bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of biodegradable bi‐layer films from thermoplastic starch and poly‐l‐lactic acid
Authors: Parlak Mahmut Ekrem , Uzuner Kubra , Ozdemir Sebahat , Kirac Demirel Fatma Tuba , Dundar Ayse Neslihan , Sahin Oya Irmak , Dagdelen Adnan Fatih , Odabas Halil Ibrahim , Saricaoglu Furkan Turker 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to enhance the oxygen barrier properties of polylactic acid (PLA) film, a biodegradable packaging material with high oxygen permeability (OP). Bi‐layer films were produced by coating thermoplastic starch (TPS) onto PLA films in various ratios while maintaining constant film thickness. The mechanical, optical, barrier, thermal, hydrophobicity, moisture sorption, and microstructural properties of the films were analyzed. Increasing the TPS ratio elevated moisture content (MC), water uptake, solubility, and opacity while enhancing UV barrier properties. TPS coating reduced tensile and burst strength but increased the burst deformation of the bi‐layer films. Bi‐layer film production resulted in a water vapor permeability increase of 59.26%–94.44% compared with neat PLA while decreasing OP by 2.52%–29.66%. The equilibrium moisture content (EMC) rose with higher TPS ratios, displaying type II isotherms. FTIR analysis indicated no chemical interactions between PLA and TPS. Increasing the TPS ratio decreased PLA crystallinity, supporting the mechanical and barrier properties of the bi‐layer films. Neat and bi‐layer films exhibited smooth, homogeneous surfaces, with a visible interface in the cross‐section of the bi‐layer films. In conclusion, TPS shows promise as an alternative to improve oxygen barrier properties in PLA films without adversely affecting other properties.
The role of adaptive resistance in a widespread freshwater mussel species
Authors: dos Santos Rogério C. Lima , Sousa Ronaldo , Lopes‐Lima Manuel , Teixeira Amílcar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Organism features, such as size, weight, sex and age, among others, can influence the success of parasitism. For species that depend on a host to complete their life cycle, such as freshwater mussels (Bivalvia, Unionida), understanding how these traits influence parasitism can help guide management actions aimed at improving their reproductive success, ultimately benefitting their conservation.
In this study, the physiological compatibility between the duck mussel Anodonta anatina and its host fish was investigated in a simultaneous infestation experiment on four (three native and one non‐native) fish species using sympatric and allopatric host strains. The success of glochidia metamorphosis in juvenile mussels was evaluated as a function of host species, strain and fish length.
Successful metamorphosis was achieved in almost all fish species tested and differences were detected between allopatric and sympatric strains, with higher values found in allopatric hosts. Allopatric strains of primary hosts produce more juveniles than marginal hosts and non‐native species. In addition, larger fish have lower rates of metamorphosis.
The results confirm recent findings showing high variation in the metamorphosis success of A. anatina glochidia among different native and non‐native hosts, both in the natural environment and in artificial laboratory infestations. Allopatric hosts were more suitable for encystment, demonstrating potential adaptive immunity, not yet observed in A. anatina. Nevertheless, A. anatina may temporarily exploit the naivety of smaller fish regardless of strain.
Overall, the results suggest that mussel propagation, reproduction and reintroduction efforts should consider the mechanisms that influence adaptive immunity in fish, including differences in compatibility within and between populations of sympatric and allopatric host strains. This situation should be taken into account, as successful metamorphosis is an important factor in the selection of hosts for juvenile development, especially in efforts to propagate endangered mussel species.
Intertidal Soundscapes of Hardened and Living Shorelines: A Case Study of Habitat Enhancement
Authors: Looby Audrey , Reynolds Laura K. , McDonald Ashley M. , Barry Savanna C. , Clark Mark , Martin Charles W. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Organisms, such as fishes and invertebrates and including their larval stages, listen to underwater soundscapes to detect information about nearby habitats. Such soundscapes may be influenced by habitat degradation or enhancement, which can lead to acoustically mediated feedback loops affecting the overall ecosystem.
