bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of the Lysophosphatidylcholine/Autotaxin/Lysophosphatidic Acid Axis in Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure Is Associated With Mortality and Systemic Inflammation by Lysophosphatidic Acid–Dependent Monocyte Activation
Authors: Trovato Francesca M. , Zia Rabiya , Napoli Salvatore , Wolfer Kate , Huang Xiaohong , Morgan Phillip E. , Husbyn Hannah , Elgosbi Marwa , Lucangeli Manuele , Miquel Rosa , Wilson Ian , Heaton Nigel David , Heneghan Michael A. , Auzinger Georg , Antoniades Charalambos G. , Wendon Julia A. , Patel Vishal C. , Coen Muireann , Triantafyllou Evangelos , McPhail Mark J. 
Published: April 2021

Background & Aims
Acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by systemic inflammation, monocyte dysfunction, and susceptibility to infection. Lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) are immune‐active lipids whose metabolic regulation and effect on monocyte function in ACLF is open for study.

Approaches & Results
Three hundred forty‐two subjects were recruited and characterized for blood lipid, cytokines, phospholipase (PLA), and autotaxin (ATX) concentration. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD14+ monocytes were cultured with LPC, or its autotaxin (ATX)‐derived product, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), with or without lipopolysaccharide stimulation and assessed for surface marker phenotype, cytokines production, ATX and LPA‐receptor expression, and phagocytosis. Hepatic ATX expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Healthy volunteers and patients with sepsis or acute liver failure served as controls. ACLF serum was depleted in LPCs with up‐regulated LPA levels. Patients who died had lower LPC levels than survivors (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.94; P < 0.001). Patients with high‐grade ACLF had the lowest LPC concentrations and these rose over the first 3 days of admission. ATX concentrations were higher in patients with AD and ACLF and correlated with Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease, Consortium on Chronic Liver Failure–Sequential Organ Failure Assessment, and LPC/LPA concentrations. Reduction in LPC correlated with higher monocyte Mer‐tyrosine‐kinase (MerTK) and CD163 expression. Plasma ATX concentrations rose dynamically during ACLF evolution, correlating with IL‐6 and TNF‐α, and were associated with increased hepatocyte ATX expression. ACLF patients had lower human leukocyte antigen‐DR isotype and higher CD163/MerTK monocyte expression than controls; both CD163/MerTK expression levels were reduced in ACLF ex vivo following LPA, but not LPC, treatment. LPA induced up‐regulation of proinflammatory cytokines by CD14+ cells without increasing phagocytic capacity.

Conclusions
ATX up‐regulation in ACLF promotes LPA production from LPC. LPA suppresses MerTK/CD163 expression and increases monocyte proinflammatory cytokine production. This metabolic pathway could be investigated to therapeutically reprogram monocytes in ACLF.
Activation energy effectiveness in dusty Carreau fluid flow along a stretched cylinder due to nonuniform thermal conductivity property and temperature‐dependent heat source/sink
Authors: Mahdy A. , Hady Fekry M. , Mohamed Ramadan A. , Abo‐zaid Omima A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article studies the boundary layer flow analysis and heat and mass transfer of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Carreau fluid around a stretchable circular cylinder, comprehensively studying the suspended dust particles' impact. Here, the viscous fluid is theorized to be incompressible and loaded with spherical dust particles of the same size. Additionally, heat and sink sources are examined in the thermal boundary layer in the existence of both chemical reaction and activation energy influences. A compatible similarity set of transformations are utilized to mutate the system of partial differential equation formed in momentum and temperature equations of the fluid and dust phases as well the concentration equation into a set of ordinary differential equations. Therefore, the mathematical analysis of the problem facilitates and the numerical estimates of the problem are obtained using MATLAB bvp4c function. Computations are iterated for various values of emerging physical parameters from dimensionless boundary layer conservation equations in terms of temperature and non‐Newtonian Carreau velocity of fluid and dust phases and concentration distribution. Moreover, the terminology of skin friction and Nusselt and Sherwood numbers have been obtained and studied numerically. Some interesting findings in this study are the heat transfer rate dwindles due to the increase of mass concentration of the dust particle. Also, there is a strengthening of the flow with variance in values of the curvature parameter while a weakening has been observed in the thickness of the thermal boundary layer and this hence improves the heat transfer rate. Therefore, the fluid flow around a stretched cylinder would be better, due to its multiple applications in various progressing industrial technologies such as the cement processing industry, plastic foam processing, watering system channels, and so forth. Also, activation energy plays a significant role in various areas such as the oil storage industry, geothermal, and hydrodynamics. The dusty fluid flow is very important in the field of fluid dynamics and can be found in many natural phenomena such as blood flow, the flow of mud in rivers, and atmospheric flow during mist. Moreover, MHD applications are numerous including power generation, plasma, and liquid metals, and so forth. A perfect agreement between our results and other studies available in the literature is obtained through carrying out a comparison with treating the problem in special circumstances.
