bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racemization of chiral sulfoxide using an immobilized oxovanadium catalyst
Authors: Nishio Tomoya , Shigemitsu Hajime , Kida Toshiyuki , Akai Shuji , Kanomata Kyohei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Racemization of optically active compounds is an essential process in asymmetric transformations such as dynamic kinetic resolution and deracemization. In this study, the racemization of chiral sulfoxides under mild thermal conditions was realized using a novel silica-gel-supported oxovanadium catalyst. Specifically, we screened reaction conditions, analyzed the substrate scope, and conducted mechanistic studies of the silica-gel-supported oxovanadium-catalyzed racemization of sulfoxides. The racemization reaction has a wide substrate scope, including alkyl aryl sulfoxides and diaryl sulfoxides. The catalyst could be reused by exploiting its heterogeneous nature. Mechanistic studies suggested that racemization proceeds via the formation of a radical cation intermediate mediated by the oxovanadium(V)/(IV) redox cycle.
Orientation and alignment control of LDH-containing composite membranes using magnetic processes and their anion conductivity
Authors: Yamato Masafumi , Shinada Yuki , Ushijima Eizo , Takahashi Kohki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Orientation control of layered double hydroxide (LDH) was attempted using magnetic crystalline anisotropy, and alignment control was explored through magnetic dipole interactions. Under an external magnetic field, Mg–Al LDH and Ni–Al LDH oriented, and the LDH composite membrane prepared in the magnetic field showed enhanced anion conductivity in the direction parallel to the LDH layer plane. In Ni–Al LDH, a connected structure was observed due to magnetic dipole interactions; however, improved anion conductivity was not observed, likely due to improper orientation.
Cationic nickel(II) complexes bearing a phenalenyl-based tridentate ligand
Authors: Kodama Takuya , Noguchi Hikaru , Tsurugi Hayato , Tobisu Mamoru 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Cationic nickel(II) complexes featuring a phenalenyl-based N,N,N-tridentate ligand were synthesized and characterized. Their structural and electronic properties were examined using electronic absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, X-ray diffraction, and theoretical calculations. Additionally, the chemical reduction and photo-induced reactivity of related complexes were investigated.
Verifiable attribute-based multi-keyword ranked search scheme in blockchain
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhao Chunlu , Pan Jin , Liu Yang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In recent years, cloud storage has gradually become a promising tool for providing data sharing and data storage services with privacy protection. However, to enable users to search over encrypted data and to enable data owners to perform fine-grained search authorization on their encrypted files is still a great challenge. Although attribute-based keyword search (ABKS) is a well-received solution to the challenge, the direct adoption of the traditional ABKS schemes in cloud storage suffers two issues. The first problem is the lack of integrity verification of search results. That is, the users cannot verify whether the server has actually performed a search without compromise. The second issue is that the retrieval modes of most ABKS schemes are not flexible enough. Aiming at the above two issues, a verifiable ABKS scheme is proposed herein. Besides, we proposed security definitions for two types of adversaries and proved that the proposed scheme is verifiable and able of resisting outside keyword guessing attack and chosen keyword attack. Finally, we carried out all-round simulations with actual data set, showing that the proposed scheme has advantage in efficiency over other similar schemes.
