bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell Free Supernatants of Bifidobacterium: B. adolescentis and B. longum Suppress the Tumor Growth in Colorectal Cancer Organoid Model
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Song Myoung-Hyun , Ji Yo-Sep , Park Ji Won , Shin Young-Kyoung , Kim Soon-Chan , Kim Gihyeon , Cho Beomki , Park Hansoo , Ku Ja-Lok , Jeong Seung-Yong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The gut microbiome and its metabolites are pivotal for regulating host metabolism, inflammation, and immunity. Host genetics, colonization at birth, the host lifestyle, and exposure to diseases and drugs determine microbial composition. Dysbiosis and disruption of homeostasis in the microbiome have been reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the influence of bacteria-secreted metabolites on CRC growth is yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we compared the microbial composition of CRC patients to healthy controls to identify distinct patterns of microbiota-derived metabolites in CRC patients. Metagenomic analysis demonstrated that Blautia producta, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and Bifidobacterium longum decreased, while Parabacteroides distasonis and Bacteroides ovatus were more prevalent in the CRC patient group. Treatment of cancer organoid lines with microbial culture supernatants from Blautia producta, Bifidobacterium adolescentis, and Bifidobacterium longum showed remarkable inhibition of cancer growth. This study demonstrates that the bacterial metabolites depleted in CRC patients may inhibit cancer growth and highlights the effects of microbiome-derived metabolites on CRC growth.
Molecular characteristics and virulence factors of group B Streptococcus in South Korea according to the invasiveness
Authors: Choi Jae Hong , Kim Tae Hyoung , Kim Eui Tae , Kim Young Ree , Lee Hyunju 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes invasive infections in newborns and elderly individuals, but is a noninvasive commensal bacterium in most immunocompetent people. Recently, the incidence of invasive GBS infections has increased worldwide, and there is growing interest in the molecular genetic characteristics of invasive GBS strains. Vaccines against GBS are expected in the near future. Here, we aimed to analyze the molecular characteristics of GBS according to the invasiveness.
Methods:We analyzed GBS isolates collected and stored in two hospitals in South Korea between January 2015 and December 2020. The invasiveness of these isolates was determined via a retrospective review of clinical episodes. Serotype and sequence type (ST) were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multilocus sequence typing, respectively. Fourteen virulence factor-encoding genes of GBS were analyzed using multiplex PCR.
Results: One hundred and twenty GBS isolates from 55 children and 65 adults were analyzed; among them, 41 (34.2%) were invasive infection-related GBS isolates (iGBS). The most frequently detected serotype was III (39/120, 32.5%), and it accounted for a high proportion of iGBS (21/41, 51.2%). The most frequent ST was ST19 (18/120, 15.0%), followed by ST2 (17/120, 14.2%). Serotype III/ST17 was predominant in iGBS (12/41, 29.3%), and all 17 ST2 strains were noninvasive. The distribution of most of the investigated virulence factors was not significantly related to invasiveness; noteworthily, most of the serotype III/ST17 iGBS carried pilus island (PI) 2b (10/12, 83.3%), and the prevalence of fbsB was significantly low compared with noninvasive GBS isolates (P = 0.004). Characteristically, the combination of bca(+)-cspA(+)-pavA(+)-fbsB(-)-rib(+)-bac(-) was predominant in iGBS (24.4%, 10/41).
Conclusions: Serotype III/ST17 GBS carrying PI-2b was frequently detected in iGBS. There was no significant association between invasiveness and the pattern of virulence factors; however, a specific combination of virulence factors was predominant in iGBS.
Inferencing the vector competence of Aedes mosquitoes incorporating environmental impact on dengue infection risk
Authors: Chathurangika Piyumi , Premadasa Lakmini , Perera S.S.N. , De Silva Kushani 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: For decades, dengue has posed a significant threat as a viral infectious disease, affecting numerous lives, yet no cure has been discovered. Genetic traits are often challenging to quantify and particularly susceptible to environmental fluctuations. Assessing genetic traits such as the vector competence of Aedes mosquitoes, which enable transmitting dengue among humans, presents obstacles and is notably sensitive to climate variations, especially considering their probability to flourish in tropical regions of the world.