Effects of the undecomposed layer and semi‐decomposed layer of Quercus variabilis litter on the soil erosion process and the eroded sediment particle size distribution
Authors: Liu Xiaona , Jia Guodong , Yu Xinxiao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSimulated rainfall experiments were performed on bare, undecomposed litter layer and semi‐decomposed litter layer slopes with litter biomasses of 0, 50, 100 and 150 g m−2, respectively, to evaluate the effect of the undecomposed layer and semi‐decomposed layer of Quercus variabilis litter on the soil erosion process and the particle size distribution of eroded sediment. The undecomposed layer and semi‐decomposed layer of litter reduced the runoff rate by 10.91–27.04% and 12.91–36.05%, respectively, and the erosion rate by 13.35–40.98% and 17.16–59.46%, respectively. The percentage of smaller particles (clay and fine silt particles) decreased and the percentage of larger particles (coarse silt and sand particles) increased with an increased rainfall duration on all treated slopes, while the extent of the eroded sediment particle content varied among the treated slopes with the rainfall duration, with bare slopes exhibiting the largest variability, followed by undecomposed litter layer slopes and finally semi‐decomposed litter layer slopes. The clay and sand particles were transported as aggregates, and fine silt and coarse silt particles were transported as primary particles. Compared with the original soil, sediment eroded from all treated slopes was mainly enriched in smaller particles. Furthermore, the loss of the smaller particles from the undecomposed litter layer slopes was lower than that from the semi‐decomposed litter layer slopes, indicating that the undecomposed litter layer alleviated soil coarsening to some extent. The findings from this study improve our understanding of how litter regulates slope erosion and provide a reference for effectively controlling soil erosion.
Advanced oxidation processes for the treatment of winery wastewater: a review and future perspectives
Authors: Davididou Konstantina , Frontistis Zacharias 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWinemaking is a water‐intensive operation; it is estimated that 70% of the water input is downgraded, mainly via cleaning processes, to wastewater. The quality and the quantity of the waste effluents vary considerably due to the seasonal operation of wineries and the diversity of winemaking technologies applied. High organic load, acidic pH, significant polyphenolic content, and residual concentration of phytosanitary products are included among the main characteristics of winery wastewater (WiWW). Discharge of untreated or partially treated WiWW into watercourses or land poses high environmental risks. To this end, biological oxidation has been thoroughly studied for the treatment of WiWW yielding up to 95% reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) at a low cost and in an environmentally benign manner. Biological treatment, however, cannot provide a barrier to the slip of bio‐recalcitrant compounds present in WiWW, such as phenols and pesticides, into the environment. The release of these compounds raises serious concerns over ecological well‐being due to their toxicity and endocrine‐disrupting effects. Sustainable post‐treatment technologies are sought, able of breaking down the bio‐recalcitrant fraction of WiWW to harmless products without stressing the environmental resources. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can offer a sound technological solution towards the integrated WiWW treatment. This paper presents an up‐to‐date overview of the AOPs (TiO2‐, sulfate radical‐, Fe‐, ozone‐based AOPs, and wet oxidation processes) that have been studied for the treatment of WiWW, remarks the most efficient ones, and identifies research areas and concepts aiming towards process sustainability and, ultimately, actual application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on expatriates: A pathway to work‐life harmony?