Vessel re-identification by a hierarchical perceptual aggregation network with inclination-aware attention
Authors: Cao Yuetian , Liu Jin , Yu Zijun , Li Xingye , Wei Lai , Wu Zhongdai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Vessel re-identification (re-ID) is a crucial task in maritime supervision, enhancing maritime safety and improving the maritime situational awareness system. However, distinct from land-based scenarios involving vehicles or pedestrians, vessels, as enormous rigid bodies situated in the dynamic marine environment, face unique challenges such as significant variations in the scale of discriminative features and unpredictable sway. Furthermore, there is a limited number of publicly available datasets for vessel re-ID in complex backgrounds. In this paper, to overcome these challenges, a novel Hierarchical Perceptual Aggregation Network with Inclination-Aware Attention (HPAN-IAA) is proposed. HPAN-IAA comprises two main modules: the Hierarchical Perceptual Aggregation Block (HPAB) and the Inclination-Aware Attention Block (IAAB). Specifically, in HPAB, a hierarchical perceptual function is introduced to decompose visual information of vessels into discriminative features at multiple levels. These feature maps with different levels of detail from diverse network layers are then fused together by concatenation, resulting in a comprehensive feature representation that effectively integrates information across various scales. Conversely, to address the irregular variations and random omissions in discriminative feature distribution caused by unpredictable vessel sway, in IAAB, the Channel Collaborative Attention Module and the Pyramidal Spatial Attention Module are designed to adaptively extract potential discriminative features within each channel and spatial dimension, enhancing model’s ability in effectively extracting and utilizing irregularly changing discriminative features. Moreover, we propose a novel vessel re-ID dataset—VesselReID-2258. Extensive experiments conducted on VesselReID-2258 and the publicly available dataset VesselReID demonstrate that HPAN-IAA outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods,achieving superior performance with mean Average Precision scores of 0.861 and 0.823.
MAPBFT: multilevel adaptive PBFT algorithm based on discourse and reputation models
Authors: Wen Xin , Yang Xiaohui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The traditional practical Byzantine fault tolerance (PBFT) consensus algorithm has limitations due to its failure to consider node credibility and its static structure, leading to reduced adaptability and increased communication overhead, particularly when dealing with Byzantine nodes. To address these issues, we propose a multilevel adaptive practical Byzantine fault tolerance algorithm (MAPBFT) based on PBFT and incorporating adaptive techniques, including a discourse power mechanism. MAPBFT initially uses a reputation model to evaluate node parameters such as past performance, reliability, availability, and response delay, providing predictive insights for the adaptive algorithm. The adaptive algorithm then employs a multi-layer perceptron to predict the reputation scores of nodes. This enables the selection of high-reputation nodes for consensus participation, narrowing the consensus scope, and reducing communication overhead. Finally, discourse power is distributed differentially based on node reputation scores. The consensus advancement criterion is modified to a threshold achieved through accumulated discourse power, focusing the system on high-reputation nodes and enhancing consensus efficiency and resistance against malicious nodes. We conducted experiments to validate MAPBFT’s performance and compared it with PBFT and APBFT. Experimental results demonstrate that MAPBFT enhances throughput, reduces response delay and communication overhead, and improves security, outperforming the other protocols.
Development and Validation of a Scoring System to Predict 2-Year Clinical Remission in Ulcerative Colitis Patients on Vedolizumab
Authors: Chaemsupaphan Thanaboon , Pudipeddi Aviv , Lin Huiyu , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Kariyawasam Viraj , Kermeen Melissa , Leong Rupert W 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Vedolizumab is s gut-selective advanced therapy that is safe and efficacious for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Once patients achieve successful induction, there is a risk of loss of response leading to eventual flare. We aimed to identify these predictive factors and develop a practical scoring system to determine the ongoing efficacy of vedolizumab.

Methods
We performed logistic regression on prospectively recruited UC subjects from the Vedolizumab Immunomodulator Enforced Withdrawal Study (VIEWS). All patients were in corticosteroid-free clinical remission and endoscopic improvement at baseline and continued vedolizumab. Predictive factors of 2-year corticosteroid-free clinical remission were determined and modeled into the VIEWS score, then validated in a real-world UC cohort.

Results
Of 62 patients in the derivation cohort, 48 (77.4%) maintained clinical remission over two years. The predictive factors of remission were female (odds ratio [OR] 6.0, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-29.7), antitumor necrosis factor naive (OR 3.8, 95% CI,1.0-14.0), baseline histological remission (OR 10.8, 95% CI, 2.4-48.4), thiopurine combination (OR 3.6, 95% CI, 0.7-18.0), and fecal calprotectin level ≤250 µg/g (OR 6.3, 95% CI, 0.9-42.2). These factors were incorporated into VIEWS score, yielding an area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81-0.98) in the prediction of 2-year clinical remission. Of 64 UC patients in the validation cohort, 40 (62.5%) remained in clinical remission at 2 years with AUROC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.60-0.94). At the cut-off threshold of 4, the VIEWS score identified 2-year clinical remission with a sensitivity of 88.4% and specificity of 63.6%.