Methods: In this study, we attempt, for the first time in a non-laboratory setting, to quantify the vector competence of Aedes mosquitoes using an existing mathematical model, originally developed for malaria, in a Bayesian inferencing setup. We conducted this study in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka where the highest number of populations are threatened with dengue.
Results: Our research successfully deduced vector competence values for each identified season within a year. These estimated values have been corroborated through experimental studies documented in the literature, thereby validating the malaria model for dengue disease.
Conclusion: Our research findings conclude that environmental conditions can amplify vector competence within specific seasons, categorized by their environmental attributes. Additionally, the deduced vector competence offers compelling evidence that it impacts disease
The (in)congruence effects of organizational green compensation and employee green conscientiousness on pro-environmental behavior: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Haiyan , Sun Shuwei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
In past decades, the Chinese government has enacted a series of ecological policies to encourage organizations, the pivotal institutional agents implementing national policies, and employees, the ultimate crucial micro-actors engaging in ecological construction, to bring about employee pro-environmental behavior (EPEB) which is the foundation to realize nation’s ecological strategies. Yet, the effectiveness of a widely-adopted organizational-level green management practice “organizational green compensation” (OGC) and a typical individual-level green personality trait “employee green conscientiousness” (EGC) have been explored alone, ignoring various OGC-EGC combinations and failing to clarify potential influences of OGC-EGC (in)congruence on EPEB. This research endeavours to address this limitation.
Methods
Two studies were conducted. Study 1 surveyed EGC, OGC, and EPEB among 778 subordinate-supervisor dyads and sought to test two single effects and three sets of comparisons between and within congruence and incongruence effects using polynomial regression and response surface analysis. Study 2 measured EGC, employee environmental commitment (EEC), and EPEB by 713 sample employees and OGC by their direct supervisors and attempted to verify EEC’s mediating role employing the block variable approach.
Results
Study 1 (N = 778) found that 1) when being implemented individually, OGC and EGC both positively promote EPEB (ß=0.39, p < 0.001; ß=0.24, p < 0.001), 2) when being performed simultaneously, OGC-EGC congruence is associated with higher EPEB compared to that corresponding to OGC-EGC incongruence (p11 = 3.77 with 95% CI [0.71, 23.04] including 1, p10=-0.65 with 95% CI [− 25.80, 0.42] including 0, [α3 − α4 + α5] = − 0.24 with 95% CI [− 0.41, − 0.07] excluding 0), EPEB level is higher when OGC-EGC congruence is at a high rather than low level ([α1 + α2] = 0.51 with 95% CI [0.39, 0.62] excluding 0), and EPEB level under high-low combination of OGC and EGC is lower than that under low-high combination ([α1-α2] = − 0.20 with 95% CI [− 0.38, − 0.02] excluding 0). Study 2 (N = 713) further confirmed that EEC plays a mediating role during the OGC-EGC-EPEB relationship (indirect effect = 0.14 with 95% CI [0.08, 0.20] excluding 0).
Conclusion
Through two studies, we offer Chinese evidence to support hypotheses regarding OGC-EGC (in)congruence effects on EPEB and the mediating role of EEC, providng theoretical and practical implications for the optimization of OGC-EGC combinations to strengthen EPEB.
