bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ determination of the extreme damage resistance behavior in stomatopod dactyl club
Authors: Dong Zheng , Chen S. , Gupta Himadri , Zhao Xiaoyi , Yang Yiming , Chang Guangcai , Xue Jian , Zhang Yiyang , Luo S. N. , Dong Yuhui , Zhang Yi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The structure and mechanical properties of the stomatopod dactyl club have been extensively studied for its extreme impact tolerance, but a systematic, in situ, investigation on the multiscale mechanical responses under high-speed impact has not been reported. Here we reveal the full dynamic deformation and crack evolution process within projectile impacted dactyl using combined fast 2D x-ray imaging and high resolution ex-situ tomography We show hydration states can result in significantly different toughening mechanisms inside dactyl under dynamic loading. We find a previously unreported 3D interlocking structural design in the impact surface and impact region using nano x-ray tomography (nano-CT). Experimental results and dynamic finite element modeling (DFEM) suggest this unique structure plays an important role in resisting catastrophic structure damage and hindering crack propagation. Our work will help to understand the key toughening strategies of biological materials and provide valuable information for biomimetic manufacturing of impact resistant materials in general.
Effect of The Tea Tree Oil on Meat Quality, Antioxidant Status, and Serum Biochemical Indices in Finishing Pigs
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Feng feifei , Zhan Kang , Ma Xiaoyu , Jiang Miaocheng , Datsomor Osmond , Zhu Xinyu , Huo Yongjiu , Zhao Guoqi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The increase use of antibiotics continues to posse a threat to public health due to the increasing concern of antibiotic residue. Tea tree oil [TTO] is an extract of the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. However, there is little information on TTO supplementation on the diet of finishing pigs. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of TTO supplemented diets on serum biochemical indices, fatty acid composition, the mRNA expression of genes, and antioxidant capability in finishing pigs. Results: Our results showed that TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factors -I (IGF-I), growth acceleration hormone [GH] and heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), while the mRNA expression of myostatin gene (MSTN) and calpain-1 (CAST) decreased by TTO supplementation, compared with control group. In addition, TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and IgM levels but decreased (P < 0.05) serum aspartate transaminase (AST) concentration, relative to controls. The TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) C18:2n6t concentration and decreased (P < 0.05) C12:0 and C16:0 concentration, relative to control group. Dietary supplementation with TTO decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in serum. Compared with control group, TTO supplementation at 200mg/kg increased (P < 0.05) GSH-Px activity in LD muscle.Conclusions: These results indicated that TTO supplementation could improve serum biochemical indices, fatty acid contents, the relative mRNA of expression, and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs. Therefore, TTO has potential positive effects as a feed additive in pigs industry.
Evaluation of the Hypothalamic Kisspeptin System Throughout the Estrous Cycle in Gilts.
Authors: Clapper Jeffrey , Jolitz Eric , Dhillo Waljit 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Kisspeptin has been demonstrated to affect reproductive cyclicity and the attainment of puberty in multiple species, presumably through its actions on gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone. Kisspeptin administration causes increased plasma concentrations of LH in pigs, sheep, and rats. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate changes in the hypothalamic kisspeptin system throughout the estrous cycle in gilts.Methods: Forty crossbred gilts (191 d, 121 kg) were administered an intramuscular injection of PG600. Twelve days after the administration of PG600, gilts were fed 15 mg of altrenogest daily for 15 d to synchronize estrus. Following estrus synchronization, estrus detection was performed by exposing gilts to a mature boar and the first day gilts stood immobile was denoted d 1 of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on d 1, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, and 19 of the estrous cycle. Ten animals were slaughtered on d 1, 9, 14, and 21 of the estrous cycle when medial basal hypothalami, anterior pituitary glands, and blood were collected. Relative expression of hypothalamic kisspeptin (KISS1), kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), estrogen receptors-α, anterior pituitary gland GnRH receptor and -β, β-actin and GAPDH was determined using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Fold changes in relative expression were determined using the Relative Expression Software Tool.Results: Relative expression of KISS1 was increased (P=0.006) 3.2 fold on d 1 versus d 21 and 2.3 fold (P=0.003) on d 9 versus d 21 of the estrous cycle. Relative expression of KISS1 was not different (P>0.05) among the remaining days of the estrous cycle. Relative expression of estrogen receptor-b was decreased (P=0.05) 0.8 fold on d 9 versus d 21 and (P=0.005) 0.7 fold on d 14 versus d 21. Relative expression of anterior pituitary gland GnRH receptor was increased (P<0.01) on d 1 and 21 versus d 9 and 14. Relative expression of estrogen receptor-b was not different (P>0.05) among the remaining days. Relative expression of KISS1R and estrogen receptor-a were each not different (P>0.05) among days of the estrous cycle.Conclusions: These data support the notion that medial basal hypothalamic expression of KISS1 changes throughout the estrous cycle and may influence reproductive cyclicity in the gilt.
