bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tuning the mechanical and thermomechanical properties through the combined effect of crosslinking and annealing in poly(lactic acid)/acrylonitrile‐EPDM‐styrene blends
Authors: Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , Da Silva Barbosa Ferreira Eduardo , Do Nascimento Emanuel Pereira , Da Silva Adriano Lima , De Albuquerque Ananda Karoline Camelo , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos , Araújo Edcleide Maria 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAcrylonitrile‐EPDM‐styrene (AES) was applied as an impact modifier for poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and the combined effect of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) crosslinking and annealing heat treatment was investigated. Torque rheometry, melt flow index (MFI), mechanical properties (impact, tensile, and Shore D hardness), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), heat deflection temperature (HDT), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were investigated. There was a considerable torque increment and fluidity drop in the PLA/AES/DCP blends caused by the crosslinking process and the formation of PLA‐g‐AES. Consequently, the impact strength and elongation at break properties improved. As an engineering terpolymer, AES was decisive in maintaining high elastic modulus, Shore D hardness, and HDT values. The PLA/AES/DCP (0.8 phr) composition leaned towards a synergism of mechanical properties, gaining 505.6% and 264.8% in impact strength and elongation at break, respectively, compared to neat PLA. FTIR and XRD analysis revealed high crystallinity, with samples presenting large crystals. The higher crystallinity had a deleterious effect on the mechanical properties of the PLA/AES/DCP blends. However, there was a marked improvement in HDT and higher toughness compared to PLA. The results before and after annealing the PLA/AES/DCP (0.8 phr) blend are promising for constructing new semi‐biodegradable materials for additive manufacturing.
Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of lemon grass leaves extracts enriched soy yoghurt from soybeans (Glycine max) milk
Authors: Angelique Nyiranshuti , Koskei Kipkorir , Niyibituronsa Marguerite 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThere are challenges in the utilization of soybean‐based foods due to undesirable associated flavors. This study aimed to prepare soybean based yoghurt with different amounts of lemon grass extract in the ratios of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µL/L of soy yoghurt as shown by Figure 1. The Table 1 and 2 summarized results of different treatments of Soybeans based yoghurt analyzed for protein by Kjedhal method, fats by Soxhlet method, total ash by muffle furnace method. Soluble crude fiber was determined by dry oven method, pH, titratable acidity, syneresis and viscosity, by AOAC method, total phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric method. Sensory analysis was done by effective tests with 10 panelists using five hedonic scale tools. From the study, the results indicate that moisture content range from (89.3 to 89.6%); protein content (5.5−6.8%); fat (2.7−3.6%); total ash (0.43−0.53%); crude fiber (0.06−0.33%) and carbohydrate (0.59−0.93%). The level of pH range from 4.30 to 5.59; viscosity (2.85−3.17 pa.s); titratable acidity, (0.01−0.07 g\L) and synersis (6.44−7.56) and total phenolic compound (8.59−18.40 mg/g). Most of the parameters did not show any significant variations while the pH and total phenolic compounds varied significantly between the treatments. In addition, Figure 2 detailed sensory evaluation results of treatments and that the treatment with highest level of lemon grass extract was the most liked. In conclusion, incorporation of lemon grass extract can help improved the level of phenolic compounds and sensory properties of yoghurt.