A Systematic Review of Graphical PasswordMethods Resistant to Shoulder-surfing Attacks
Authors: Binbeshr Farid , Siong Khaw Chee , Por Lip Yee , Imam Muhammad , Al-Saggaf Alawi A. , Abudaqa Anas A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Graphical passwords have emerged as an alternative to traditionalalphanumeric passwords, offering potentially better memorability. However,they are often vulnerable to shoulder-surfing attacks, where attackers observeusers entering their credentials. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) addresses this critical gap by comprehensively analyzing existing graphical password methods resistant to shoulder-surfing attacks. A review protocol wasdeveloped to systematically search, conduct, and report the SLR. Two authors searched six databases and extracted the data from 183 articles. The review sheds light on effective graphical password methods resistant to shouldersurfing attacks, evaluation methods used to evaluate these methods, and challenges hindering the adoption of graphical passwords as the mainstream authentication method. By synthesizing existing research, this SLR serves as a guide for future investigations and contributes to the development of more secure authentication methods.
Childhood Traumas and Personality Traits' Impact on Rhinoplasty Decision
Authors: Yılmaz Yavuz , Aksoy Ahmet , Altuntaş Emine Elif 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Aesthetic surgeries, especially rhinoplasty, are increasingly common today and are closely linked to an individual's psychological health. Patients seeking rhinoplasty tend to be more anxious and have experienced more negative childhood experiences. However, the impact of personality traits and adverse childhood experiences on the decision to undergo rhinoplasty is not well understood.
Methods
The study involved 256 individuals: 106 who had undergone rhinoplasty, 46 considering it, and 104 not considering it. Participants completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised Short Form and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.
Results
Neuroticism increased the likelihood of undergoing rhinoplasty by 16.3%, rising to 29.3% if a family member had the surgery. Psychoticism increased the likelihood by 15.4%, reaching 19.1% if no family member had rhinoplasty. Extraversion increased the likelihood by 24.4%, reaching 30.9% with a family history. Emotional abuse, mediated by neuroticism, increased the likelihood of rhinoplasty by 5.4%, reaching 17.7% with a family history. Physical neglect increased the likelihood by 17.9%, rising to 22% without a family history.
Conclusions
Personality traits and childhood traumas influence the decision to undergo rhinoplasty. These findings provide important insights for future research.
Investigating Perimidine Precursors for the Synthesis of New Multiredox Polymers
Authors: Janasik Patryk , Chulkin Pavel , Czichy Malgorzata , Lapkowski Mieczyslaw 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We present a new simple approach for electrochemical synthesis of semi-condensed ambipolar perinone polymers with phthaloperine (p1) or phenanthroline (p2) skeleton from available and cheap perimidine precursors. Polymerization of perimidine derivatives varies in efficiency depending on the monomer, but overall is highly efficient, especially when electropolymerization is used. Electrooxidation is well controllable and provides a certain characteristic share of new bonds in the structure of perimidine polymers: semi-ladder bis-perimidine unit, ladder bis-perimidine unit, and protonated bis-perimidine unit. Polymer p2 obtained with higher efficiency was put through broader analysis (UV-Vis, IR, ESR and quantum-chemical calculations). As indicated, donor-acceptor structure and specific intermolecular interactions of p2 assure its electrical conductivity and complex redox activity. Although protonated bonds break π-conjugation in the structure of the macromolecule, there is also a diradical state that favors intermolecular interactions and intermolecular π-conjugation channels within bis-perimidine segments. It has been proven that there is a diradical state which appears as an intermediate state between the oxidized and reduced states of the protonated polymer unit. This work positions perimidine polymers as a versatile ambipolar multiredox p- and n-type conductor, indicating a potential for expanding perinone-based perylene-diperimidine polymers for innovative electronics and (bio)sensors.