The Impact of Hormone Receptor Testing on Breast Cancer Treatment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Habila Magdiel , Segar Jennifer , Msami Khadija , Mwaiselage Julius , Sullivan Taylor , Trejo Mario , Jacobs Elizabeth , Bishop Maria , Soliman Amr 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHormone receptor (HR) testing was not available for tailoring treatment of breast cancer in Tanzania until 2015. The aim of this study was to compare effect of introducing HR testing on breast cancer treatment in Tanzania. MethodsThis retrospective study included 2 groups of breast cancer patients treated at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) before introducing HR (2007-2009 and 2014 – 685 patients), and after HR introduction (2015-2017 –765 patients). Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical records of patients. Chi-Square and Wilcoxon rank sum analyses were used to compare treatment in the two periods. ResultsStage at diagnosis did not differ significantly by ER status (12.4% vs. 7.3%, stages I and II combined, 13.4% vs. 19.3% for stage III, and 30.7% vs 37.0% for stage IV with p-values of 0.08, 0.21, and 0.44, respectively). The proportion of patients who received both neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (29.2% vs 28.1%) and adjuvant chemotherapy (53.5% vs 48.4%) did not differ significantly by ER status, (p=0.64 and p=0.29, respectively). After implementing ER testing, the proportion of patients who did not receive radiotherapy differed by ER status (43.6% vs 32.8%, p=0.04). Furthermore, approximately 13% of ER-negative patients received endocrine therapy, compared to 60% of ER positive patients (p < 0.0001).DiscussionThese finding suggest that there have been significant changes in breast cancer treatment practices since the introduction of hormone receptor testing. However, further research is needed to determine how hormone receptor status can be used to optimize standardized treatment protocols for patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Tanzania and other low-income countries that are taking steps to improve their breast cancer management practices and protocols.
Lockdowns Lose One Third of Their Impact on Mobility in a Month
Authors: Joshi Yogesh , Musalem Andres 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
As the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic spread across the world over the past year, many countries imposed lockdowns in the form of stay at home requirements on their citizens to mitigate its spread. We analyze mobility data from 93 countries implementing lockdowns to investigate their effectiveness in immediately reducing mobility and the subsequent evolution of mobility. We find that at the start of a lockdown, median mobility is reduced to 36% below the baseline, and by another 18% in the subsequent two weeks. 70 countries had lockdowns lasting beyond four weeks and showed a significant reduction in mobility compared to that prior to the lockdown. Mobility was at its minimum 18 days into the lockdown for the median country. Comparing this minimum mobility to the average mobility two weeks before the lockdown, we observe a median reduction of 50 percentage points, evidencing that lockdowns are effective in reducing mobility. For 59 of these 70 countries, lockdowns lasted at least four weeks after reaching minimum mobility and most observed a significant rebound in mobility during the lockdown period. For the median country, 30.1% of the mobility reduction achieved is lost within four weeks, and lockdowns lose all their effectiveness in 112.1 days. Overall, our findings show that while lockdowns are effective at significantly reducing mobility, they are also subject to fatigue as the lockdown periods extend longer. The magnitude of lockdown reductions achieved and fatigues reported in this research can help policy makers anticipate the likely longevity of their lockdown policies and help them become more effective by accounting for lockdown fatigue.
Controlled Release 7-methoxytacrine-polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Drug-delivery System for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment: Synthesis and Physico-chemical Characterization
Authors: Mahmoudi Masomeh , Saeidian Hamid , Mirjafary Zohreh , Mokhtari Javad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia in aging people. 7-Methoxytacrine (7-MEOTA) is one of the approved drugs for the treatment of this disease. In the current study, a 7-MEOTA delivery system has been prepared based on the polycaprolactone nanocapsules (7-MEOTA@PCL) and its physico-chemical properties were investigated as well. The drug amount loaded in nanocapsules has been estimated 65%. The average particle size of the 7-MEOTA@PCL nanocapsules was around 237 nm with polydispersity index of 0.31 and negative surface charge (-21.2 mV). The prepared nanoparticles are stable upon 40 days storage at 25 °C, without any decomposition. The morphological analysis of the 7-MEOTA@PCL nanoparticles indicated that the nanoparticles are spherical, and free of any aggregation. In vitro release experiments revealed controlled release of the 7-MEOTA from the polycaprolactone nanocapsules. Application of the Korsmeyer-Peppas model to the release kinetics data showed that the release of the drug was by diffusion Fick’s law.