Comparative analysis of the diversity of symbionts in fat body of long‐ and short‐winged brown planthoppers
Authors: Fan Linlin , Guan Guangxiang , Zhao Jingjing , Li Danting , Yu Xiaoping , Shentu Xuping 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe microbial community structure plays an important role in the internal environment of brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), which is an indispensable part to reflect the internal environment of BPH. Wing dimorphism is a strategy for balancing flight and reproduction of insects. Here, quantitative fluorescence PCR was used to analyse the number and changes of the symbionts in the fat body of long‐ and short‐winged BPHs at different developmental stages. A metagenomic library was constructed based on the 16 S rRNA sequence and internal transcribed spacer sequence for high‐throughput sequencing, to analyze the community structure and population number of the symbionts of long‐ and short‐winged BPHs, and to make functional prediction. This study enriches the connotation of BPH symbionts, and laid a theoretical foundation for the subsequent study of BPH‐symbionts interaction and the function of symbionts in the host.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of scarlet gene produces eye color mutants in the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens
Authors: Lee Sujin , Ahn Seung‐Joon 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe CRISPR/Cas9 technology has greatly progressed research on non‐model organisms, demonstrating successful applications in genome editing for various insects. However, its utilization in the case of the soybean looper, Chrysodeixis includens, a notable pest affecting soybean crops, has not been explored due to constraints such as limited genomic information and the embryonic microinjection technique. This study presents successful outcomes in generating heritable knockout mutants for a pigment transporter gene, scarlet, in C. includens through CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis. The scarlet locus identified in the genome assembly of C. includens consists of 14 exons, with a coding sequence extending for 1,986 bp. Two single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed to target the first exon of scarlet. Microinjection of these two sgRNAs along with the Cas9 protein into fresh embryos resulted in the successful production of variable phenotypes, particularly mutant eyes. The observed mutation rate accounted for about 16%. Genotype analysis revealed diverse indel mutations at the target site, presumably originating from double‐strand breaks followed by the nonhomologous end joining repair, leading to a premature stop codon due to frame shift. Single‐pair mating of the mutant moths produced G1 offspring, and the establishment of a homozygous mutant strain occurred in G2. The mutant moths exhibited lightly greenish or yellowish compound eyes in both sexes, confirming the involvement of scarlet in pigmentation in C. includens. Notably, the CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing technique serves as a visible phenotypic marker, demonstrating its proof‐of‐concept applicability in C. includens, as other pigment transporter genes have been utilized as visible markers to establish genetic control for various insects. These results provide the first successful case that the CRISPR/Cas9 method effectively induces mutations in C. includes, an economically important soybean insect pest.
Electro‐oxidative Methylation of 2‐Isocyanobiaryls Using N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) as Carbon Source: Synthesis of 6‐Methylphenanthridines
Authors: La‐ongthong Kannika , Chantarojsiri Teera , Soorukram Darunee , Leowanawat Pawaret , Reutrakul Vichai , Kuhakarn Chutima 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA benign electrochemical method to access 6‐methylphenanthridines from 2‐isocyanobiaryls using N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) as a methyl source is reported. The protocol operates at ambient temperature without the need for harmful methylating reagents. Mechanistic studies suggested that DMF delivered a methylene synthon, followed by reduction at the cathode and tautomerization. The method offers environmental benefits by avoiding metal‐based reagents and harsh conditions.
Flow Imaging Microscopy for Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring
Authors: Barrowman Polly , Adams Hunter , Southard Mark , Hoppe‐Jones Christiane , Weinrich Lauren , McNaught Katharine J. , Vogel Stephanie , Klein Misty , Clay Kasi 
Published: March 2024

Key TakeawaysFlow imaging microscopy (FIM) combines a flow cytometer's fluidic architecture with a microscope's spatial resolution to allow morphometric analysis of objects in suspensions such as water.FIM's real‐time analysis and identification of potential cyanotoxin producers help utilities understand population dynamics to maintain healthier source waters and reduce response times when a bloom is indicated.Case studies show FIM's advantages and limitations in harmful algal bloom monitoring programs for reservoir management and water treatment.
Carbon monoxide affects early cardiac development in an avian model
Authors: Matias Filipa Rombo , Groves Ian , Durrans Joshua , Herigstad Mari 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionCarbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic gas that can be lethal in large doses and may also cause physiological damage in lower doses. Epidemiological studies suggest that CO in lower doses over time may impact on embryo development, in particular cardiac development, however other studies have not observed this association.MethodsHere, we exposed chick embryos in ovo to CO at three different concentrations (3, 9, 18 ppm) plus air control (4 protocols in total) for the first 9 days of development, at which point we assessed egg and embryo weight, ankle length, developmental stage, heart weight, ventricular wall thickness, ventricular‐septal thickness and atrial wall thickness.ResultsWe found that heart weight was reduced for the low and moderate exposures compared to air, that atrial wall and ventricular wall thickness was increased for the moderate and high exposures compared to air and that ventricular septal thickness was increased for low, moderate and high exposures compared to air. Ventricular wall thickness was also significantly positively correlated with absolute CO exposures across all protocols.ConclusionsThis intervention study thus suggests that CO even at very low levels may have a significant impact on cardiac development.