Authors: Mello Sylvia Freitas , Tomei Patricia Amelia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInternational assignments tend to be a turbulent time for expatriates, as they bring about changes in the two main spheres of their lives: personal and work. Although work‐life interface is a challenge among expatriates it can also be a work‐life harmony. Here, we present the findings of how expatriates work‐day life changed while performing overseas tasks during the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic and analyze how this new status quo may influence future expatriates' expectations regarding their work‐life interface. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 12 expatriates. Results show that although since the beginning of the quarantine, personal life is interfering in work, causing work‐life conflict, the role of the expatriates' family positively impacted their work‐life balance, and harmony. We suggest some recommendations to human resource managers and conclude that the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on expatriates can be a pathway to work‐life harmony, where work and life are seen as an integrative domain, rather than competing ones.
Twisted Alkylthiothien‐2‐yl Flanks and Extended Conjugation Length Synergistically Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance by Boosting Dielectric Constant and Carriers Kinetic Characteristics
Authors: Guo Pengzhi , Miao Wentao , Liu Guanghong , Tong Junfeng , Liang Quanbin , Zhang Youdan , Li Miaomiao , Li Jianfeng , Wang Chenglong , Wang Ergang , Wu Hongbin , Xia Yangjun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlternating conjugated polymers (CPs), derived from 2‐ethylhexylthiothiophen‐2‐yl (TS) or 2‐ethylhexylthiophen‐2‐yl (T) flanked dithieno[3,2‐d:3,2‐d′]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene (DTBDT) and diketopyrrolo‐pyrrole (DPP) termed as PDTBDT‐TS‐DPP and PDTBDT‐T‐DPP, are prepared and characterized. It is found that the PDTBDT‐TS‐DPP not only exhibits slightly deepening the highest occupied molecular orbital energy levels, and similar absorption, etc., but also presents higher dielectric constant (εr) of 6.7 at 1 kHz in contrast to 3.2 for PDTBDT‐T‐DPP, which are even higher than those of 4.3 and 3.0 for PBDT‐TS‐DPP/PBDT‐T‐DPP generated from TS and T flanked benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐bʹ]dithiophene and DPP. Beyond that, the power conversion efficiency of 8.17% for the inverted photovoltaic devices from DPP‐based CPs, is achieved from PDTBDT‐TS‐DPP. The alkylthio side chains are used in the DTBDT of the larger twisting angles of TS flanks and longer conjugation length, synergistically contribute to the highest dipole moments, and then lead to the enhancement of εr, thus devoted the modification exciton dissociation and charge carriers kinetic characteristics. To the authors’ knowledge, it is the first time to report that εr of the CPs is connected with the twisting angle of flanks and conjugation length of the building blocks, besides the use of functional side chains and atoms.
Multistimuli‐Responsive Artificial Skin with Dual Output of Photoelectric Signals
Authors: Li Lei , Cheng Long‐Xiang , Yang Liu , Zhang Jun‐Cheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractArtificial skins that respond to external stimulation play a vital role in bionic medicine, intelligent robots, and wearable devices. However, the current artificial skins universally suffer from difficulties in converting various external stimulation to dual output of photoelectric signals. Herein, a multistimuli‐responsive artificial skin with dual output of photoelectric signals is developed, which generates photochromism, multiluminescence, and electrical signals under various external stimulation including optical, thermal, and mechanical excitation. The artificial skin is constructed by a thermoplastic polyurethanes film embedded with inorganic particles with multiple optical properties and an electrospinning polyamide film coating with silver nanowires as electrode. The inorganic particles with multiple optical properties are used to produce optical outputs of photochromism, photoluminescence, thermoluminescence, and mechanoluminescence under the photo‐, thermal, and mechanical stimulation. The whole multilayer structure serves as single‐electrode triboelectric nanogenerator, which generates electrical outputs under the mechanical stimulation. The results are expected to provide a new idea for the development of flexible artificial skins with multistimuli‐responsive characteristics.
