bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The tail-tale of stress: an exploratory analysis of cortisol levels in the tail-hair of captive Asian elephants
Authors: Pokharel Sanjeeta Sharma , Yoneda Hiroki , Yanagi Moe , Sukumar Raman , Kinoshita Kodzue 
Published: January 2021

Background
Assessment of physiological states by measuring biomarkers, such as cortisol, has significantly contributed to the monitoring of health, welfare and management of animals. Immunoreactive cortisol in hair (hC) has been used widely for deciphering ‘stressful’ past-events in various wild and captive animals. However, no such studies have been done in long-lived mammals.

Methods
In this first exploratory study in elephants, we assessed (i) tail-hair growth rate (TGR) and (ii) hC levels in tail-hair samples from six captive Asian elephants from two zoos in Japan for comparing hC levels with zoo-keepers’ records of distinct biological events over a c.0.5–2.0-year period. Tail-hair samples were cut into segments (based on monthly growth rate), pulverized or minced and a validated cortisol enzyme-immunoassay employed to measure hC levels.

Results
When the hC levels of all individuals were compared with the keepers’ records, a posteriori, most of the high hC levels were found to be associated with ‘stressful’ or distinct behavioural events such as pathological (anaemia, colic infection, skin infection, oral sores), psychosocial (reluctance in entering the enclosure, presence of a calf) and husbandry practice-related (contact trials/ space sharing) conditions, indicating that tail-hair indeed can be a potential ‘retrospective’ calendar of physiological health of an animal.

Conclusions
Our observations open up the possibility of using the tail-hair as an alternative matrix to reconstruct the physiological history of elephants.
Serum metabolite profiling of a 4-Nitroquinoline-1-oxide-induced experimental oral carcinogenesis model using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Ge Shuyun , Zhou Haiwen , Zhou Zengtong , Liu Lin , Lou Jianing 
Published: January 2021

Background
Oral cancer progresses from hyperplastic epithelial lesions through dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. The critical needs in oral cancer treatment are expanding our knowledge of malignant tumour progression and the development of useful approaches to prevent dysplastic lesions. This study was designed to gain insights into the underlying metabolic transformations that occur during the process of oral carcinogenesis.

Methods
We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in conjunction with multivariate statistical techniques to observe alterations in serum metabolites in a 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced rat tongue carcinogenesis model. Thirty-eight male rats were randomly divided into two groups, including the 4NQO-induced model group of 30 rats and the healthy control group of five rats. Animals were sacrificed at weeks 9, 13, 20, 24, and 32, post-4NQO treatment. Tissue samples were collected for histopathological examinations and blood samples were collected for metabolomic analysis. Partial least squares discriminate analysis (PLS-DA) models generated from GC-MS metabolic profile data showed robust discrimination from rats with oral premalignant and malignant lesions induced by 4NQO, and normal controls.

Results
The results found 16 metabolites associated with 4NQO-induced rat tongue carcinogenesis. Dysregulated arachidonic acid, fatty acid, and glycine metabolism, as well as disturbed tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and mitochondrial respiratory chains were observed in the animal model. The PLS-DA models of metabolomic results demonstrated good separations between the 4NQO-induced model group and the normal control group.

Conclusion
We found several metabolites modulated by 4NQO and provide a good reference for further study of early diagnosis in oral cancer.
Role Of Social Media As A Catalyser For Ocular Injury
Authors: Kabra Namrata , Gupta Smriti 
Published: January 2021

Introduction:
Social media allows social growth of the society but has both advantages and disadvantages. We came across one such example where people are making calcium carbide guns after watching video, spreading through social media to get rid of animals and birds from their field. This in turn leads to blinding injuries in eyes.

Purpose:
To highlight this novel mode of eye injury and to create awareness among people to stop use of such dangerous calcium carbide guns that is leading to serious ocular injuries.

Material and method:
A prospective study of all cases of calcium carbide related ocular trauma reporting to our outpatient department (OPD). The demographic profile, severity of ocular injuries and management of cases were recorded.