Towards an integrated understanding of inflammatory pathway influence on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Allara Michael , Girard Juliet R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRecent research highlights that inflammatory signaling pathways such as pattern recognition receptor (PRR) signaling and inflammatory cytokine signaling play an important role in both on‐demand hematopoiesis as well as steady‐state hematopoiesis. Knockout studies have demonstrated the necessity of several distinct pathways in these processes, but often lack information about the contribution of specific cell types to the phenotypes in question. Transplantation studies have increased the resolution to the level of specific cell types by testing the necessity of inflammatory pathways specifically in donor hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) or in recipient niche cells. Here, we argue that for an integrated understanding of how these processes occur in vivo and to inform the development of therapies that modulate hematopoietic responses, we need studies that knockout inflammatory signaling receptors in a cell‐specific manner and compare the phenotypes caused by knockout in individual niche cells versus HSPCs.
Integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and lipidomics to reveal the regulatory effect of Qingxuan Zhike granules on lipid metabolism in lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Chen Hui , Chen Jiabin , Feng Lu , Shao Hua , Zhou Yang , Shan Jinjun , Lin Lili , Ye Jin , Wang Shouchuan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractQingxuan Zhike granules (QXZKG), a traditional Chinese patent medication, has shown therapeutic potential against acute lung injury (ALI). However, the precise mechanism underlying its lung‐protective effects requires further investigation. In this study, integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and lipidomics were used to elucidate QXZKG's regulatory effect on lipid metabolism in lipopolysaccharide‐induced ALI. Animal experiments were conducted to substantiate the efficacy of QXZKG in reducing pro‐inflammatory cytokines and mitigating pulmonary pathology. Network pharmacology analysis identified 145 active compounds that directly targeted 119 primary targets of QXZKG against ALI. Gene Ontology function analysis emphasized the roles of lipid metabolism and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade as crucial biological processes. The MAPK1 protein exhibited promising affinities for naringenin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Lipidomic analysis revealed that 12 lipids showed significant restoration following QXZKG treatment (p < 0.05, FC >1.2 or <0.83). Specifically, DG 38:4, DG 40:7, PC O‐40:8, TG 18:1_18:3_22:6, PI 18:2_20:4, FA 16:3, FA 20:3, FA 20:4, FA 22:5, and FA 24:5 were downregulated, while Cer 18:0;2O/24:0 and SM 36:1;2O/34:5 were upregulated in the QXZKG versus model groups. This study enhances our understanding of the active compounds and targets of QXZKG, as well as the potential of lipid metabolism in the treatment of ALI.
Degrowth attitudes among entrepreneurs hinder fast venture scaling
Authors: Hinderer Sebastian , Kuckertz Andreas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe degrowth paradigm has gained popularity in the sustainability discourse in recent years. Questioning the absolute decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation, degrowth proponents suggest downscaling production and consumption to reduce resource extraction and energy consumption. However, this seems to be at odds with conventional wisdom about entrepreneurship. Thus, our research aims to shed light on the implications of the degrowth discourse on entrepreneurship. We answer how degrowth attitudes among (sustainable) entrepreneurs are associated with decision‐making on scaling strategies for their ventures. Differentiating between scaling fast and scaling slow strategies, we show that a degrowth attitude is negatively associated with scaling fast strategies, whether entrepreneurs consider themselves sustainable or not. However, sustainable entrepreneurship is positively associated with scaling slow strategies. Furthermore, we show that the development level of the economy an entrepreneur is active in is an essential factor in the decision‐making on scaling strategies.