Conclusions
Our study determined predictive factors and proposed a scoring system of ongoing clinical remission in UC patients on maintenance vedolizumab. In patients at high risk of relapse, combination therapy with thiopurine may be beneficial.
What moves farmland markets: decomposing the price surge in eastern Germany
Authors: Hainbach Tim , Hüttel Silke , Werwatz Axel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Farmland prices have been surging worldwide; yet little is known about the particular strong surges in the upper quantiles of price distribution. We investigate by quantile how the composition of the farmland sales and agents’ valuation of land characteristics contribute to these price developments. Using farmland transactions from Brandenburg, Germany, we decompose the price surges between 2008–09 and 2017–18 by combining unconditional quantile regressions with propensity score reweighting. Our results show an increased valuation of land characteristics, e.g. soil quality, and their responsibility for about 25% of the price surges in the upper (&gt;75%) quantiles of price distribution.
What is the value of agrobiodiversity in southern Europe?
Authors: Nicita Lea , Mendelsohn Robert 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study explores how agrobiodiversity at both local and regional scales impacts farmland value across five Mediterranean countries in the EU. Previous literature has primarily addressed on-farm biodiversity and its effects on productivity and risk mitigation, yet the potential externalities of agrobiodiversity across neighboring farms remain underexplored. Using a cross-sectional Ricardian approach, we estimate the effects of agrobiodiversity, measured in terms of both crop richness and evenness, on long-term agricultural productivity. Our findings show significant non-linear relationships and substitution effects between local and regional agrobiodiversity, underscoring the need for regionally tailored biodiversity policies.
Leading-by-example and the voluntary provision of public goods in rural areas: Experimental evidence from China
Authors: Liu Ziming , Wang Zetian , Zhang Jing , Feng Shuyi , Zhu Yuxin , Rommel Jens 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Comparing randomly selected and real-world political leaders, this paper investigates the effect of leading-by-example on voluntary contributions in a linear contribution mechanism public goods game experiment with 550 residents in rural China. This setting provides a unique social structure, shaping people’s responses to leadership. We find that leading-by-example set by political leaders and randomly selected leaders increases participants’ contribution by 1.432 and 1.162 Chinese Yuan, which is an increase of approximately 22 and 18 per cent of average contributions in the control group. The difference in the effects of leading-by-example set by political leaders and randomly selected leaders is small and statistically insignificant. Contributions under the leading-by-example treatments are driven by increased contributions from leaders and mimicking behaviour of followers, although following political leaders is weaker. Our findings highlight the crucial role of leading-by-example and strong village-level institutions in the provision of public goods.
Antibiotic resistant E.coli in waterborne matrices nearby intensive farming: One Health Hub project
Authors: Tesauro M , Bonizzi L , Consonni M , Martino P , Muti P , Petrera F , Sisto F , Soggiu A , Sora V , Zecconi A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The One Health Hub project aims to investigate the presence of antibiotic resistant (AR) E.coli in 5 irrigation channels and 2 private wells, in a northern Italian rural area, characterized by intensive cattle and pig farms. Water sampling occurred seasonally between 2022 and 2023. E.coli was isolated on a chromogenic agar, biochemically identified and analyzed for phenotipic resistance with the VITEK®2 card AST-N380 (Biomerieux), according to EUCAST thresholds. 17 antibiotics were tested: 3 Penicillins, 7 Cephalosporins (1st, 2nd and 3rd gen), 1 Carbapenem, 4 Aminoglycosides, 1 Fluoroquinolone, and 1 Miscellaneous agent. E.coli ranges from 170 to 10.000 CFU/100ml in 33 water samples. Fifty-nine out of 91 (64.8%) strains were sensitive to all antibiotics, while the remaining 32/91 (35.2%) were resistant at least to 1 antibiotic belonging to all classes, except Carbapenems. Major resistance was found towards Penicillins (18%), followed by miscellaneous agents (10%), Cephalosporins (6%), Fluoroquinolone and Aminoglycosides (4%). MDR (≥3antibiotics) was observed in 20/32 (62.5%) strains and ESBL in 9/91 (10%). In all detected rural channels AR E.coli were found, as well as, in the 2 wells. Notably, in these latter, E.coli was both positive for ESBL and resistant to Cephalosporins of 2nd and 3rd generation. This research clearly demonstrates the phenomenon of the spread of AR in the waterborne matrices, even for new antibiotics. The WHO considers AR as a relevant One Health issue, due to the relationship among human, animal and ecosystem domains. The role of water as a vehicle of AR bacteria is evident, assuming the hypothetical pathway of AR bacteria of both human and animal origin contaminating irrigation channels, and thus the vegetables, or when contaminated wells supply water to food-producing animals. Animal effluents are usually distributed in the nearby fields and the runoff of water during rainfall could contaminate irrigation channels also through this way. Funding support provided by the Grandi Sfide di Ateneo 2021.