Floristic Composition and Temporal Dynamics of Palm Oil Agroforests in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: BARROS Priscila Castro , Costa Alessa Nayhara , GOMES Mila Façanha , CASTELLANI Debora Cristina , KATO Osvaldo Ryohei , VASCONCELOS Steel Silva 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a crop of high relevance in the global economy. In the eastern Amazon, a region with potential for the expansion of this crop, the initiative to plant oil palm together with other regional species of commercial interest, forming agroforestry systems (AFS), is considered ecologically, economically, and socially promising. We evaluated the floristic and structural dynamics of oil palm AFSs in the eastern Amazon, Brazil. We analyzed the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H'), the Importance Value Index (IVI), the Current Annual Increment (CAI), and mortality in six AFSs, between 2016 and 2018. Fabaceae, Arecaceae, Meliaceae, Anacardiaceae, and Malvaceae were the main botanical families occurring in the AFSs. The H' index ranged from 0.88 to 2.08. Elaeis guineensis, Theobroma cacao Linn., and Gliricidia sepium Jacq showed the highest IVIs. In total, 38.46% of the species were wood trees, 38.46% were fruit trees, 7.69% were species planted for green manure purposes, and 15.38% were multiple-use species. Mortality in all AFSs was low (< 6%). The largest diameter increments occurred in the 2016–2017 period. Between 2017 and 2018, E. guineensis, Euterpe oleraceae Mart., and T. cacao showed low diameter increments. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) caused a long dry spell in the Amazon between 2015 and 2016. Our results suggest that this event slowed down tree growth. The AFSs with greater floristic diversity showed higher diameter increment after the ENSO, which may indicate greater resilience of these systems to climatic events compared to the AFSs with lower floristic diversity.
Engineering a GPCR-based yeast biosensor for a highly sensitive melatonin detection from fermented beverages
Authors: Bisquert Ricardo , Guillén Alba , Muñiz-Calvo Sara , Guillamón José M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Melatonin is a multifunctional molecule with diverse biological roles that holds great value as a health-promoting bioactive molecule in any food product and yeast’s ability to produce it has been extensively demonstrated in the last decade. However, its quantification presents costly analytical challenges due to the usual low concentrations found as the result of yeast metabolism. We tackled this issue by optimizing a yeast GPCR-based biosensor for melatonin detection and quantitation. Through strategic genetic modifications, we significantly enhanced its sensitivity and signal output, making it suitable for detection of yeast-produced melatonin and enabling the screening of 101 yeast strains and the detection of melatonin in diverse wine samples. Our biosensor’s efficacy in quantifying melatonin in yeast growth media underscores its utility in exploring melatonin production dynamics and potential applications in functional food development. This study provides a new analytical approach that allows a rapid and cost-effective melatonin analysis to reach deeper insights into the bioactivity of melatonin in fermented products and its implications for human health and it also highlights the broader implications of biosensor technology in streamlining analytical processes in fermentation science.
Assessing the Impact of Advanced Energy-Efficient Technologies on Sustainability in the Nigerian Construction Sector
Authors: Unegbu H. C. O. , Yawas D. S. , Dan-asabe B. , Alabi bdulmumin .A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates the impact of advanced energy-efficient technologies on sustainability in the Nigerian construction sector, with an emphasis on their influence on energy consumption, cost reduction, environmental benefits, and social impacts. Employing a quantitative research approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed among 150 construction professionals across Nigeria, achieving an 82% response rate. The analysis included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and regression analysis to assess the perceptions and impacts of energy-efficient technologies based on different professional roles within the construction industry. Findings indicated that energy-efficient technologies substantially reduce energy consumption and operational costs, with most respondents reporting significant savings. Environmental impacts were also positively noted, with substantial reductions in carbon emissions aligning with global sustainability objectives. However, the study identified a less pronounced recognition of the social benefits of these technologies, suggesting a potential area for increased advocacy and education. Significant differences in perceptions across job roles highlighted the need for role-specific educational programs to harmonize understanding and implementation practices. Advanced energy-efficient technologies are crucial for enhancing sustainability in the Nigerian construction sector. The study underscores the need for comprehensive educational and policy initiatives to fully leverage these technologies for economic, environmental, and social benefits
Integrated time-course transcriptome and sphingolipidomics revealed that saturated ceramide accelerated seed germination in soybean
Authors: Liu Fei , Zhang Jialing , Qiao Zhiqing , Gao Yinghui , Tan Pinting , Liu Ning , Hu Mingyu , Zhang Jian , Yi Zelin , Luo Ming , Xu Fan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important oil and fodder crop worldwide. High and uniform seed germination is crucial for soybean yield. Sphingolipid is one of the major components of membrane lipid raft, which has crucial roles in plant growth and stress responses. However, Knowledge regarding the functions of sphingolipid in seed germination is elusive.
