bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biocontrol of almond canker diseases caused by Botryosphaeriaceae fungi
Authors: Romero‐Cuadrado Laura , Picos María Cinta , Camacho María , Ollero Francisco Javier , Capote Nieves 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDBotryosphaeria dieback is a canker disease caused by fungal species of the Botryosphaeriaceae family that threatens almond productivity. The most common control measure to prevent canker development is the application of fungicides which are being phased out by European Union regulations. In the present study, two sets of bacterial strains were evaluated for their antifungal activity against pathogenic Botryosphaeriaceae species through in vitro and in vivo antagonism assays.RESULTSThe rhizospheric bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa AC17 and Bacillus velezensis ACH16, as well as the endophytic bacteria Bacillus mobilis Sol 1–2, respectively inhibited 87, 95, and 63% of the mycelial growth of Neofusicoccum parvum, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Diplodia seriata, and Macrophomina phaseolina. Additionally, they significantly reduced the length of lesions caused by N. parvum and B. dothidea in artificially inoculated detached almond twigs. All these bacterial strains produce hydrolytic enzymes that are able to degrade the fungal cell wall. P. aeruginosa AC17 also produces toxic volatile compounds, such as hydrogen cyanide. This strain was the most effective in controlling Botryosphaeria dieback in planta under controlled conditions at a level similar to the biocontrol agent Trichoderma atroviride and standard chemical fungicide treatments.CONCLUSIONPseudomonas aeruginosa AC17 is the best candidate to be considered as a potential biocontrol agent against Botryosphaeriaceae fungi affecting almond. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Destination choices of international students in the Netherlands: A meso‐level analysis of higher education institutions and cities
Authors: Weber Tijmen , Van Mol Christof , Wolbers Maarten H. J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study quantitatively investigates enrolments of international students using data that contains nearly every student in the Netherlands for the years 2016–2019. Using this data, we are able to perform a meso‐level analysis where we could investigate the characteristics of higher education institutions (HEIs) and cities in international student mobility. This research contributes to the literature by studying variation between HEIs and by focusing on actual enrolments instead of relying on survey results. Such meso‐level studies have thus far been very rare, especially on this scale. Although there are commonalities between types of degrees, we find mixed results for academic and city characteristics, and it appears that academic factors are more important for master students while for bachelor students city characteristics have stronger effects. The effect of having already existing stocks of international students appears to be important for all types of degrees. Aside from differences between bachelor and master students, our findings also suggest that HEIs might directly influence international student flows as this would explain some of our results. Although this study only focuses on the Netherlands, it opens up many avenues for future comparative research on the destination choices of international students and the role of HEIs.
Assessment of CYP3A‐mediated drug interaction via cytokine (IL‐6) elevation for mosunetuzumab using physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ma Fang , Jones Nicholas , Deng Rong , Li Chunze , Li Chi‐Chung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractMosunetuzumab is a CD3/CD20 bispecific antibody. As an on‐target effect, transient elevation of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) occurs in early treatment cycles. A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to assess potential drug interaction caused by IL‐6 enzyme suppression on cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) during mosunetuzumab treatment. The model's performance in predicting IL‐6 CYP3A suppression and subsequent drug–drug interactions (DDIs) was verified using existing clinical data of DDIs caused by chronic and transient IL‐6 elevation. Sensitivity analyses were performed for a complete DDI risk assessment. The IL‐6 concentration‐ and time‐dependent CYP3A suppression during mosunetuzumab treatment was simulated using PBPK model with incorporation of in vitro IL‐6 inhibition data. At clinically approved doses/regimens, the DDI at maximum CYP3A suppression was predicted to be a midazolam maximum drug concentration in plasma (Cmax) and area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve (AUC) ratio of 1.17 and 1.37, respectively. At the 95th percentile of IL‐6 concentration level or when gut CYP3A suppression was considered, the predicted DDI risk for mosunetuzumab remained low (<2‐fold). The PBPK‐based DDI predictions informed the mosunetuzumab product label to monitor, in early cycles, the concentrations and toxicities for sensitive CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic windows.