Key messages
• Water from irrigation channels and wells has a role in the spreading of AR.
• Relative high prevalence of E.coli resistant to antibiotics, comprising 3rd gen Cephalosporins and Fluoroquinolones.
In the 2024 abstract supplement of the EPH Conference “Sailing the Waves of European public health: Exploring a Sea of Innovation” in Lisbon, 12–15 November 2024 (https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/issue/34/Supplement_3), we unfortunately failed to publish one abstract. Please find the abstract below.
A Pact with the Devil: The Madman Theory and Nonaggression Pacts
Authors: Li Yinlong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study explores the onset of nonaggression pacts at the individual level, focusing on how leaders’ perceived madness influences security agreements. While the Madman Theory suggests that perceived madness could be an asset in crisis bargaining, it also signals uncertainty and hostility to other states. Consequently, states seek security assurances through nonaggression pacts to manage the risks posed by such leaders. On the other hand, leaders adopting the Madman strategy may strategically pursue these pacts as signaling devices to alleviate diplomatic isolation and mitigate their overall reputation for madness for strategic purposes. By utilizing McManus’s perception-based measures, my findings indicate that leaders with a strong reputation for madness significantly influence the formation of nonaggression pacts, whereas moderate levels of madness do not have the same effect. The impact of a strong reputation for madness diminishes when states are distant from the mad leader or are protected by more military alliances. This study sheds light on the role of leaders’ reputations in security agreements and extends the scope of the Madman Theory beyond crisis bargaining to broader contexts of security cooperation.
Domestic Groups’ Testimonies at US Foreign Aid Hearings from 1980 to 2020: Findings from a New Dataset
Authors: Cho Esol 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
How has the composition of domestic groups testifying before Congress on foreign aid changed over time? In what ways have the main themes of their speeches changed? At US congressional hearings, numerous external groups have expressed their views and positions on aid issues, with some repeatedly invited to testify to multiple committees across many years. However, there is a lack of data on this representation to show how domestic politics have influenced donor's aid decision-making process. I present new findings on the evolution of the aid topics discussed by witnesses representing NGOs, private enterprises, and research experts based on their combined total of 1,656 testimonies given to 31 committees at 325 relevant hearings from 1980 to 2020. This paper's findings shed light on the various aid demands made by different group types, offering insights into the dynamics of aid discussions in the United States over the past four decades.
Guided paths to understanding: can patient navigation improve health literacy among adults in the Philippines?
Authors: Candelario Cristela Mae C , Castillo Eleanor C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Patient navigation shows promise for improving healthcare access and health information, though its impact on health literacy among underserved populations in developing countries remains underinvestigated. This study evaluated the effectiveness of patient navigation services in improving health literacy in the Philippines. Using a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–posttest design over 2 months, 105 participants were recruited through random sampling from a tertiary hospital. The intervention provided personalized guidance on healthcare access, health information, appointment scheduling, and referrals. Health literacy was assessed across four dimensions (Access, Understand, Appraise, Apply) using a researcher-developed questionnaire. Participant demographics showed a majority aged 18–30 years (68.6%), female (75.2%), single (63.8%), and college/university educated (53.3%). Nearly half (45.7%) had no income, while 31.4% earned below minimum wage. Participants reported using patient navigation to consult a doctor (75.2%) and were made aware of the available services mostly through other family members (28.6%). Follow-up data revealed significant improvements across all health literacy dimensions (P &lt; .001). In the Access dimension, participants who strongly agreed increased from 18% to 35% in knowing where to find information, and from 16% to 34% in having easy access. The Understand dimension showed gains from 20% to 39% for comprehending provider information, and 21% to 38% for understanding risks and benefits. The Appraise dimension improved from 22% to 36% for evaluating accuracy, and 24% to 39% for asking pertinent questions, while the Apply dimension increased from 25% to 35% for making informed decisions, and 23% to 37% for taking health action. These results suggest that patient navigation services can effectively enhance health literacy among Filipino adults, demonstrating the potential of this patient-centered approach in promoting health equity in similar settings.