Despite the importance of underwater sounds on ecological functioning, there have been limited studies documenting soundscapes of intertidal ecosystems and few, if any, of living shoreline soundscapes. Living shorelines would especially benefit from acoustically mediated effects for objectives like encouraging fish and invertebrate settlement.
This case study used a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact design to sample soundscapes and nekton (i.e., fishes and mobile macroinvertebrates) at a living shoreline construction and a nearby hardened shoreline in Cedar Key, FL (USA). Diel soundscape patterns and acoustic attenuation at the two sites were also described a year following the living shoreline construction.
In the acoustic sampling, the high frequency bands of both shorelines were dominated by invertebrate sounds that were influenced by season, site and time of day, while the low frequency band of the living shoreline was often dominated by a loud anthropogenic sound. About a year after the living shoreline installation—despite similar measured acoustic attenuation at both sites—the living shoreline featured louder sound pressure levels compared to the hardened shoreline, which may be particularly beneficial for promoting foundational species and other organism settlement.
These results demonstrate that Gulf of Mexico intertidal habitats may have soundscape differences even within close proximity and that living shorelines may enhance acoustic characteristics in ways beneficial to continued shoreline development. This represents an important step in better understanding the relationships between habitat structures, nekton communities, and their associated soundscapes as well as the application of passive acoustic monitoring to improve coastal management and conservation.
Quantitative Ultrasound Spectroscopy for Screening Cylindrical Lithium‐Ion Batteries for Second‐Life Applications
Authors: Montoya‐Bedoya Simon , Garcia‐Tamayo Esteban , Rohrbach Daniel , Gaviria‐Cardona Juan Pablo , Martinez‐Tejada Hader V. , Planden Brady , Howey David A. , Florez Whady F. , Valencia Raúl A. , Bernal Miguel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDiagnosing lithium‐ion battery degradation is a crucial part of managing energy storage systems. Recent research has explored ultrasonic testing for non‐invasive health assessment as an alternative to traditional, time‐consuming, electrical‐only methods. Assessing the state of health is vital for determining quality at end of ‘first’ life, with retired batteries at 70–80 % health still holding value for secondlife applications. Over the coming years, tens of GWh of salvaged batteries will hit the market, requiring rapid noninvasive methods to classify retired batteries according to their state of health. This study uses a 64 – element ultrasonic array to obtain mid‐band quantitative ultrasound spectroscopy parameters – including mid‐band fit, spectral slope, and intercept – from circumferential waves around cylindrical batteries. Thirteen cylindrical cells were used to evaluate the methodology: three pristine and ten retired from the same source. The mid‐band fit showed the ability to track the state of charge and discriminate between the state of health levels in accelerated degradation experiments both with pristine batteries, and also with recovered secondlife batteries with unknown historical use. Linear‐array ultrasonic transducers, coupled with quantitative spectral parameters, show promise for future non‐destructive battery health screening methods, offering valuable insights for the emerging used battery market.
Racial and socioeconomic disparities in surgical care for post‐prostate cancer treatment complications: A nationwide Medicare‐based analysis
Authors: Adesanya Oluwafolajimi , Rojanasarot Sirikan , McGovern Alysha M. , Burnett Arthur L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the racial and socioeconomic (income) differences in receipt of and time to surgical care for urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED) occurring post‐radical prostatectomy (RP) and/or radiation therapy (RT).Materials and MethodsUtilizing the Medicare Standard Analytical Files (SAF), a retrospective cohort study was performed on data of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCa) from 2015 to 2021. Patients who underwent RP and/or RT and who subsequently developed UI and/or ED were grouped into four cohorts: RP‐ED, RP‐UI, RT‐ED and RT‐UI. County‐level median household income was cross‐referenced with SAF county codes, classified into income quartiles, and used as a proxy for patient income status. The rate of surgical care was compared between groups using two‐sample t‐test and log‐rank test. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine covariate‐adjusted impact of race on time to surgical care.ResultsThe rate of surgical care was 6.8, 3.61 3.07, and 1.54 per 100 person‐years for the RP‐UI, RT‐UI, RP‐ED, and RT‐ED cohorts, respectively. Cox proportional ‘time‐to‐surgical care’ regression analysis revealed that Black men were statistically more likely to receive ED surgical care (RP‐ED AHR:1.79, 95% CI:1.49–2.17; RT‐ED AHR:1.50, 95% CI:1.11–2.01), but less likely to receive UI surgical care (RP‐UI AHR:0.80, 95% CI:0.67–0.96) than White men, in all cohorts except RT‐UI. Surgical care was highest among Q1 (lowest income quartile) patients in all cohorts except RT‐UI.ConclusionsSurgical care for post‐PCa treatment complications is low, and significantly impacted by racial and socioeconomic (income) differences. Prospective studies investigating the basis of these results would be insightful.
