bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beyond the β‐amino alcohols framework: identification of novel β‐hydroxy pyridinium salt‐decorated pterostilbene derivatives as bacterial virulence factor inhibitors
Authors: Qi Pu‐Ying , Zhang Tai‐Hong , Yang Yi‐Ke , Liang Hong , Feng Yu‐Mei , Wang Na , Ding Zheng‐Hao , Xiang Hong‐Mei , Zhou Xiang , Liu Li‐Wei , Jin Lin‐Hong , Li Xiang‐Yang , Yang Song 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDBacterial virulence factors are involved in various biological processes and mediate persistent bacterial infections. Focusing on virulence factors of phytopathogenic bacteria is an attractive strategy and crucial direction in pesticide discovery to prevent invasive and persistent bacterial infection. Hence, discovery and development of novel agrochemicals with high activity, low‐risk, and potent anti‐virulence is urgently needed to control plant bacterial diseases.RESULTSA series of novel β‐hydroxy pyridinium cation decorated pterostilbene derivatives were prepared and their antibacterial activities against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) were systematacially assessed. Among these pterostilbene derivatives, compound 4S exhibited the best antibacterial activity against Xoo in vitro, with an half maximal effective concentration (EC50) value of 0.28 μg mL−1. A series of biochemical assays including scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and analysis of biofilm formation, swimming motility, and related virulence factor gene expression levels demonstrated that compound 4S could function as a new anti‐virulence factor inhibitor by interfering with the bacterial infection process. Furthermore, the pot experiments provided convinced evidence that compound 4S had the high control efficacy (curative activity: 71.4%, protective activity: 72.6%), and could be used to effectively manage rice bacterial leaf blight in vivo.CONCLUSIONCompounds 4S is an attractive virulence factor inhibitor with potential for application in treating plant bacterial diseases by suppressing production of several virulence factors. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Burkholderia ambifaria H8 as an effective biocontrol strain against maize stalk rot via producing volatile dimethyl disulfide
Authors: Chen Xinyu , Liu Jingrong , Chen Amanda Juan , Wang Lin , Jiang Xianzhi , Gong Andong , Liu Wende , Wu Hanxiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundMaize stalk rot (MSR) caused by Fusarium graminearum is the primary factor contributing to the reduction in maize yield and quality. However, this soil‐borne disease presents a significant challenge for sustainable control through field management and chemical agents. The screening of novel biocontrol agents can aid in developing innovative and successful strategies for MSR control.ResultsA total of 407 strains of bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of a resistant maize inbred line. One strain exhibited significant antagonistic activity in plate and pot experiments, and was identified as Burkholderia ambifaria H8. The strain could significantly inhibit the mycelial growth and spore germination of F. graminearum, induce resistance to stalk rot, and promote plant growth. The volatile compounds produced by strain H8 and its secondary metabolites in the sterile fermentation broth exhibited antagonistic activity. The primary volatile compound produced by strain H8 was identified as dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Through in vitro antagonistic activity assays and microscopic observation, it was confirmed that DMDS was capable of inhibiting mycelial growth and disrupting the mycelial structure of F. graminearum, suggesting it may be the major active compound for strain H8. The transcriptome data of F. graminearum further indicated that strain H8 and its volatile compounds could alter pathogenic fungi metabolism, influence the related metabolic pathways, and potentially induce cell apoptosis within F. graminearum.ConclusionOur results showed that B. ambifaria H8 was capable of producing the volatile substance dimethyl disulfide, which influenced the synthesis and permeability of cell membranes in pathogens. Thus, B. ambifaria H8 was found to be a promising biological control agent against MSR. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Current review of faba bean protein fractionation and its value‐added utilization in foods
Authors: Stone Andrea K. , Shi Dai , Marinangeli Christopher P. F. , Carlin Janelle , Nickerson Michael T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFaba beans are widely consumed around the globe especially in the mid‐Eastern region as whole seeds while being an emerging feedstock for protein‐rich ingredients for the food industry. Their higher protein levels compared to other pulses (e.g., pea) make them attractive to ingredient processors for adding value to primary crop production. Protein fractionation occurs through wet or dry processing which results in different techno‐functional properties (solubility, foaming, emulsifying, etc.) depending on the exact fractionation method used. Pre or post fractionation treatments allow for modulation of the properties needed for specific food formulation. Faba bean protein ingredients have been integrated into a range of food applications with success as substitutes for cereal flours in bread and pasta and as animal protein replacements in dairy and meat alternatives. Therefore, this review examines the current state of faba bean processing as value‐added fractionated ingredients, their functionality, flavor, and novel food applications to highlight the important role faba bean protein can play in the food industry.