Results
Through chemicobiological methods, we found that exogenous application of C24 phytoceramide t18:0/24:0 could accelerate seed germination in soybean. In order to explore the functions of sphingolipid in soybean seed germination, we performed integrated time-course transcriptome and sphingolipidomics with germinated soybean seeds. We identified two modules of gene set that were positively or negatively associated with seed germination by time-course transcriptome analysis, and the expression of these genes were gradually up- or down- regulated during seed germination, respectively. Among which, many genes involved in sphingolipid biosynthesis were down-regulated during seed germination, especially, the LCB Δ8 desaturases attracted our attentions. Moreover, our time-course sphingolipidomics results indicated that the amounts of ceramide d18:0/16:0, ceramide d18:0/22:0, and phytoceramide t18:0/24:0 were elevated during seed germination, suggesting that saturated ceramides is positive related to seed germination in soybean.
Conclusion
Through time-course transcriptome analysis, we identified two set genes that related to soybean seed germination. Moreover, consider with time-course sphingolipidomics and chemicobiological assays, we demonstrated that saturated simple ceramides have positive roles in soybean seed germination.
In-situ Iron Modified Mesoporous Silica MCM-48 for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Kalita Arnab , Kashyap Trishanku , Saikia Pranjal , Talukdar Anup Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Electrochemical energy technologies stand as the beacon of a sustainable future, poised to redefine energy generation, storage and utilization with unparalleled efficiency and environmental stewardship. In this study, Fe was integrated into the MCM-48 framework to create a modified mesoporous structure to be used as electrodes for electrochemical storage applications. The materials were thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including XRD, XPS, UV-Vis (DRS), FT-IR, N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, SEM with EDX, TEM and TGA. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanometric charge-discharge studies revealed that the Fe-MCM-48 sample with Si:Fe molar ratio of 20 (Fe-MCM-48 (20)) exhibited pseudocapacitive behaviour, showcasing higher capacitance value of up to 787 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g−1. The findings undeniably indicate that Fe-MCM-48 (20) holds promise as a highly effective electrode material for advancing energy storage technologies.
Using unmanned aerial systems for observations of water wave characteristics
Authors: Bheeroo Vivek , Bae Soo Bum , Lee Mu-Jung , Socolofsky Scott A. , Chang Kuang-An 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Dominant wave groups within a wavefield play key hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes. Herein, we present a method to detect and measure the parameters of these waves, such as their wavelength, propagation angle and period. Image sequences of the free surface are captured with the use of a commercial unmanned aerial system. A snapshot Proper Orthogonal Decomposition analysis is then applied to the image sequence, and a 2D autocorrelation is performed on the resulting modes. By detecting the mode with the highest correlation peak, it is then possible to infer the wave properties of the dominant wave. The outlined procedure is applied to ocean waves, shorter waves along a river and propagating ship wakes. Our results demonstrate an improvement in the Signal-to-Noise ratio of the peak wave signal to ambient noise over the more widely used Fast Fourier Transform approach.
How do High-Quality Higher Education Opportunities Affect Couples’ Fertility Decisions？
Authors: Hu Taowen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In China, there are significant and enduring inter-provincial disparities in access to high-quality higher education, particularly in regards to admission to elite universities. The estimation results of this paper show that high-quality higher education opportunities significantly increase couples’ likelihood of having children. This effect is limited to the 985-Project university admission opportunities, while the 211-Project university admission opportunities do not have a significant effect on couples’ fertility rate increase. Compared to couples with a low chance of their child’s admission to a 985-Project university, those with a high chance are 4.2% more likely to have children. Unequal educational opportunities can lead to weaker inter-generational income mobility and lower returns to fertility for couples, which in turn suppress fertility. JEL: J13; I21; I28