Result:
We studied 14 eyes of 13 patients with variable degree of ocular injury sustained due to calcium carbide exposure while mishandling calcium carbide gun. All of them were young males. Significant number of patients (30.7%) had grade V injury according to Dua’s classification.

Conclusion:
Video of making calcium carbide guns floating in social media leading to serious ocular injuries. Awareness should be created among people to avoid making and using such dangerous weapons.
Learning and Engagement in the Flipped Classroom of Analytical Mathematics
Authors: Sofroniou Anastasia 
Published: January 2021

Learning techniques have changed over time in order to try and improve student engagement across different subjects in higher education. Mathematics has dominantly adhered to certain learning methods that use a more conventional approach. Interactive and active learning in Mathematics tend to be more common in further education yet, university level Mathematics is more complex, heavy in content and poses more difficulty in applying active learning approaches as a passive approach of traditional lectures has always been applied. The issues of learning problems in mathematics is ignored and the lack of metacognitive awareness of mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills seem to persist despite differences amongst educators on an effective learning methodology.
Following the reform movement in mathematics education in the mid 1980’s, resulting from the dissatisfaction of conventional approaches, recommending the restructuring of mathematical delivery marked the need for modifications in teaching methodology. Employing multiple models to deliver lessons may implement the changes needed to drive student engagement and satisfaction to improve the experience in learning mathematics. In order for these methods to become applicable and effective in students’ experiences in mathematical education, educators need to be encouraged to present active learning techniques so that students can begin to facilitate their own learning which can be done through introducing approaches specific to the individual such as student-centred approaches.
This paper evaluates the techniques used by mathematicians to deliver lessons and how it reflects on learning and engagement of students in comparison to the flipped classroom approach which inverts the common traditional lecture style used in classrooms. The flipped classroom model in this study is adopted to a topic from the university foundation level module, Analytical Mathematics, whereby results from the quantitative analysis undertaken show a decrease in the success of students’ performance suggesting a lesser impact on improved learning. With regards to engagement, observations from the qualitative analysis of the study highlight positive aspects of the flipped classroom model, specifically an optimistic engagement amongst peers.
Effects of Various Drying Methods on Physicochemical Characteristics, Flavonoids and Polyphenol Content, and Antioxidant Activities of Different Extracts from Morinda citrifolia Fruit
Authors: Tuyen Kha Chan , Cong Nguyen Thanh , Thinh Pham Van , Minh Trương Ngọc , Manh Tran Dinh , Khánh Huỳnh Hoàng Như 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: M. citrifolia is known as a medical plant in Vietnam, named Noni, which contains numerous bioactive ingredients and applying good in functional food and pharmaceuticals. The notices on the change of physicochemical characteristics (color, pH, total solids, and titration acid), the content of flavonoids and polyphenol, and antioxidant activities (total, reducing power, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging) of different extracts from Morinda citrifolia fruit at various drying methods (solar energy, microwave, and heat pump), microwave power, and temperature have not been found. Therefore, the paper focused on these things.
Methods: Morinda citrifolia fruit were harvested in July 2020, dried by using different methods (solar energy, microwave, and heat pump), and soaked in 96% solvent (ethanol and aqueous) for evaluating physicochemical characteristics, flavonoids and polyphenol content, and antioxidant activities. Drying M. citrifolia was at the temperature (50, 60, and 70°C) and the microwave power (100, 200, 400, 600, and 800 W), corresponding to the heat pump method and the microwave method, respectively and evaluating the drying speed curve basing on the moisture of M. citrifolia according to the drying time.
Results: Physicochemical characteristics, flavonoids content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activities (total, reducing power, and DPPH free radical scavenging) were affected by various drying methods, different extracting solvents (p<0.05) and changed the drying time, microwave power, and temperature according to the non-linear model of level 2. The stabilization of physicochemical characteristics, flavonoids content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activities of M. citrifolia in the drying method of microwave power was the highest, followed by the heat pump and solar energy. Ethanol solvent was more effective than aqueous solvent as extracting bioactive substances (flavonoids content and polyphenol content).