Enhancing Carrier Transport in 2D/3D Perovskite Heterostructures through Organic Cation Fluorination
Authors: Pang Haoran , Du Shijie , Deng Junpeng , Kong Wei , Zhao Yilun , Zheng Bohong , Ma Lin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe interfacial 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures have attracted extensive attention due to their unique ability to combine the high stability of 2D perovskites with the remarkable efficiency of 3D perovskites. However, the carrier transport mechanism within the 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures remains unclear. In this study, the carrier transport dynamics in 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures through a variety of time‐resolved spectroscopic measurements is systematically investigated. Time‐resolved photoluminescence results reveal nanosecond hole transfer from the 3D to 2D perovskites, with enhanced efficiency through the introduction of fluorine atoms on the phenethylammonium (PEA) cation. Transient absorption measurements unveil the ultrafast picosecond electron and energy transfer from 2D to 3D perovskites. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the positioning of fluorination on the PEA cations effectively regulates the efficiency of charge and energy transfer within the heterostructures. These insightful findings shed light on the underlying carrier transport mechanism and underscore the critical role of cation fluorination in optimizing carrier transport within 2D/3D perovskite heterostructure‐based devices.
RNA modification‐related EIF4G2 is an immunotherapy determinant in osteosarcoma: A single‐cell sequencing analysis
Authors: Qin Haocheng , Yang Shu , Feng Zhennan , Wu Song , Cai Ting , Xie Zijing , Hu Hai 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma are relatively dismal. As immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment for solid tumors, exploring novel immunotherapy‐related therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma is important. In this study, we aimed to establish the connection between RNA modification and immunotherapy in osteosarcoma to identify novel therapeutic targets. An RNA modification‐related signature was first developed using weight gene correlation network analysis and a machine‐learning algorithm, random forest. The signature's prognostic value, drug prediction, and immune characteristics were analyzed. EIF4G2 from the signature was next identified as a critical immunotherapy determinant. EIF4G2 could also promote tumor proliferation, migration, and M2 macrophage migration by single‐cell sequencing analysis and in vitro validation. Our signature and EIF4G2 are expected to provide valuable insights into the clinical management of osteosarcoma.
Magmatic evolution of the Kolumbo submarine volcano and its implication to seafloor massive sulfide formation
Authors: Hector Simon , Patten Clifford G. C. , Beranoaguirre Aratz , Lanari Pierre , Kilias Stephanos , Nomikou Paraskevi , Peillod Alexandre , Eiche Elisabeth , Kolb Jochen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSeafloor massive sulfides form in various marine hydrothermal settings, particularly within volcanic arcs, where magmatic fluids may contribute to the metal budget of the hydrothermal system. In this study, we focus on the Kolumbo volcano, a submarine volcanic edifice in the central Hellenic Volcanic Arc hosting an active hydrothermal system. Diffuse sulfate-sulfide chimneys form a Zn-Pb massive sulfide mineralization with elevated As, Ag, Au, Hg, Sb, and Tl contents. These elements have similar behavior during magmatic degassing and are common in arc-related hydrothermal systems. Trace-element data of igneous magnetite, combined with whole rock geochemistry and numerical modelling, highlights the behavior of chalcophile and siderophile elements during magmatic differentiation. We report that, despite early magmatic sulfide saturation, chalcophile element contents in the magma do not decrease until water saturation and degassing has occurred. The conservation of chalcophile elements in the magma during magmatic differentiation suggests that most of the magmatic sulfides do not fractionate. By contrast, upon degassing, As, Ag, Au, Cu, Hg, Sb, Sn, Pb, and Zn become depleted in the magma, likely partitioning into the volatile phase, either from the melt or during sulfide oxidation by volatiles. After degassing, the residual chalcophile elements in the melt are incorporated into magnetite. Trace-element data of magnetite enables identifying sulfide saturation during magmatic differentiation and discrimination between pre- and post-degassing magnetite. Our study highlights how magmatic degassing contributes to the metal budget in magmatic-hydrothermal systems that form seafloor massive sulfides and shows that igneous magnetite geochemistry is a powerful tool for tracking metal-mobilizing processes during magmatic differentiation.
How to Hide a Clique?
Authors: Feige Uriel , Grinberg Vadim 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the well known planted clique problem, a clique (or alternatively, an independent set) of size k is planted at random in an Erdos-Renyi random G(n, p) graph, and the goal is to design an algorithm that finds the maximum clique (or independent set) in the resulting graph. We introduce a variation on this problem, where instead of planting the clique at random, the clique is planted by an adversary who attempts to make it difficult to find the maximum clique in the resulting graph. We show that for the standard setting of the parameters of the problem, namely, a clique of size $$k = \sqrt{n}$$