Expression of PTGS2 along with genes regulating VEGF signalling pathway and association with high‐risk factors in locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kamal Mehta Vedant , Damerla Rama Rao , Parida Preetiparna , Rao Mahadev , Belle Vijetha Shenoy , Dikhit Punit Singh , Palod Akhil , Gireesh Rinsha , Kumar Naveena AN 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPTGS2 encodes cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which catalyses the committed step in prostaglandin synthesis. Various in vivo and in vitro data suggest that COX‐2 mediates the VEGF signalling pathway. In silico analysis performed in TCGA, PanCancer Atlas for head and neck cancers, demonstrated significant expression and co‐expression of PTGS2 and genes that regulate VEGF signalling. This study was designed to elucidate the expression pattern of PTGS2 and genes regulating VEGF signalling in patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodologyTumour and normal tissue samples were collected from patients with locally advanced OSCC. RNA was isolated from tissue samples, followed by cDNA synthesis. The cDNA was used for gene expression analysis (RT‐PCR) using target‐specific primers. The results obtained were compared with the in silico gene expression of the target genes in the TCGA datasets. Co‐expression analysis was performed to establish an association between PTGS2 and VEGF signalling genes.ResultsTumour and normal tissue samples were collected from 24 OSCC patients. Significant upregulation of PTGS2 expression was observed. Furthermore, VEGFA, KDR, CXCR1 and CXCR2 were significantly upregulated in tumour samples compared with paired normal samples, except for VEGFB, whose expression was not statistically significant. A similar expression pattern was observed in silico, except for CXCR2 which was highly expressed in the normal samples. Co‐expression analysis showed a significant positive correlation between PTGS2 and VEGF signalling genes, except for VEGFB which showed a negative correlation.ConclusionPTGS2 and VEGF signalling genes are upregulated in OSCC, which has a profound impact on clinical outcomes.
Defining and targeting macrophage heterogeneity in the mammary gland and breast cancer
Authors: Elfstrum Alexis K. , Bapat Aditi S. , Schwertfeger Kathryn L. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionMacrophages are innate immune cells that are associated with extensive phenotypic and functional plasticity and contribute to normal development, tissue homeostasis, and diseases such as cancer. In this review, we discuss the heterogeneity of tissue resident macrophages in the normal mammary gland and tumor‐associated macrophages in breast cancer. Tissue resident macrophages are required for mammary gland development, where they have been implicated in promoting extracellular matrix remodeling, apoptotic clearance, and cellular crosstalk. In the context of cancer, tumor‐associated macrophages are key drivers of growth and metastasis via their ability to promote matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immunosuppression.MethodWe identified and summarized studies in Pubmed that describe the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of macrophages and the implications of targeting individual subsets, specifically in the context of mammary gland development and breast cancer. We also identified and summarized recent studies using single‐cell RNA sequencing to identify and describe macrophage subsets in human breast cancer samples.ResultsAdvances in single‐cell RNA sequencing technologies have yielded nuances in macrophage heterogeneity, with numerous macrophage subsets identified in both the normal mammary gland and breast cancer tissue. Macrophage subsets contribute to mammary gland development and breast cancer progression in differing ways, and emerging studies highlight a role for spatial localization in modulating their phenotype and function.ConclusionUnderstanding macrophage heterogeneity and the unique functions of each subset in both normal mammary gland development and breast cancer progression may lead to more promising targets for the treatment of breast cancer.