T‐box transcription factor 21 is expressed in terminal Schwann cells at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Jablonka‐Shariff Albina , Broberg Curtis , Rios Rachel , Snyder‐Warwick Alison K. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsTerminal Schwann cells (tSCs) are nonmyelinating Schwann cells present at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) with multiple integral roles throughout their lifespan. There is no known gene differentiating tSCs from myelinating Schwann cells, making their isolation and investigation challenging. In this work we investigated genes expressed within tSCs.MethodsA novel dissection technique was utilized to isolate the tSC‐containing NMJ band from the sternomastoid muscles of S100‐GFP mice. RNA was isolated from samples containing: (a) NMJ bands (tSCs with nerve and muscle), (b) nerve, and (c) muscle, and microarray genetic expression analysis was conducted. Data were validated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and immunofluorescent staining. To identify genes specific to tSCs compared with other NMJ components, analysis of variance and rank‐order analysis were performed using the Partek Genomic Suite.ResultsMicroarray analysis of the tSC‐enriched NMJ band revealed upregulation (by 4‐ to 12‐fold) of several genes unique to the NMJ compared with muscle or nerve parts alone (P < .05). Among these genes, Tbx21 (or T‐bet) was identified, which showed a 12‐fold higher expression at the NMJ compared with sciatic nerve (P < .002). qRT‐PCR analysis showed Tbx21 mRNA expression was over ninefold higher (P < .05) in the NMJ relative to muscle and nerve. Tbx21 protein colocalized with tSCs and was not noted in myelinating SCs from sciatic nerve.DiscussionWe found TBX21 to be expressed in tSCs. Additional studies will be performed to determine the functional significance of TBX21 in tSCs. These studies may enhance the investigative tools available to modulate tSCs to improve motor recovery after nerve injury.
Numerical simulation of impulse waves in Cosserat media based on a time‐discontinuous Galerkin finite element method
Authors: Xiu Chenxi , Chu Xihua , Wan Ji , Wang Jiao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe time‐discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (TDGFEM) has advantages in reducing spurious numerical oscillations and capturing discontinuities of solutions in space for high‐frequency dynamical problems. This article extends TDGFEM into Cosserat media to focus on impulse wave propagations, involving rotational wave and effects of microstructures. The Cosserat continuum theory contains additional rotational degrees of freedom, leading to Cosserat compressive (P), shear (S), and rotational (R) waves. Therefore, three Cosserat wave propagations are simulated by TDGFEM under impulse loads in this article. Different orders (P1–P3) of temporal shape functions are presented for Cosserat nodal unknown vectors, leading to different matrix equations for TDGFEM. One‐dimensional numerical results show capacity and efficiency of TDGFEM simulating Cosserat impulse wave propagations. Analyses about time step, mesh density and accuracy of TDGFEM are given in one‐dimensional examples. Results simulated by three methods with artificial damping are compared with those by TDGFEM, which shows a higher efficiency for TDGFEM. Two‐dimensional results present the propagation characteristics of Cosserat impulse P, S, and R waves, and velocities of Cosserat P, S, and R waves are simulated by TDGFEM. The characteristic length and Cosserat shear modulus have a major influence on impulse S and R wave propagations.