k
=

n

planted in a random $$G(n, \frac{1}{2})$$

G
(
n
,

1
2

)

graph, the known polynomial time algorithms can be extended (in a non-trivial way) to work also in the adversarial setting. In contrast, we show that for other natural settings of the parameters, such as planting an independent set of size $$k=\frac{n}{2}$$

k
=

n
2

in a G(n, p) graph with $$p = n^{-\frac{1}{2}}$$

p
=

n

-

1
2

, there is no polynomial time algorithm that finds an independent set of size k, unless NP has randomized polynomial time algorithms.
Revisiting the Distortion of Distributed Voting
Authors: Filos-Ratsikas Aris , Voudouris Alexandros A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe consider a setting with agents that have preferences over alternatives and are partitioned into disjoint districts. The goal is to choose one alternative as the winner using a mechanism which first decides a representative alternative for each district based on a local election with the agents therein as participants, and then chooses one of the district representatives as the winner. Previous work showed bounds on the distortion of a specific class of deterministic plurality-based mechanisms depending on the available information about the preferences of the agents in the districts. In this paper, we first consider the whole class of deterministic mechanisms and show asymptotically tight bounds on their distortion. We then initiate the study of the distortion of randomized mechanisms in distributed voting and show bounds based on several informational assumptions, which in many cases turn out to be tight. Finally, we also experimentally compare the distortion of many different mechanisms of interest using synthetic and real-world data.
Finite semigroups and periodic sums systems in $$\beta \mathbb {N}$$ and their Ramsey theoretic consequences
Authors: Zelenyuk Yevhen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLet $$m,n\ge 2$$

m
,
n
≥
2

and define $$\nu :\omega \rightarrow \{0,\ldots ,m-1\}$$

ν
:
ω
→
{
0
,
…
,
m
-
1
}

by $$\nu (k)\equiv k\pmod {m}$$

ν
(
k
)
≡
k

(
mod

m
)

. We construct some new finite semigroups in $$\beta \mathbb {N}$$

β
N

, in particular, a semigroup generated by m elements of order n with cardinality $$m^n+m^{n-1}+\cdots +m$$

m
n

+

m

n
-
1

+
⋯
+
m

. We also show that, for $$n\ge m$$

n
≥
m

, there is a sequence $$p_0,\ldots ,p_{m-1}$$

p
0

,
…
,

p

m
-
1

in $$\beta \mathbb {N}$$

β
N

such that all sums $$\sum _{j=i}^{i+k}p_{\nu (j)}$$

∑

j
=
i

i
+
k

p

ν
(
j
)

, where $$i\in \{0,\ldots ,m-1\}$$

i
∈
{
0
,
…
,
m
-
1
}

and $$k\in \{0,\ldots ,n-1\}$$

k
∈
{
0
,
…
,
n
-
1
}

, are distinct and $$\sum _{j=i}^{i+n}p_{\nu (j)}=\sum _{j=i}^{i+n-m}p_{\nu (j)}$$

∑

j
=
i

i
+
n

p

ν
(
j
)

=

∑

j
=
i

i
+
n
-
m

p

ν
(
j
)

for each i. As consequences we derive some new Ramsey theoretic results. In particular, we show that, for $$n\ge m$$

n
≥
m

, there is a partition $$\{A_{i,k}:(i,k)\in \{0,\ldots ,m-1\}\times \{0,\ldots ,n-1\}\}$$