Insights 4.0: Transformative learning in industrial engineering through problem‐based learning and project‐based learning
Authors: Rodriguez‐Sanchez Cristina , Orellana Rubén , Fernandez Barbosa Pedro Rafael , Borromeo Susana , Vaquero Joaquin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis paper describes a methodological study carried out between 2018 and 2022, at Rey Juan Carlos University, focused on the subject monitoring and control systems within a master's program in Industrial Engineering. The study proposes an innovative teaching strategy using problem‐based learning and project‐based learning methodologies. The projects undertaken are based on Internet of Things (IoT) systems aimed at enhancing weather stations, services and facilitating real‐time decision‐making. Inspired by our experience in the development of Industry 4.0 projects, we have designed a methodological strategy for this subject that focuses on providing students with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of Control and Monitoring Systems and the IoT to develop real monitoring and control systems. The approach emphasizes interdisciplinary problem‐solving, with students working collaboratively in stable teams. Throughout the 16‐week course, tasks of increasing complexity are completed, resulting in the development of a complete system. The practical approach of the course and its relation to real applications motivates students, resulting in better performance. The acquired techniques and skills from the course are broadly applicable across engineering disciplines.
A survey of carboplatin desensitization therapy in Japan: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , Matsumoto Koji , Morita Mitsunori , Nagasawa Takayuki , Nishio Hiroshi , Suzuki Jiro , Nishio Shin , Kobara Hisanori , Yunokawa Mayu , Ariyoshi Kazuya , Hirayama Takashi , Tokunaga Hideki , Ukita Masayo , Yoriki Kaori , Mori‐Uchino Mayuyo , Furusawa Akiko , Togami Shinichi , Nakamura Hiroko , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Satoh Toyomi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionHypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to chemotherapy are serious adverse events associated with cancer drug therapy and can occur with any antitumor drug. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of carboplatin desensitization therapy in Japan and established a method for treating carboplatin HSRs.MethodsPatients diagnosed with gynecological (ovarian, endometrial, or cervical) cancers who underwent carboplatin desensitization therapy between 2016 and 2020 at the Gynecologic Cancer Study Group of Japan Clinical Oncology Group were included. The carboplatin desensitization therapy at each institution and the implementation cases were registered in an online case report form.ResultsThis retrospective study enrolled 136 patients (ovarian, 108; endometrial, 17; and cervical cancer, 11). Pre‐existing allergies were present in 37 (27.2%) patients, and 32 (23.5%) patients exhibited prodromal symptoms during treatment before HSR onset. Erythema was the most common symptom at HSR onset, affecting 93 (68.4%) patients, followed by itching in 72 (52.9%) patients and decreased oxygen saturation in 43 (31.6%) patients. Loss of consciousness occurred in three (2.2%) patients. The most common timing of HSR onset was during the first recurrence treatment (47%). The mean total carboplatin dose until HSR onset was 7331 (2620–18,282) mg, and the mean number of doses was 14 (4–63). Desensitization treatment was completed in 75% of cases, and breakthrough HSRs occurred in 25% (34/136). No deaths occurred in the study cohort. The risk factors for HSRs were not identified.ConclusionAlthough carboplatin desensitization therapy has high success rates in Japan, erythema and pruritus are important HSRs to consider.