Learning‐based model predictive control under value iteration with finite approximation errors
Authors: Lin Min , Xia Yuanqing , Sun Zhongqi , Dai Li 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel learning‐based model predictive control (LMPC) scheme for discrete‐time nonlinear systems. It overcomes the challenge of manually designing the terminal conditions for traditional MPC and enhances the control performance. The scheme employs the value iteration (VI) in reinforcement learning (RL), and autonomously designs the terminal cost by iteratively performing value function learning and policy update under known dynamics and constraints. In contrast to the existing schemes that combine RL with MPC, the proposed scheme explicitly considers the approximation errors in each iteration. Further, a rigorous theoretical analysis is provided, including the convergence of VI, the stability and performance of the closed‐loop system. In addition, the influences of the prediction horizon and the initial terminal cost on performance are also investigated. Simulation results of a linear system verify the theoretical properties of the LMPC and show that it achieves (near‐)optimal performance. Moreover, its unique superiority over traditional MPC is fully demonstrated in a nonholonomic vehicle regulation example.
Greener Synthetic Approach for 4,4′‐(Arylmethylene)bis(3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol) Derivatives in an Aqueous Medium using Theophylline as a Catalyst
Authors: Pund Ganesh B. , Dhumal Sambhaji T. , Deshmukh Tejshri R. , Wahul Diksha B. , Mandave Krishna R. , Gaware Sujeet A. , Chavan Santosh S. , Farooqui Mazahar , Dobhal Bhagwansing S. , Hebade Madhav J. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractHerein, we report an efficient, convenient and environmentally benign method for the synthesis of 4,4′‐(arylmethylene)bis(3‐methyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐ol) derivatives. The reaction of aromatic aldehydes with 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐5‐pyrazolone or 5‐methyl‐2,4‐dihydro‐3H‐pyrazol‐3‐one in the presence of theophylline catalyst delivered the series of bis‐pyrazole compounds in very high yields. The method has successfully demonstrated the utility of theophylline as an expedient, eco‐friendly and green catalyst in an aqueous medium.
Study of the Electrochemical Behavior of Concrete‐Coated Steel in 1 M Sulfuric Acid Using an Extract of Diplotaxis simplex L.
Authors: Marouane Saoudi Mohamed , Ben Hjal Amira , Alouani Khaled 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate Diplotaxis simplex (DS) extract as an eco‐friendly corrosion inhibitor in a harsh 1 M H2SO4 solution, focusing on its effectiveness against both general and localized concrete corrosion. Electrochemical methods, including linear polarization, were employed to assess the DS extract‘s corrosion inhibition capabilities. The results demonstrate DS extract's exceptional inhibitory properties, with inhibition efficiency increasing with higher concentrations. This enhanced performance is attributed to the extract‘s phenolic compounds, containing nitrogen and oxygen heteroatoms with π‐electrons. Notably, sinapic acid, a known corrosion inhibitor for steel in acidic environments, was found in DS extract.Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) further validated the findings, showing an 84.22 % inhibition efficiency at a DS extract concentration of 300 ppm. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of the electrode surface confirmed the formation of a protective layer, supporting DS extract's potential as a concrete corrosion inhibitor in aggressive environments.In summary, this study highlights DS extract's potent corrosion inhibition properties, making it a promising candidate for safeguarding concrete structures against corrosion. These findings offer exciting prospects for sustainable corrosion protection strategies in challenging settings.