{

A

i
,
k

:

(
i
,
k
)

∈

{
0
,
…
,
m
-
1
}

×

{
0
,
…
,
n
-
1
}

}

of $$\mathbb {N}$$
N
such that, whenever for each (i, k), $$\mathscr {B}_{i,k}$$

B

i
,
k

is a finite partition of $$A_{i,k}$$

A

i
,
k

, there exist $$B_{i,k}\in \mathscr {B}_{i,k}$$

B

i
,
k

∈

B

i
,
k

and a sequence $$(x_j)_{j=0}^\infty $$

(

x
j

)

j
=
0

∞

such that for every finite sequence $$j_0<\ldots <j_s$$

j
0

<
…
<

j
s

such that $$j_{t+1}\equiv j_t+1\pmod {m}$$

j

t
+
1

≡

j
t

+
1

(
mod

m
)

for each $$t<s$$

t
<
s

, one has $$x_{j_0}+\cdots +x_{j_s}\in B_{i_0,k_0}$$

x

j
0

+
⋯
+

x

j
s

∈

B

i
0

,

k
0

, where $$i_0=\nu (j_0)$$

i
0

=
ν

(

j
0

)

and $$k_0$$

k
0

is s if $$s\le n-1$$

s
≤
n
-
1

and $$n-m+\nu (s-n)$$

n
-
m
+
ν
(
s
-
n
)

otherwise.
Cell density and extracellular matrix composition mitigate bacterial biofilm sensitivity to UV-C LED irradiation
Authors: Labadie Maritxu , Marchal Frédéric , Merbahi Nofel , Girbal-Neuhauser Elisabeth , Fontagné-Faucher Catherine , Marcato-Romain Claire-Emmanuelle 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes (UV-C LEDs) are an emerging technology for decontamination applications in different sectors. In this study, the inactivation of bacterial biofilms was investigated by applying an UV-C LED emitting at 280 nm and by measuring both the influence of the initial cell density (load) and presence of an extracellular matrix (biofilm). Two bacterial strains exposing diverging matrix structures and biochemical compositions were used: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Leuconostoc citreum. UV-C LED irradiation was applied at three UV doses (171 to 684 mJ/cm2) on both surface-spread cells and on 24-h biofilms and under controlled cell loads, and bacterial survival was determined. All surface-spread bacteria, between 105 and 109 CFU/cm2, and biofilms at 108 CFU/cm2 showed that bacterial response to irradiation was dose-dependent. The treatment efficacy decreased significantly for L. citreum surface-spread cells when the initial cell load was high, while no load effect was observed for P. aeruginosa. Inactivation was also reduced when bacteria were grown under a biofilm form, especially for P. aeruginosa: a protective effect could be attributed to abundant extracellular DNA and proteins in the matrix of P. aeruginosa biofilms, as revealed by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy observations. This study showed that initial cell load and exopolymeric substances are major factors influencing UV-C LED antibiofilm treatment efficacy.

Key points
• Bacterial cell load (CFU/cm2) could impact UV-C LED irradiation efficiency
• Characteristics of the biofilm matrix have a paramount importance on inactivation
• The dose to be applied can be predicted based on biofilm properties

Graphical Abstract
Planar Graphs with the Maximum Number of Induced 4-Cycles or 5-Cycles
Authors: Savery Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFor large n we determine exactly the maximum numbers of induced $$C_4$$

C
4

and $$C_5$$

C
5

subgraphs that a planar graph on n vertices can contain. We show that $$K_{2,n-2}$$

K

2
,
n
-
2

uniquely achieves this maximum in the $$C_4$$

C
4

case, and we identify the graphs which achieve the maximum in the $$C_5$$

C
5

case. This extends work in a paper by Hakimi and Schmeichel and a paper by Ghosh, Győri, Janzer, Paulos, Salia, and Zamora which together determine both maxima asymptotically.
Following prevalence of myopia in a large Swiss military cohort over the last decade: where is the European “myopia boom”?
Authors: Eppenberger Leila Sara , Jaggi Gregor P. , Todorova Margarita G. , Messerli Jürg , Sturm Veit 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Myopia prevalence is increasing globally, with the highest rates found in Asia. Data from European countries is scarce. We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of myopia is rising in our meridians.