Conclusion: The results will be useful for preparing the dried M. citrifolia to serve for the storage and the produce of M. citrifolia in functional food and pharmaceuticals.
Hydration‐Induced β‐Sheet Crosslinking of α‐Helical‐Rich Spider Prey‐Wrapping Silk
Authors: Stengel Dillan , Addison J. Bennett , Onofrei David , Huynh Nha Uyen , Youssef George , Holland Gregory P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDue to its moderate strength (≈700 MPa) and impressive extensibility before breaking (≈60–80%), orb‐weaving spider aciniform (AC) prey‐wrapping silks are actually the toughest of the spider silks but are remarkably understudied. The previous results indicate that native AC silk fibers are an α‐helix rich coiled‐coil/β‐sheet hybrid nanofiber, and that conversion of disordered or helical domains to β‐sheet aggregates is surprisingly minimal and overall β‐sheet content is low (≈15%). In this work, it is demonstrated through scanning electron microscopy that native AC silk fibers undergo matted cross‐linking upon exposure to moisture that increases silk stiffness. The unique molecular mechanism of water‐induced cross‐linking is revealed with solid‐state NMR (SSNMR) methods; water‐induced morphological changes are correlated with an increase in AC silk protein β‐sheet content, and additionally a minor unfolding of coiled‐coil regions is observed. Continued and increased β‐sheet cross‐linking is observed upon application of mechanical shear. The size of these β‐sheet domains to be 4–6 nm using Wide‐Line Separation SSNMR is determined. The observation that merely water treatment can be used to convert a protein‐based material from a flexible/extensible α‐helix‐rich fiber to a rigid crossed‐linked β‐sheet mat is a novel observation that should provide new avenues in bioinspired materials design.
Near Infrared Photo‐Antimicrobial Targeting Therapy for Candida albicans
Authors: Yasui Hirotoshi , Takahashi Kazuomi , Taki Shunichi , Shimizu Misae , Koike Chiaki , Umeda Koji , Rahman Shofiqur , Akashi Tomohiro , Nguyen Van Sa , Nakagawa Yoshiyuki , Sato Kazuhide 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDrug‐resistant microorganisms are a pressing issue, and innovative antimicrobial therapies are required; antibodies targeting antigens on pathogen surfaces have emerged as one such modality. IgY, abundant in chicken egg yolk, confers passive immunity, and is effective against various pathogens; however, its antimicrobial effects remain limited. Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT), originally developed as a cancer treatment, specifically kills cancer cells via a photosensitizing phthalocyanine dye (IRDye700Dx; IR700)‐conjugated monoclonal antibody, and irradiating NIR light. IgY‐photo‐antimicrobial targeting therapy (IgY‐PAT2), exploiting NIR‐PIT, is investigated to destroy only microorganisms. IR700 is conjugated with anti‐Candida albicans IgY (CA‐IgY) to generate CA‐IgY‐IR700, which specifically binds various Candida spp. (and not human skin cells). The antimicrobial effect of CA‐IgY‐PAT2 is dependent on the NIR‐light dose (p < 0.0001). CA‐IgY‐PAT2 significantly reduces the area of ulcers in a mouse model of CA‐infected cutaneous ulcers (p < 0.0001), indicating that CA‐IgY‐PAT2 is a new promising therapeutic method for CA infection.
Enhanced Room‐Temperature Photoluminescence Quantum Yield in Morphology Controlled J‐Aggregates
Authors: Anantharaman Surendra B. , Kohlbrecher Joachim , Rainò Gabriele , Yakunin Sergii , Stöferle Thilo , Patel Jay , Kovalenko Maksym , Mahrt Rainer F. , Nüesch Frank A. , Heier Jakob 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSupramolecular assemblies from organic dyes forming J‐aggregates are known to exhibit narrowband photoluminescence with full‐width at half maximum of ≈9 nm (260 cm−1). Applications of these high color purity emitters, however, are hampered by the rather low photoluminescence quantum yields reported for cyanine J‐aggregates, even when formed in solution. Here, it is demonstrated that cyanine J‐aggregates can reach an order of magnitude higher photoluminescence quantum yield (increase from 5% to 60%) in blend solutions of water and alkylamines at room temperature. By means of time‐resolved photoluminescence studies, an increase in the exciton lifetime as a result of the suppression of non‐radiative processes is shown. Small‐angle neutron scattering studies suggest a necessary condition for the formation of such highly emissive J‐aggregates: the presence of a sharp water/amine interface for J‐aggregate assembly and the coexistence of nanoscale‐sized water and amine domains to restrict the J‐aggregate size and solubilize monomers, respectively.
Reversible Half Wave Rectifier Based on 2D InSe/GeSe Heterostructure with Near‐Broken Band Alignment
Authors: Yan Yong , Li Shasha , Du Juan , Yang Huai , Wang Xiaoting , Song Xiaohui , Li Lixia , Li Xueping , Xia Congxin , Liu Yufang , Li Jingbo , Wei Zhongming 
Published: January 2021