The Origin of Thermal Gradient‐Induced Voltage in Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Sultana Ayesha , Würger Alois , Khan Ziyauddin , Liao Mingna , Jonsson Magnus P. , Crispin Reverant , Zhao Dan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIonic thermoelectric materials can generate large thermal voltages under temperature gradients while also being low‐cost and environmentally friendly. Many electrolytes with large Seebeck coefficients are reported in recent years, however, the mechanism of the thermal voltage is remained elusive. In this work, three types of polyelectrolytes are studied with different cations and identified a significant contribution to their thermal voltage originating from a concentration gradient. This conclusion is based on studies of the loss and gain of water upon temperature changes, variations in conductivity with water content and temperature, and the voltages induced by changes in water content. The results are analyzed by the “hopping mode” dynamics of charge transport in electrolytes. The hydration of different cations influences the water concentration gradient, which affects the barrier height and ion‐induced potential in the electrodes. This work shows that the hydro‐voltage in ionic thermoelectric devices can be one order of magnitude larger than the contribution from thermodiffusion‐induced potentials, and becomes the main contributor to energy harvesting when implemented into ionic thermoelectric supercapacitors. Together with the rationalized theoretical discussion, this work clarifies the mechanism of thermal voltages in electrolytes and provides a new path for the development of ionic thermoelectric materials.
Quantitative analyses of sennosides A and B in eight ethical bofutsushosan extract products
Authors: Shii Takashi , Iguchi Tomoki , Kuroda Minpei , Shimazaki Tamami , Suzuki Ryuichiro , Mimaki Yoshihiro 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimCurrently, no information regarding the sennosides A and B content is provided on bofutsushosan extract products for ethical use. In this study, sennosides A and B in bofutsushosan extract products from eight different pharmaceutical companies and those in bofutsushosan decoction were quantitatively analyzed. Additionally, since it has been reported that sennoside A is unstable to heat, the relationship between the different decoction times of Rhubarb and the total extracted amounts of sennosides A and B was investigated. Finally, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based metabolomics analysis was performed on Rhubarb extracts to evaluate the variability in the quality of Rhubarb.MethodsSolutions of bofutsushosan extract products, bofutsushosan decoction, and Rhubarb decoction were subjected to solid‐phase extraction, and then were analyzed using HPLC. The five Rhubarb extracts prepared from five different lots were subjected to NMR‐based metabolomics analysis.ResultsThe quantities of sennosides A and B varied among the bofutsushosan extract products, with a maximum interproduct variation of approximately five‐fold. Sennosides A and B were not significantly unstable to heat up to 60 min. The five Rhubarb samples were classified into three independent clusters.ConclusionIt is recommended that the quantities of sennosides A and B in Kampo extract products, including Rhubarb, be described in the package insert. When preparing Rhubarb‐containing Kampo medicines, sennosides A and B decomposition can be ignored for decoction times of up to 60 min. Further studies on the biological activity of secondary metabolites other than sennosides A and B are necessary for Rhubarb quality control.
Novel disulfidptosis‐derived gene blueprint stratifying patients with breast cancer
Authors: Tang Xiaojiang , Ping Baohua , Liu Yang , Zhou Yuhui 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionBreast cancer remains the predominant cancer among females, accounting for about 24.2% of all cancer cases. Alarmingly, it is the primary cause of cancer‐related mortality in women under 45.MethodsThis research analyzed RNA sequencing data from 1082 TCGA‐BRCA and 107 GSE58812 breast cancer patients. Single‐cell RNA data from five patients in the GSE118389 data set were also studied. Using Random forest and COX regression, we developed a prognostic model. Pathway analysis employed GSVA and GO, while immune profiles were assessed via ssGSEA and MCPcounter. Mutation patterns utilized maftools, and drug sensitivity scores were derived from the GDSC database with oncoPredict.ResultsAnalysis of the GSE118389 data set identified three distinct cell types: immune, epithelial, and stromal. P53 and VEGF were notably enriched. Five key genes (TMEM251, ADAMTSL2, CDC123, PSMD1, TLE1) were pinpointed for their prognostic significance. We introduced a disulfidptosis‐associated score as a novel risk factor for breast cancer prognosis. Survival outcomes varied significantly between training and validation sets. Comprehensive immune profiling revealed no difference in activated CD8‐positive T cells between risk groups, but a positive correlation of NK cells, neutrophils, cytotoxic lymphocytes, and monocytic cells with the riskscore was noted. Importantly, a negative association between the drug Nelarabine and riskscore was identified.ConclusionThis research underscores the significance of a disulfidptosis‐associated gene signature in breast cancer prognosis.