Psychological interventions during COVID pandemic: Telehealth for individuals with cystic fibrosis and caregivers
Authors: Graziano Sonia , Boldrini Francesca , Righelli Dario , Milo Francesco , Lucidi Vincenzina , Quittner Alexandra , Tabarini Paola 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emerged in China, leading to worldwide morbidity and mortality, including depression and anxiety. As the pandemic spread throughout Italy, mental health concerns increased for people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF), who are at greater risk. The aim was to pilot a Telehealth Psychological Support Intervention for pwCF and caregivers to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety during the lockdown in Italy in March 2020.MethodsThis intervention utilized cognitive behavioral skills (e.g., cognitive reframing). Participants included 16 pwCF and 14 parents, who completed four individual telehealth sessions with a psychologist. Stress ratings, Patient Health Questionnaire and General Anxiety Disorder, PHQ‐8 and GAD‐7, were completed, in addition to Feasibility and Satisfaction ratings.ResultsRatings of stress significantly decreased from pre‐ to post‐testing for pwCF (paired t(14) = −4.06, p < .01) and parents (paired t = −5.2, p < .001). A large percentage of both groups scored in the clinical range for depression and anxiety at baseline (pwCF: depression/anxiety = 71%; parents: depression = 57%; anxiety = 79%); a large proportion (20%–40%) reported moderate to severe symptomatology. Significant reductions in depression for pwCF were found (pre: M = 8.0 to post: M = 4.7; paired t(14) = 2.8, p < .05) but not anxiety (pre: M = 6.9 to post: M = 5.6, t(14) = 1.2, p = NS—non‐significant). Parental depression decreased for parents (pre: M = 6.4 to post: M = 5.1, t(14) = −2.5, p < .05), but not anxiety (pre: M = 8.1 to post: M = 7.9, t(14) = −0.2, p = NS). Feasibility and Satisfaction were positive.ConclusionThis telehealth intervention yielded reductions in stress and depression for participants. Anxiety did not significantly decrease, possibly because COVID was ongoing. This feasible, satisfactory intervention was effective for improving mental health.
Oviposition preferences, Bt susceptibilities, and tissue feeding of fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) host strains
Authors: Ingber David A , McDonald John H , Mason Charles E , Flexner Lindsey 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), is a pest of many economically essential crops across several continents. Documentation of resistance to Bt toxins has caused growing concern in agricultural communities regarding the ability to keep fall armyworm populations below economic thresholds. The existence of two host strains referred to as the ‘rice’ and ‘corn’ strains is a complicating and under‐researched factor of fall armyworm biology and management. It is essential to characterize the differences between the host strains, as well as their rice/corn hybrid offspring, to elucidate their contributions to field‐evolved resistance.RESULTSCorn was a preferred oviposition host for both rice and corn strain fall armyworm, and a suitable larval host plant for each of the four populations tested. Corn strain females displayed a significant preference towards oviposition on plants that lacked mechanical damage. The rice strain population was generally less tolerant to Cry1F corn tissue than the corn strain and hybrid populations, which performed in a similar way to one another.CONCLUSIONThe preference for corn as an ovipositional host may have an impact on resistance management when coupled with differential host strain Bt tolerances, though more studies are needed. Hybrid tolerance to Bt toxins could possibly contribute to the evolution of Bt resistance. This is the first study to compare the larval fitness and survival of rice/corn hybrid fall armyworm to that of pure host strains using a tissue‐based approach.
Temporalising barriers: Postsecondary schooling access among precarious status students in Toronto
Authors: Villegas Paloma E. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the landscape of access to postsecondary education (PSE) for precarious status migrants in Toronto, Canada. Drawing on interview data, the paper focuses on the barriers migrant students experience when attempting to enrol in PSE due to their immigration status and how that process changed after participating in a bridging course designed to facilitate their entry to a local PSE institution. The data reveals that participants experience temporal displacements (limbo, delay, and deficit) and engage in temporal negotiations given immigration and educational policy, institutional timelines, life course expectations, and day‐to‐day schedules. Although the bridging course is an important intervention towards the social inclusion of migrant students, these gains are curtailed by persisting financial and institutional barriers that perpetuate temporal displacements. The paper contributes to debates about the inclusion of precarious status migrants to membership rights and social goods by complicating understandings of access to PSE for precarious status migrants. It also widens our understanding of access to PSE for precarious status migrants beyond the U.S. context.