GC‐MS‐based Metabolomics Unravels Metabolites across Larval Development and Diapause of a Specialist Insect
Authors: Gallon Marília Elias , Silva‐Junior Eduardo Afonso , Gobbo‐Neto Leonardo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPlant‐insect interactions are a driving force into ecosystem evolution and community dynamics. Many insect herbivores enter diapause, a developmental arrest stage in anticipation of adverse conditions, to survive and thrive through seasonal changes. Herein, we investigated the roles of medium‐ to non‐polar metabolites during larval development and diapause in a specialist insect herbivore, Chlosyne lacinia, reared on Aldama robusta leaves. Varying metabolites were determined using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS)‐based metabolomics. Sesquiterpenes and steroids were the main metabolites putatively identified in A. robusta leaves, whereas C. lacinia caterpillars were characterized by triterpenes, steroids, fatty acids, and long‐chain alkanes. We found out that C. lacinia caterpillars biosynthesized most of the identified steroids and fatty acids from plant‐derived ingested metabolites, as well as all triterpenes and long‐chain alkanes. Steroids, fatty acids, and long‐chain alkanes were detected across all C. lacinia instars and in diapausing caterpillars. Sesquiterpenes and triterpenes were also detected across larval development, yet they were not detected in diapausing caterpillars, which suggested that these metabolites were converted to other molecules prior to the diapause stage. Our findings shed light on the chemical content variation across C. lacinia development and diapause, providing insights into the roles of metabolites in plant‐insect interactions.
The role of lncRNA HCG18 in human diseases
Authors: Long Feng , Zhou Xuan , Zhang Jinhua , Di Cuixia , Li Xue , Ye Hailin , Pan Jingyu , Si Jing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA substantial number of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as potent regulators of human disease. Human leukocyte antigen complex group 18 (HCG18) is a new type of lncRNA that has recently been proven to play an important role in the occurrence and development of various diseases. Studies have found that abnormal expression of HCG18 is closely related to the clinicopathological characteristics of many diseases. More importantly, HCG18 was also found to promote disease progression by affecting a series of cell biological processes. This article mainly discusses the expression characteristics, clinical characteristics, biological effects and related regulatory mechanisms of HCG18 in different human diseases, providing a scientific theoretical basis for its early clinical application.
Thermal Elimination of Pyridine from a Uranium Trichloride Precursor
Authors: Erickson Karla A. , Parker Stephen S. , Monreal Marisa J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRenewed interest in advanced nuclear reactors, such as Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs), has spurred studies in actinide halide chemistry and property measurements. Several proposed research‐scale and commercial MSR designs incorporate uranium trichloride (UCl3) fuel. There are relatively few preparations for isolated actinide halides reported in the literature, therefore novel methods for the isolation of pure material are desired. This communication describes the thermal elimination of pyridine (py) from the coordination complex UCl3py2 to yield gram‐scale quantities of UCl3. The purity of the UCl3 product was determined through powder X‐ray Diffractometry (pXRD) and Elemental Analysis (EA).