Mathematical Epidemiological Model of the Propagation and Prevention of Infectious Diseases Considering COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Omata Kazumi , Mitsuya Hiroaki 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The duration of the necessity of current restrictions and preventive countermeasures against the COVID-19 pandemic is of great concern. While several previous epidemiological studies have discussed controlling the course of the epidemic with regard to social distancing, vaccination, care capacities, and future scenarios, we adopt an alternative approach to provide insights into the time scale of epidemic propagation in human populations. We show that the reproduction number modified by preventive countermeasures Rm implies a threshold R~m to reach the herd immunity level at time Th. While Th varies moderately for large Rm, it increases sharply around Rm=R~m, and Th is infinite below Rm=R~m. The transition region for this increase is minute, demonstrating that prevention of infectious diseases must consider the relatively asymptotic nature of their propagation, which varies unpredictably between steady transmission and explosive outbreaks. These results suggest the continuation of preventive countermeasures to suppress the transmission of COVID-19 for many years; if they were discontinued or reduced such that Rm exceeded R~m, the disease would be transmitted throughout the considered community, and the required herd immunity level would be reached within 250 days if Rm > 1.6. However, the implementation of vaccination programs could drastically alter this dynamic.
Water Management and Crop Resistant Varieties Adaptation Due to Climate Change By Farmers
Authors: TOWOLAWI Adeleke Taofik , Oguntoke Olusegun , Bada Babatunde S. , Adejuwon Joseph O. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The threats of climate change on agricultural systems, water availability and crop performance put pressure on food security and zero hunger. The effects call for multifaceted mitigation and necessitate this research to investigate water management (W.M.) and crop varieties (CRV) adaptation being used by the rain-fed farmers that have the records of yearly high agricultural produce. The research distributed 1600 copies of pretested questionnaire across four (Benue, Edo, Niger and Ondo) states in Nigeria through the national Agricultural Development Programmes offices. The retrieved copies were coded in Excel spreadsheet, descriptively analysed in SPSS v23 and subjected to multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that three W.M. (riverside cultivation, irrigation practising and mulching) entered the Benue model but each for Ondo, Edo and Niger, respectively. All the CRV (SDT: selecting different technology, HYV: high yielding varieties, WRV: water-resistant varieties, DRV: drought-resistant varieties except DiRV: disease-resistant varieties) entered the Benue model, but DRV for Edo, WRV and DRV for Niger while DiRV for Ondo. General data of each state was significant (p < 0.05). Benin and Niger States had the highest variance (12.5 % W.M. and 21.7 % CRV). Durbin-Watson value < 2 indicated positive autocorrelation. Mulching worked best for farmers across the states while WRV and DRV were not in Ondo and Edo. Choice of W.M. and CRV differed across the study states and the research would suggest different climate change adaptation for farmers on both water management and crop varieties.
Co-designing New Tools for Collecting, Analysing and Presenting Patient Experience Data in NHS Services: Working in Partnership With Patients and Carers
Authors: Small Nicola , Ong Bie Nio , Lewis Annmarie , Allen Dawn , Bagshaw Nigel , Nahar Papreen , Sanders Caroline 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The way we collect and use patient experience data is vital to optimise the quality and safety of health services. Yet, vulnerable patients and carers may be excluded because of the limited ways data is collected, analysed and presented. In this study, we worked together with researchers, staff, patient and carer participants, and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) contributors to co-design new tools for the collection and use of patient experience data in multiple health settings. This paper outlines how the range of PPIE and research activities enabled the co-design of new tools to collect patient experience data.Methods: Eight public contributors represented a range of relevant patient and carer experiences in specialist services with varied levels of PPIE experience, and eleven members of Patient and Participation Groups (PPGs) from two general practices formed our PPIE group. Slide sets were used to trigger discussions and facilitate co-design with patient and carer research participants. Feedback from PPIE contributors alongside verbatim quotes from staff, patient and carer research participants is presented in relation to the themes from the qualitative research data. Results: PPIE insights from four themes: capturing experience data; adopting digital or non-digital tools; ensuring privacy and confidentiality; and co-design of a suite of new tools with guidance, informed joint decisions on the shaping of the tools and how these were implemented. Our PPIE contributors took different roles during co-design and testing of the new tools, which supported co-production of the research study. Conclusions: Our experiences of developing multiple components of PPIE work for this complex study demonstrates the importance of tailoring PPIE to suit different settings, and to maximise individual strengths and capacity. Our study shows the value of bringing diverse experiences together, and a shared approach to managing involvement in co-design. We reflect on how we managed to work together to create a supportive environment when unforeseen challenges emerged (such as, sudden bereavement).
