ sediments, characterisation of cryptotephra, a suite of new radiometric dates (accelerator mass spectrometry and optically stimulated luminescence) as well as proteomics (zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry) and stable isotope data in discerning patterns of human occupation of these locales over the long term.
Short‐term outcomes after totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy with esophagojejunostomy constructed by π‐shaped method versus overlap method
Authors: Wang Yinkui , Liu Zining , Shan Fei , Ying Xiangji , Zhang Yan , Li Shuangxi , Jia Yongning , Jiang Zijian , Yang Xuesong , Li Bailong , Li Ziyu , Ji Jiafu 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundRegarding the overlap anastomosis and recently introduced π‐shaped anastomosis, there is no consensus on which intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy (EJS) methods are preferred using linear stapler in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG). This study aims to evaluate the short‐term outcomes using two methods.MethodsPatients with upper gastric cancer underwent TLTG with either π‐shaped (n = 48) or the modified overlap method using knotless barbed sutures (MOBS) (n = 37) were included in our study. Intraoperative and perioperative outcomes were compared.ResultsAll patients achieved R0 resection margin. The overall esophagojejunal (E‐J)‐related complications rate was 7.06%. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications, margin distance, numbers of lymph nodes (LNs), length of stay. In the π‐shaped group, anastomosis time (19.61 ± 7.17 min vs. 27.09 ± 3.59 min, p < 0.001) was significantly lower. The consumable costs for surgery were similar (44 507.74¥ [42 933.03–46 937.29] vs. 43 718.36¥ [42 743.25–47 256.06], p = 0.825). The first defection time was significantly longer in π‐shaped group (131.00 h [93.75–171.25] vs. 100.00 h [85.00–120.00], p = 0.026), whereas the other postoperative recovery parameters were similar. No mortality was observed.ConclusionsBoth methods showed similar short‐term postoperative outcomes. The π‐shaped technique was faster than the MOBS method without significantly increasing the supplies costs. Large prospective studies are warranted.
Conceptualising risk in cruise holidays: A critical review
Authors: Holland Jennifer , Weeden Clare , Palmer Catherine , Lester Jo‐Anne 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe knowledge base for cruise holidays is conceptually underdeveloped and narrowly focused on health and safety and environmental concerns. This critical review of risk research in relation to ocean cruising identifies knowledge gaps revealing the significance of factors such as financial, performance, time‐loss, opportunity, functional, social and psychological risk. This review calls for a wider conceptualisation of risk that moves beyond an emphasis on physical risk. A deeper understanding of risk in ocean cruising contributes to cruise research and to the wider discourse in tourism and risk studies, and provides significant empirical and conceptual insights for future research.
Low Rates of PIT‐Tag Loss in an Insectivorous Bat Species
Authors: Van Harten Emmi , Lentini Pia E. , Eastick Danielle L. , Bender Robert , Lumsden Lindy F. , Visintin Casey , Griffiths Stephen R. 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTThe rate of loss of tags used to mark individuals is an important consideration in wildlife research and monitoring. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags (or microchips) generally have high retention rates; however, tag loss rates for small mammals such as insectivorous bats are poorly understood. We double‐marked a population of Gould's wattled bats (Chalinolobus gouldii) with forearm bands and PIT tags (with the injection site sealed with surgical adhesive) in January and February 2020 to determine rates of subsequent tag loss over the short‐ (1–2 months) and medium‐ (13–14 months) term. Loss of PIT tags occurred in 4 (2.7%) of 146 recaptured individuals, all within 2 months of microchipping. We also recorded 1 occurrence of band loss 11 months after banding. Our study supports assertions that PIT‐tag retention rates in small mammals are high, and suggests that rates of tag loss in small bat species are low when surgical adhesive is applied. Quantifying the rate of tag loss enables this variable to be incorporated into mark‐recapture models. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Bistable Color‐Tunable Liquid Crystal Fiber by the Method of Mechanical Drawing with Synchronous Ultraviolet Polymerization
Authors: Wang Yingli , Zhang Mengxue , He Xiaoxian , Zhang Wenzhao , Wu Shuanghong , Huang Xiaoping , Yu He , Wang Xiangru 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA color‐tunable fiber is demonstrated to reflect colors by switching the electric field on a chiral liquid crystal (CLC) with different helical twisting powers. With the purpose of bistability and low power consumption, the mechanism of the CLC fiber proposed in this study is an electric‐field‐induced phase change. To maintain the balance of wearable flexibility and mechanical stability, the liquid crystal fiber is constructed by the method of mechanical drawing with synchronous ultraviolet polymerization. To be a typical 1D structure, the central core of the CLC fiber is made of an aluminum wire, which is used to load the driving voltage as well as a mechanical support. In addition, there are three claddings surrounding the central core: the color‐tunable cladding filling with CLC material, the polymer cladding to anchor the liquid crystal, and the outer transparent electrode cladding. Bistable color change is realized by switching two given voltages corresponding to the planar state (P‐state) and focal conic state (FC‐state). Furthermore, to knit N fibers together, 2N colors can be realized by applying electric voltages to the fiber bundle.