Abstract2D van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) offer tremendous opportunities in designing multifunctional electronic devices. Due to the ultrathin nature of 2D materials, the gate‐induced change in charge density makes amplitude control possible, creating a new programmable unilateral rectifier. The study of 2D vdWHs‐based reversible unilateral rectifier is lacking, although it can give rise to a new degree of freedom for modulating the output state. Here, a InSe/GeSe vdWH‐FET is constructed as a gate‐controllable half wave rectifier. The device exhibits stepless adjustment from forward to backward rectifying performance, leading to multiple operation states of output level. Near‐broken band alignment in the InSe/GeSe vdWH‐FET is a crucial feature for high‐performance reversible rectifier, which is shown to have backward and forward rectification ratio of 1:38 and 963:1, respectively. Being further explored as a new bridge rectifier, the InSe/GeSe device has great potential in future gate‐controllable alternating current/direct current convertor. These results indicate that 2D vdWHs with near‐broken band alignment can offer a pathway to simplify the commutating circuit and regulating speed circuit.
Understanding Surface Modifications Induced via Argon Plasma Treatment through Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Farr Nicholas , Thanarak Jeerawan , Schäfer Jan , Quade Antje , Claeyssens Frederik , Green Nicola , Rodenburg Cornelia 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the effects that sterilization methods have on the surface of a biomaterial is a prerequisite for clinical deployment. Sterilization causes alterations in a material's surface chemistry and surface structures that can result in significant changes to its cellular response. Here we compare surfaces resulting from the application of the industry standard autoclave sterilisation to that of surfaces resulting from the use of low‐pressure Argon glow discharge within a novel gas permeable packaging method in order to explore a potential new biomaterial sterilisation method. Material surfaces are assessed by applying secondary electron hyperspectral imaging (SEHI). SEHI is a novel low‐voltage scanning electron microscopy based characterization technique that, in addition to capturing topographical images, also provides nanoscale resolution chemical maps by utilizing the energy distribution of emitted secondary electrons. Here, SEHI maps are exploited to assess the lateral distributions of diverse functional groups that are effected by the sterilization treatments. This information combined with a range of conventional surface analysis techniques and a cellular metabolic activity assay reveals persuasive reasons as to why low‐pressure argon glow discharge should be considered for further optimization as a potential terminal sterilization method for PGS‐M, a functionalized form of poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS).
New regimens and directions in the management of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Bal Susan , Giri Smith , Godby Kelly N. , Costa Luciano J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe introduction of novel agents over the last decade has rapidly expanded the therapeutic landscape of multiple myeloma (MM) for both transplant‐eligible and transplant‐ineligible patients. The assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) by next‐generation flow cytometry or next‐generation sequencing is established as a powerful predictor of long‐term outcomes. The use of MRD in response‐adapted clinical trials may provide opportunities to identify candidates for treatment escalation and de‐escalation. Agents with proven activity in the relapsed and refractory setting are being studied in the management of high‐risk newly diagnosed MM (NDMM). Here, we summarize the most recent clinical trials that have led to the current paradigms in the management of NDMM. We also discuss how novel agents could be incorporated in the newly diagnosed setting and potential clinical trial designs that could leverage MRD information with the goal of treatment optimization.
Tuning the H‐Atom Transfer Reactivity of Iron(IV)‐Oxo Complexes as Probed by Infrared Photodissociation Spectroscopy