Research on the Flow Experience of Tai Chi Chuan
Authors: Zhang Ying , Feng Yang , Song Lin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
(1) ObjectivesTai Chi Chuan has substantial benefits of strengthening the body, helping people to maintain a high level of energy, etc. In this paper, we investigated the experience and psychology state of Tai Chi Chuan exercise.(2) Equipment and methodsBased on flow theory, we used semi-structured interviews and Chinese flow state scale 2 (CFSS2) to study the experience and psychology state of college students exercising Tai Chi Chuan. (3) ResultsIn the process of Tai Chi Chuan, there did exist flow experience or a similar mental state. The score of "autotelic experience " dimension increased with exercise years increased, and the increasing time spent on Tai Chi Chuan after class was positively related to the score of "action-awareness merging " and "concentration on the task at hand "dimension. Also, an interaction effect was found.
A Numerical Study on the Effect of CO2 Addition for Methane Explosion Reaction Kinetics in Confined Space
Authors: Wang Jingyan , Liang Yuntao , Tian Fuchao , Chen Chengfeng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
To explore the influence of the CO2 volume fraction on methane explosion in a confined space over wide equivalent ratios, the explosion temperature, the explosion pressure, the concentration of the important free radicals, and the concentration of the disastrous gas generated after the explosion in a confined space were studied. Meanwhile, the elementary reaction steps dominating the gas explosion were identified through the sensitivity analysis. With the increase of the CO2 volume fraction, the explosion time prolongs, and the explosion pressure and temperature decrease monotonously. Moreover, the concentrations of the investigated free radicals also decrease as the increase of the CO2 volume fraction. For the disastrous gas, the concentration of the gas product CO increases and the concentrations of CO2, NO, and NO2 decrease as the volume fraction of CO2 increases. When 7% methane is added with 10% CO2, the increase rate of CO is 76%, and the decrease rates of CO2, NO, and NO2 are 27%, 37%, and 39%, respectively. If the volume fraction of CO2 is constant, the larger the volume fraction of methane in the blend gas, the greater the mole fraction of radical H and the lower the mole fraction of radical O. For radical OH, its mole fraction first increases, and then decreases with the location of peak value of 9.5%, while the CO concentration increases with the increase of the methane concentration. For all the investigated volume fraction of methane, the addition of CO2 reduces the sensitivity coefficients of each key elementary reaction step, and the sensitivity coefficient of reaction promoting methane consumption decreases faster than that of the reaction inhibit methane consumption, which indicates that the addition of CO2 effectively suppresses the methane explosion.
Water Cavitation From Ambient to High Temperatures
Authors: Magaletti Francesco , Gallo Mirko , Casciola Carlo Massimo 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Cavitation is a ubiquitous phenomenon which is in principle well understood. However predicting its occurrence has proved a formidable task, particularly for the most common case of water, even for the simplest, homogeneous, conditions. Experimentally, the main difficulty is related to the unavoidable contamination of the sample, whose purity is difficult to control. Nevertheless there is nowadays substantial consensus on the remarkable tensile strength of water, on the order of-120 MPa at ambient conditions. Many factors concur in making the theoretical predictions even more difficult. The reference theory is the classical nucleation theory which leads, though the adaptation of Kramers’s theory of chemical reactions, to a qualitatively correct description. As recently pointed out, accounting for the surface tension dependence on the interface curvature may lead to a much better correspondence with experiments. Nevertheless the prediction still depends on elaborate fitting procedures based on data from model-fluid molecular dynamics simulations. Here a self-contained model is discussed which is shown able to accurately reproduce cavitation data for water over the most extended range of temperatures for which accurate experiments are available. The computations are based on a diffuse interface model which, as only inputs, requires a reliable equation of state for bulk free energy and interfacial tension of the water-vapor system combined with rare event techniques.
Fluorescent and Colorimetric RT-LAMP as a Rapid and Specific Qualitative Method for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Diagnosis
Authors: Aoki Mateus Nóbrega , Marin Anelis Maria , Zanette Dalila Luciola , Nardin Jeanine Marie , Munhoz Eduardo Cilião , Blanes Lucas , Munhoz Francielle Boçon de Araújo , Coelho Bruna de Oliveira 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The detection of BCR-ABL1 mRNA transcripts is essential to molecular chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) diagnosis. In most cases, the RT-qPCR technique is performed as the gold standard diagnosis tool for clinical cases. However, this method requires expensive reagents and equipment, such as a real-time thermal cycler, probes and master mix. Consequently, the development and validation of simple and low-cost methods are essential for a rapid CML diagnosis in less specialized and equipped centers. In this study, we develop and demonstrate an accessible, rapid, and low-cost method using RT-LAMP for BCR-ABL1 detection in both cell lines and CML clinical samples, using colorimetric and fluorescent assays. Differently to the Q-LAMP assay described in 2019 by Stella and collaborators, the samples here were analyzed by RT-qPCR and the results were compared to the results obtained by fluorescent and colorimetric RT-LAMP. The obtained data indicates that the proposed method here described is a cheaper, robust and specific approach for CML diagnosis with outstanding performance.