Methods
Data from male military conscripts for the recruitment period of 2008–2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Year of recruitment, conscripts’ birth year, visual acuity, refractive status (spherical equivalent), and spectacle wear (yes/no) were available.

Results
The dataset contained data of a total of 355,657 male conscripts, who had been recruited in the years 2008 to 2017. The mean number of conscripts per year was 35,566 (MD = 35,440, SD = 1249), reaching a minimum number of 33,998 conscripts in 2017 and a maximum of 37,594 in 2011. Mean age at recruitment was 19.7 years (MD = 19.0 years, SD = 1.1 years). Overall, the number of conscripts wearing spectacles remained stable over the observation time; on average 29.6% (n = 10,540; MD = 10,472; SD = 492) of conscripts wore glasses at recruitment. Of 21.8% (n = 77,698) of conscripts, data on the refractive status was available: The mean spherical equivalent for both right and left eyes was -2.3D (MD = -2 D, SD = 2.4 D). No decrease in mean spherical equivalent per recruitment year was noted over the observation period. Estimated myopia prevalence reached an average of 27.5% (SD = 0.8%) and did not increase during the observation period.

Conclusion
In summary, no change in spherical equivalent refractive errors of male Swiss army conscripts was found for the years 2008–2017. Equally, the percentage of spectacle wearers (MN = 29.6%) and estimated myopia prevalence (MN = 27.5%) did not significantly increase during the observation time.
Trial registration: BASEC 2019-00060 (18/01/2019)
Rehabilitation of amblyopia using a digital platform for visual training combined with patching in children: a prospective study
Authors: Hernández-Rodríguez Carlos J. , Ferrer-Soldevila Patricia , Artola-Roig Alberto , Piñero David P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the possible benefits of the use of perceptual learning and dichoptic therapy combined with patching in children with amblyopia over the use of only patching.

Methods
Quasi-experimental multicentric study including 52 amblyopic children. Patients who improved their visual acuity (VA) by combining spectacles and patching were included in patching group (PG: 20 subjects), whereas those that did not improved with patching performed visual training (perceptual learning + dichoptic therapy) combined with patching, being assigned to the visual treatment group (VT: 32 subjects). Changes in VA, contrast sensitivity (CS), and stereopsis were monitored during a 6-month follow-up in each group.

Results
Significant improvements in VA were found in both groups at 1 month (p < 0.01). The total improvement of VA was 0.18 ± 0.16 and 0.31 ± 0.35 logMAR in PG and VT groups, respectively (p = 0.317). The Wilcoxon effect size was slightly higher in VT (0.48 vs. 0.54) at 6 months. An enhancement in CS was observed in the amblyopic eye of the VT group for all spatial frequencies at 1 month (p < 0.001). Likewise, the binocular function score also increased significantly in VT group (p = 0.002). A prediction equation of VA improvement at 1 month in VT group was obtained by multiple linear regression analysis (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.747).

Conclusions
A combined treatment of visual training and patching is effective for obtaining a predictable improvement of VA, CS, and binocularity in patching-resistant amblyopic children.
Performance of concrete produced with alkali-activated artificial aggregates
Authors: Bekkeri Gopal Bharamappa , Shetty Kiran K. , Nayak Gopinatha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe excessive use of natural aggregates raises mining activity. Further, it leads to environmental damage, which can be reduced using artificial aggregates produced from waste powdered materials. This study discussed the production process of alkali-activated artificial coarse aggregates and how their use affects the behavior of concrete. The different concrete mixtures were designed by replacing natural aggregates with artificial ones at different percentages. Various tests were conducted to determine concrete’s fresh, hardened, permeability, and microstructural characteristics. The result showed that concrete incorporated with artificial aggregates can achieve higher workability and lower density than natural aggregate concrete. The mechanical strengths were slightly decreased as the percentage addition of artificial aggregates in a mix increased. However, adding up to 50% showed comparable results to natural aggregate concrete. The water permeability and chloride ion penetration were within the standard limits for all the mixes. The scanning electron micrographs showed a solid and compact ITZ between the phases. XRD pattern revealed that the addition of artificial aggregates had not changed the mineralogical composition of the concrete; the formation of hydrated products helps concrete obtain strength. The study concluded that artificial aggregates could effectively replace natural coarse aggregate in producing structural concrete with many advantages.