Authors: Tripodi Guilherme L. , Dekker Magda M. J. , Roithová Jana , Que Lawrence 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReactivities of non‐heme iron(IV)‐oxo complexes are mostly controlled by the ligands. Complexes with tetradentate ligands such as [(TPA)FeO]2+ (TPA=tris(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine) belong to the most reactive ones. Here, we show a fine‐tuning of the reactivity of [(TPA)FeO]2+ by an additional ligand X (X=CH3CN, CF3SO3−, ArI, and ArIO; ArI=2‐(tBuSO2)C6H4I) attached in solution and reveal a thus far unknown role of the ArIO oxidant. The HAT reactivity of [(TPA)FeO(X)]+/2+ decreases in the order of X: ArIO > MeCN > ArI ≈ TfO−. Hence, ArIO is not just a mere oxidant of the iron(II) complex, but it can also increase the reactivity of the iron(IV)‐oxo complex as a labile ligand. The detected HAT reactivities of the [(TPA)FeO(X)]+/2+ complexes correlate with the Fe=O and FeO−H stretching vibrations of the reactants and the respective products as determined by infrared photodissociation spectroscopy. Hence, the most reactive [(TPA)FeO(ArIO)]2+ adduct in the series has the weakest Fe=O bond and forms the strongest FeO−H bond in the HAT reaction.
Mechanical performance of vinyl ester—polyurethane interpenetrating polymer network composites
Authors: Alizadeh Nima , Thorne David P. , Auad Maria L. , Celestine Asha‐Dee N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this study, a carbon fiber/vinyl ester‐polyurethane interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) laminate composite was fabricated and characterized for the first time. The IPN matrix, consisting of a commercially available vinyl ester and polyurethane, was synthesized via a sequential method with vinyl ester as the rigid phase and polyurethane as the flexible phase. Good compatibility between the two phases in the matrix was achieved and confirmed via differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. The thermomechanical response of the IPN matrix was compared with that of an unmodified vinyl ester resin. The presence of the more ductile polyurethane in the IPN matrix depressed the glass transition temperature (from 94 to 84°C), but also served to improve damping response at all frequencies studied. Tensile and flexural tests were performed on the carbon fiber/IPN and carbon fiber/vinyl ester composites to determine their mechanical response. The IPN composite exhibited lower tensile properties than the vinyl ester composite. However, its flexural properties were on par with those of the vinyl ester composite.
Analyzing longitudinal clustered count data with zero inflation: Marginal modeling using the Conway–Maxwell–Poisson distribution
Authors: Kang Tong , Levy Steven M. , Datta Somnath 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBiological and medical researchers often collect count data in clusters at multiple time points. The data can exhibit excessive zeros and a wide range of dispersion levels. In particular, our research was motivated by a dental dataset with such complex data features: the Iowa Fluoride Study (IFS). The study was designed to investigate the effects of various dietary and nondietary factors on the caries development of a cohort of Iowa school children at the ages of 5, 9, and 13. To analyze the multiyear IFS data, we propose a novel longitudinal method of a generalized estimating equations based marginal regression model. We use a zero‐inflated model with a Conway–Maxwell–Poisson (CMP) distribution, which has the flexibility to account for all levels of dispersion. The parameters of interest are estimated through a modified expectation–solution algorithm to account for the clustered and temporal correlation structure. We fit the proposed zero‐inflated CMP model and perform a comprehensive secondary analysis of the IFS dataset. It resulted in a number of notable conclusions that also make clinical sense. Additionally, we demonstrated the superiority of this modeling approach over two other popular competing models: the zero‐inflated Poisson and negative binomial models. In the simulation studies, we further evaluate the performance of our point estimators, the variance estimators, and that of the large sample confidence intervals for the parameters of interest. It is also demonstrated that our longitudinal CMP model can correctly identify the time‐varying dispersion patterns.