The outcome in patients with BRAF‐mutated metastatic melanoma treated with anti‐programmed death receptor‐1 monotherapy or targeted therapy in the real‐world setting
Authors: Kopecký Jindřich , Pásek Marek , Lakomý Radek , Melichar Bohuslav , Mrazová Ivona , Kubeček Ondřej , Arenbergerová Monika , Lemstrová Radmila , Švancarová Alžběta , Tretera Vojtěch , Hlodáková Alžběta , Žváčková Kamila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundImmunotherapy and targeted therapy are currently two alternative backbones in the therapy of BRAF‐mutated malignant melanoma. However, predictive biomarkers that would help with treatment selection are lacking.MethodsThis retrospective study investigated outcomes of anti‐programmed death receptor‐1 monotherapy and targeted therapy in the first‐line setting in patients with metastatic BRAF‐mutated melanoma, focusing on clinical and laboratory parameters associated with treatment outcome.ResultsData from 174 patients were analysed. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 17.0 months (95% CI; 8–39) and 12.5 months (95% CI; 9–14.2) for immunotherapy and targeted therapy, respectively. The 3‐year PFS rate was 39% for immunotherapy and 25% for targeted therapy. The objective response rate was 72% and 51% for targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The median overall (OS) survival for immunotherapy has not been reached and was 23.6 months (95% CI; 16.1–38.2) for targeted therapy, with a 3‐year survival rate of 63% and 40%, respectively. In a univariate analysis, age < 70 years, a higher number of metastatic sites, elevated serum LDH and a neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio above the cut‐off value were associated with inferior PFS regardless of the therapy received, but only serum LDH level and the presence of lung metastases remained significant predictors of PFS in a multivariate analysis.ConclusionsPresent real‐world data document the high effectiveness of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Although targeted therapy had higher response rates, immunotherapy improved PFS and OS. While the prognostic value of LDH was confirmed, the potential use of blood cell count‐derived parameters to predict outcomes needs further investigation.
Integrating natural compounds and nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems: A novel strategy for enhanced efficacy and selectivity in cancer therapy
Authors: Manzari‐Tavakoli Asma , Babajani Amirhesam , Tavakoli Maryam Manzari , Safaeinejad Fahimeh , Jafari Ameneh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating the development of innovative and more effective treatment strategies. Conventional cancer treatments often suffer from limitations such as systemic toxicity, poor pharmacokinetics, and drug resistance. Recently, there has been growing attention to utilizing natural compounds derived from various sources as possible cancer therapeutics. Natural compounds have demonstrated diverse bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antitumor effects, making them attractive candidates for cancer treatment. However, their limited solubility and bioavailability present challenges for effective delivery to cancer cells. To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems. Nanoparticles, with their small size and unique properties, can encapsulate therapeutic agents and offer benefits such as improved solubility, prolonged drug release, enhanced cellular uptake, and targeted delivery. Functionalizing nanoparticles with specific ligands further enhances their precision in recognizing and binding to cancer cells. Combining natural compounds with nanotechnology holds great promise in achieving efficient and safe cancer treatments by enhancing bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and selectivity toward cancer cells. This review article provides an overview of the advancements in utilizing natural substances and nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. It discusses the benefits and drawbacks of various types of nanoparticles, as well as the characteristics of natural compounds that make them appealing for cancer therapy. Additionally, current research on natural substances and nanoparticles in preclinical and clinical settings is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in developing natural compound‐nanoparticle‐based cancer therapies are discussed.
When the shoe does not fit: The role of perspective‐taking orientation in a perspective‐taking prejudice reduction intervention
Authors: Szekeres Hanna , Lantos Nóra Anna , Faragó Laura , Nyúl Boglárka , Kende Anna 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe tested how individuals' dispositional perspective‐taking impacts the effectiveness of an intergroup perspective‐taking intervention aimed to reduce anti‐Gypsyism in Hungary. For the intervention, we adapted a role‐playing book with a Roma adolescent protagonist (called the ‘Gypsy Maze’). We predicted that the intervention would be more effective in reducing prejudice for stronger perspective‐takers, compared to weaker, for whom it may even be counterproductive, potentially triggering victim blaming. We conducted a pilot field study among high school students and two experiments among university students (N = 982). In Study 1, we found that dispositional perspective‐taking qualified the effect of the intervention. While strong perspective‐takers endorsed less prejudice following the intervention versus control conditions, weak perspective‐takers endorsed more. In Study 2, we aimed to replicate Study 1 and test underlying explanations, however, the intervention was ineffective in reducing prejudice among both weak and strong perspective‐takers. These results draw attention to the limits of perspective‐taking interventions and highlight the importance of both societal‐contextual boundaries and personalizing intergroup interventions. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.