Characterization of nitrate use efficiency in tea plant (Camellia sinensis) based on leaf chlorate sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Dong Xiaoying , Ni Kang , Ma Lifeng , Long Lizhi , Ruan Jianyun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Nitrate (NO3−), a key form of inorganic nitrogen (N) in soils, is typically lost in tea gardens through leaching. However, NO3− utilization efficiency (NiUE) and its characteristic mechanism in tea plants remain unclear. This study screened contrastive genotypes of NiUE using leaf chlorate sensitivity and explored the potential genes that regulate this process. Fresh branches of ten cultivars were hydroponically cultivated and subjected to potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium chlorate (KClO3) treatments, with the former as the control group. The sensitive cultivar, Zhenong 117 (ZN117), showed a decrease in SPAD and Fv/Fm values following KClO3 treatment, while the tolerant cultivar, Teiguanyin (TGY), exhibited minimal significant changes. After 5 days of cultivation, the 15N concentration and proportion in new shoots of ZN117 were significantly higher than those in TGY. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression of genes responsible for NO3− transport, including the nitrate transporters NRT2.4, NPF4.6, NPF6.1, NPF1.10, and NPF1.11, significantly increased in ZN117 after NO3− supply. Genes involved in NO3− reduction, chlorophyll synthesis, and photosynthesis were progressively induced. Co-expression network analysis indicated that the squamosa promoter binding protein activated the onset of NO3− signaling, while basic helix–loop–helix transcripts were triggered to higher levels during NO3− supply. This study proposes a rapid characterization method of NiUE in woody plants and a speculative molecular regulatory mechanism for the NO3− transfer and remobilization of tea plants. A set of specific genes involved in NO3− transport, reduction, and mobilization were identified and proposed as marker genes for NiUE in tea plants.
Integrated analysis of metabolites and enzyme activities reveals the plasticity of central carbon metabolism in grape (Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) berries under carbon limitation
Authors: Tong Qian , Wang Yongjian , Feil Regina , Lunn John E , Xu Xiaobo , Wang Yi , Hilbert-Masson Ghislaine , Kong Junhua , Chen Jinliang , Delrot Serge , Beauvoit Bertrand , Liang Zhenchang , Gomès Eric , Gibon Yves , Dai Zhanwu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
High temperatures increase the sugar concentration of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries, which can negatively affect the composition and quality of wine, and global climate change is expected to exacerbate this problem. Modifying the source-to-sink ratio of grapevines by selective pruning is a potential strategy to mitigate this. To investigate the effects of low source-to-sink ratio (retaining three leaves per cluster) on carbon metabolism of grape (cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) berries, we conducted an analysis of 42 metabolites, 21 enzyme activities, at nine berry developmental stages，as well as transcriptomes from berries grown under two leaves per cluster. The results revealed that the metabolic pathways were coordinately regulated to maintain homeostasis under low source-to-sink ratio conditions. Because of a delay between metabolites and enzyme activities, the metabolites were loosely correlated with enzyme activities, and a lower density of connectivity between them appeared in low source-to-sink conditions. Otherwise, transcripts of the carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism pathways were enriched by carbon limitation. In summary, this integrated analysis reveals a coordinated regulation of various metabolic pathways that maintains the balance of carbon metabolism and ensures survival in challenging environments, highlighting the high metabolic plasticity of grape berries.