By-product Phosphogypsum Valorisation Possibilities in the Context of Circular Economy of Building Materials
Authors: Fornés Ignacio Villalón , Vaiciukyniene Danute , Nizeviciene Dalia , Bajare Diana , Borg Ruben Paul , Bistrickaite Reda 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPhosphogypsum (PG) is the most significant solid waste in the world. However, only 15% of it is recycled, and the rest is stored in useless and environmentally-damaging stockpiles, which are continually growing. Therefore circular economy of PG through its utilisation in useful applications, is relevant and critical from an ecological perspective. In this context, its utilisation in building materials is among the most promising and attractive recycling possibilities, since PG typically exhibits excellent binding properties. However the applicability of PG is often restrained by its radiological risks and economic non-competitivity in comparison to traditional building materials, such as natural gypsum. In some cases, these obstacles refer to cultural prejudices and misinformation rather than real issues. Therefore, through a comprehensive literature review, this article considers the real potential of PG in building materials, providing useful information to interested stakeholders.
Circular Strategies in Lightweight Steel-Framed (LSF) Buildings and the Research Project Tyre4BuildIns
Authors: Santos Paulo , Ungureanu Viorel , Durães Luisa 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAccording to the UN sustainable development goals, energy and waste management are two of the major concerns of humankind, these being related with the search for a more sustainable built environment. Innovative materials (e.g., recycled rubber-aerogel composite thermal insulation) and advanced construction systems, such as Lightweight Steel Framing (LSF), may contribute to a more sustainable built environment, due to their inherent advantages in comparison to traditional ones. Recently, the European Commission adopted the newly updated European Circular Economy Action Plan (ECEAP), which will be implemented not only to waste materials, such as End-of-Life Tyres (ELT), but also to the construction industry and the built environment. In the first part of the paper, the LSF construction system is described, including its suitability for circular strategies, such as modular construction. In the second part, the Tyre4BuildIns research project is described, which was conceived to develop a new eco-friendly and cost-effective thermal insulation material, made from a mixture of recycled tyre rubber (waste) and an advanced high-performance insulation material (aerogel). It was concluded that, compared to traditional construction, the LSF modular construction system can contribute significantly to a more sustainable built environment, being more suitable for the implementation of circular strategies. Furthermore, the Tyre4BuildIns project allowed the development of an eco-friendly high performance thermal insulation composite material based on recycled tyre rubber and aerogel, contributing to enhance the thermal performance of LSF building elements.
$$ \overline{\textrm{D}3} $$-branes and gaugino condensation
Authors: Bena Iosif , Dudaş Emilian , Graña Mariana , Lo Monaco Gabriele , Toulikas Dimitrios 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Anti-D3 branes at the bottom of warped throats, commonly used to uplift the cosmological constant in String-Theory de Sitter proposals, source a plethora of supersymmetry-breaking fluxes, that can interact nontrivially with other ingredients of the flux compactification. In this paper we perform a complex-structure decomposition of these fluxes, and compute the effect of the (0,3) flux component on the stabilization of Kähler moduli via D7-branes gaugino condensation. This allows us to obtain a new constraint on the validity of this stabilization mechanism. This effect does not appear hard to satisfy in de Sitter construction proposals that use long warped throats, but may be problematic in proposals where the warping is small.
Exploring the flavor structure of quarks and leptons with reinforcement learning
Authors: Nishimura Satsuki , Miyao Coh , Otsuka Hajime 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We propose a method to explore the flavor structure of quarks and leptons with reinforcement learning. As a concrete model, we utilize a basic value-based algorithm for models with U(1) flavor symmetry. By training neural networks on the U(1) charges of quarks and leptons, the agent finds 21 models to be consistent with experimentally measured masses and mixing angles of quarks and leptons. In particular, an intrinsic value of normal ordering tends to be larger than that of inverted ordering, and the normal ordering is well fitted with the current experimental data in contrast to the inverted ordering. A specific value of effective mass for the neutrinoless double beta decay and a sizable leptonic CP violation induced by an angular component of flavon field are predicted by autonomous behavior of the agent. Our finding results indicate that the reinforcement learning can be a new method for understanding the flavor structure.