Bioinspired Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogel with Reversible Switching and Fluorescence Behavior Served as Light‐Controlled Soft Actuators
Authors: Gao Qiaofeng , Pan Pengju , Shan Guorong , Du Miao 
Published: August 2021

AbstractStimuli‐responsive materials with multiple functions occupy a significant position in the research of bionic artificial intelligence materials. It is a challenge to integrate rapid shape deformation and color change synergistically by a simple method in the same system. Herein, an effective strategy to develop an anisotropic bilayer hydrogel actuator with unified complex deformation and color change is proposed via combining the near‐infrared (NIR) light‐responsive graphene oxide/poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (GO‐PNIPAM) active hydrogel layer and an UV light‐responsive fluorescent poly(acrylic acid [4‐(1,2,2‐triphenylvinyl)] benzyl ester/N‐isopropylacrylamide) passive hydrogel layer. The actuator can undergo light‐controlled sapphire fluorescence color change and complex shape deformation simultaneously or separately under light irradiation. It can be remotely manipulated without the requirement for additional reagents, and the irradiation dosage can be accurately modulated through adjusting the irradiation parameters. This work provides new perspectives of intelligent systems with synergistic multiple functions, including smart robots, environmental sensors, and intelligent biomimetic devices.
Improved Toughness of Polylactide by Binary Blends with Polycarbonate with Glycidyl and Maleic Anhydride‐Based Compatibilizers
Authors: Tejada‐Oliveros Ramon , Gomez‐Caturla Jaume , Sanchez‐Nacher Lourdes , Montanes Nestor , Quiles‐Carrillo Luis 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis work reports on the development of polylactide (PLA) and polycarbonate (PC) blends with different compatibilizers with enhanced toughness. Since both polymers are immiscible, two types of compatibilizers are tested: petrochemical‐based copolymers Xibond 160 and Xibond 920 with maleic anhydride and epoxy groups, respectively, and natural‐based compatibilizers with the same functionalities, namely maleinized linseed oil (MLO) and, epoxidized linseed oil (ELO). Mechanical, thermal, and morphological characterization shows better properties for the PLA/PC (80/20 wt%) blends with chemically modified natural oils (ELO and MLO). The addition of 5 phr (parts per hundred resin) of MLO gives the maximum values for impact strength and elongation at break. Moreover, the glass transition temperature (Tg) slightly decreases with the addition of natural compatibilizers, thus showing some plasticization effect. Petroleum‐derived compatibilizers give interesting results regarding tensile strength and stiffness without plasticization. PLA/PC blends show higher thermal stability than neat PLA, regardless of the compatibilizer used, since PC is much more thermally stable than PLA. The obtained results indicate that both petroleum‐based and natural‐derived compatibilizers positively contribute to enhance the properties of the binary PLA/PC blends. Nevertheless, the results with MLO suggest this is an interesting biobased solution to provide increased toughness to PLA/PC blends.