An ultrasound‐based nomogram for predicting axillary node pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: Modeling and external validation
Authors: Zheng Qijun , Yan Huicui , He Yingjian , Wang Jiwei , Zhang Nan , Huo Ling , Liu Yiqiang , Wang Lize , Xu Ling , Fan Zhaoqing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe staging and treatment of axillary nodes in breast cancer have become a focus of research. For breast cancer patients with fine‐needle aspiration—or core needle biopsy—confirmed positive nodes, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is still a standard treatment. However, some patients achieve an axillary pathologic complete response (pCR) after NAC. In this study, the authors sought to construct a model to predict axillary pCR in patients with positive axillary lymph nodes (cN+) breast cancer.MethodsData from patients with pathologically proven cN+ breast cancer treated with NAC followed by ALND between January 2010 and April 2019 at the Peking University Cancer Hospital were reviewed. Axillary lymph node status was assessed using ultrasonography before and after NAC. The patient cohort was assigned to the construction and internal validation cohorts according to admission time. A nomogram was constructed based on the significant factors associated with axillary pCR. The predictive performance of the model was externally validated using data from Peking University First Hospital.ResultsThis study included 953 and 267 patients from Peking University Cancer Hospital and Peking University First Hospital, respectively. In the construction cohort, 39.7% (238 of 600) of patients achieved axillary pCR after NAC. The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor grade, clinical nodal response, NAC regimen, tumor pCR, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor biologic subtype were significant independent predictors of ypN0 (p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the construction, validation, and independent testing cohorts were 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–0.90), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.79–0.87), and 0.84 (0.79–0.89), respectively.ConclusionsA nomogram was constructed to predict the pCR of axillary lymph nodes after NAC for breast cancer. Validation of both the internal and external cohorts achieved good predictive performance, indicating that the model has preliminary clinical application prospects.
A novel machine learning prediction model for metastasis in breast cancer
Authors: Li Huan , Liu Ren‐Bin , Long Chen‐meng , Teng Yuan , Liu Yu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer (BC) metastasis is the common cause of high mortality. Conventional prognostic criteria cannot accurately predict the BC metastasis risk. The machine learning technologies can overcome the disadvantage of conventional models.AimWe developed a model to predict BC metastasis using the random survival forest (RSF) method.MethodsBased on demographic data and routine clinical data, we used RSF‐recursive feature elimination to identify the predictive variables and developed a model to predict metastasis using RSF method. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Kaplan–Meier survival (KM) analyses were plotted to validate the predictive effect when C‐index was plotted to assess the discrimination and Brier scores was plotted to assess the calibration of the predictive model.ResultsWe developed a metastasis prediction model comprising three variables (pathological stage, aspartate aminotransferase, and neutrophil count) selected by RSF‐recursive feature elimination. The model was reliable and stable when assessed by the AUROC (0.932 in training set and 0.905 in validation set) and KM survival analyses (p < .0001). The C‐indexes (0.959) and Brier score (0.097) also validated the good predictive ability of this model.ConclusionsThis model relies on routine data and examination indicators in real‐time clinical practice and exhibits an accurate prediction performance without increasing the cost for patients. Using this model, clinicians can facilitate risk communication and provide precise and efficient individualized therapy to patients with breast cancer.
Telescoping Synthesis of 4‐Organyl‐5‐(organylselanyl)thiazol‐2‐amines Promoted by Ultrasound
Authors: Hellwig Paola S. , Bartz Ricardo H. , Santos Rafaela R. S. A. , Guedes Jonatan S. , Silva Márcio S. , Lenardão Eder J. , Perin Gelson 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn this work, we describe the synthesis of new 4‐organyl‐5‐(organylselanyl)thiazol‐2‐amine hybrids through a one‐pot two‐step protocol. The transition metal‐free method involves the use of ultrasound as an alternative energy source and Oxone® as oxidant. To obtain the products, a telescoping approach was used, in which 4‐organylthiazol‐2‐amines were firstly prepared under ultrasonic irradiation, followed by the addition of diorganyl diselenides and Oxone®. Thus, 16 compounds were prepared, with yields ranging from 61 % to 98 %, using 2‐bromoacetophenone derivatives and diorganyl diselenides as easily available starting materials.
Drone Imagery Provides Valuable Insight on In‐Season Cover Crop Growth
Authors: Miller Jarrod O. , Shober Amy L. , Taraila Jamie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCover crop management depends on building and estimating biomass amounts, which can vary across field and management settings. This study used multi‐flight drone imagery and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) to map cover crop growth over three different winter seasons and compare it with spring biomass accumulation. Drone imagery can be used to enhance our understanding of winter crop growth, providing additional data to explain the resulting biomass across variable conditions. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.