The prediction of acute toxicity (LD50) for organophosphorus-based chemical warfare agents (V-series) using toxicology in silico methods
Authors: Noga Maciej , Michalska Agata , Jurowski Kamil 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNerve agents are organophosphate chemical warfare agents that exert their toxic effects by irreversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, affecting the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. Due to the risk of exposure to dangerous nerve agents and for animal welfare reasons, in silico methods have been used to assess acute toxicity safely. The next-generation risk assessment (NGRA) is a new approach for predicting toxicological parameters that can meet modern requirements for toxicological research. The present study explains the acute toxicity of the examined V-series nerve agents (n = 9) using QSAR models. Toxicity Estimation Software Tool (ver. 4.2.1 and ver. 5.1.2), QSAR Toolbox (ver. 4.6), and ProTox-II browser application were used to predict the median lethal dose. The Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry Specification (SMILES) was the input data source. The results indicate that the most deadly V-agents were VX and VM, followed by structural VX analogues: RVX and CVX. The least toxic turned out to be V-sub x and Substance 100A. In silico methods for predicting various parameters are crucial for filling data gaps ahead of experimental research and preparing for the upcoming use of nerve agents.
Serum IL-17 and TNFα as prognostic biomarkers in systemic sclerosis patients: a prospective study
Authors: Kosałka-Węgiel Joanna , Lichołai Sabina , Pacholczak-Madej Renata , Dziedzina Sylwia , Milewski Mamert , Kuszmiersz Piotr , Korona Anna , Gąsior Jolanta , Matyja-Bednarczyk Aleksandra , Kwiatkowska Helena , Zaręba Lech , Siwiec-Koźlik Andżelika , Koźlik-Siwiec Paweł , Wach Anita , Pociej-Marciak Weronika , Sanak Marek , Musiał Jacek , Bazan-Socha Stanisława , Korkosz Mariusz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRecent reports have demonstrated that endothelial injury is critical in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is associated with increased levels of circulating inflammatory biomarkers. This study aims to analyze the serum concentrations of selected cytokines and evaluate their relationship with SSc clinics and the long-term course of the disease. This study included 43 SSc patients and 24 matched healthy controls. In both groups, we measured serum levels of inflammatory cytokines related to the inflammatory response, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interferon (IFN)γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Additionally, in SSc patients, we evaluated the presence of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the promotor region of the TNFA gene, namely rs361525, rs1800629, rs1799964, and rs1799724, which might be related to increased TNFα concentrations. The main aim consisted of associating inflammatory cytokines with (1) clinical disease characteristics and (2) longitudinal observation of survival and cancer prevalence. SSc patients were characterized by a 17% increase in serum TNFα. There was no other difference in serum cytokines between the studied groups and diffuse vs. limited SSc patients. As expected, evaluated serum cytokines correlated with inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., IL-6 and C-reactive protein). Interestingly, patients with higher IL-17 had decreased left ventricle ejection fraction. During the median 5-year follow-up, we recorded four cases of neoplastic diseases (lung cancer in two cases, squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin, and breast cancer with concomitant multiple myeloma) and nine deaths. The causes of death included lung cancer (n = 2), renal crisis (n = 1), multiple-organ failure (n = 1), and unknown reasons in five cases. Surprisingly, higher TNFα was associated with an increased cancer prevalence, while elevated IL-17 with death risk in the follow-up. Furthermore, the AG rs361525 genotype referred to higher TNFα levels than GG carriers. Both AG rs361525 and CT rs1799964 genotypes were associated with increased cancer risk. Higher serum concentrations of TNFα characterize the SSc patients, with the highest values associated with cancer. On the other hand, increased IL-17 in peripheral blood might predict poor SSc prognosis. Further research is needed to validate these findings.