bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Road damage detection and classification using deep neural networks
Authors: Jiang Yiwen 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn addressing the challenges of enhancing road damage detection efficiency and accuracy, this paper introduces an optimized YOLOv8 model suitable for embedded systems. The model significantly enhances precision, recall, and mean Average Precision (mAP), achieving 65.7% mAP on the RDD2022 dataset, thereby surpassing models such as Faster R-CNN and SSD. This advancement is attributed to the integration of a Deformable Attention Transformer, a GSConv-powered slim-neck module, and the MPDIoU loss function. These innovations not only contribute to the model's high performance but also set a new benchmark in road damage detection technology, thereby paving the way for future enhancements in the field.
Sustainable environmental design: evaluating the integration of sustainable knowledge in Saudi Arabian architectural programs
Authors: Aloshan Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBy aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with the UN's SDGs, this study highlights the significant role of integrating sustainable environmental design knowledge into architectural education in Saudi Arabia. Viewing this integration as a moral obligation, it emphasizes equipping future architects with the skills to create environmentally responsible and resource-efficient buildings, fostering a sustainable and resilient built environment. This paper aims to examine the degree of integration of sustainability knowledge and assess the structural models incorporated into the architectural programs of six Saudi Arabian universities. Adopting a quantitative approach with qualitative insights, this research focuses on universities certified by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or accredited by recognized national and international bodies. This study is limited to the meso-level (curricular management) and includes structural models, course descriptions, learning outcomes, course sequences, and alignment with program visions and missions. A comprehensive review was conducted on all courses related to sustainability, collecting data from program websites. The main variables analyzed included sustainable environmental knowledge, total contact hours dedicated to sustainability courses, distribution across various course types, and patterns over a 5-year period. The units of analysis encompass program plans, vision and mission statements, learning outcomes, course syllabi, and descriptions. The findings reveal significant disparities in sustainability emphasis among programs, with Imam Abdul Rahman Al-Faisal University dedicating 42% of contact hours to sustainability, compared to 25 to 11% at other universities. This study highlights the need for integrating sustainability across design studio levels to provide students with practical skills across disciplines. Most programs use a “linear/parallel” or “partially integrated” model, requiring sustainability principles in graduation projects. However, elective sustainability courses are unpopular and do not adequately address curriculum gaps. This study highlights the necessity of further investigating the effectiveness of incorporating sustainability knowledge in architectural programs. Exploring specific areas for future research to enhance the integration of sustainability in architectural education is also recommended.
Reasonable Bail or Bail at All Costs? Defence Counsel Perspectives on a Coercive Environment
Authors: Nixon Jenaya , Yule Carolyn , Baker Dennis 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBail decisions are largely shaped by private, out-of-court negotiations between Crown attorneys and defence lawyers. While accused persons rely on the professional expertise of defence lawyers to navigate bail negotiations and secure them the best possible outcome, much remains unknown about how lawyers prepare for and negotiate bail. This study examines the process of bail preparations and negotiations from the defence’s perspective based on data from 18 semi-structured interviews with defence lawyers. The findings show that, while defence lawyers argue for reasonable bail terms, their ultimate goal is to obtain a release for their client. Defence lawyers also prioritize collecting and strategically using information about the case and the Crowns and justices with whom they work. They often adopt a risk-averse and cooperative approach with Crowns to avoid delaying or preventing their client’s release, even if that means agreeing to additional conditions. Our findings inform efforts to reform bail processes.
Lower Bound on Preserved Flood Duration in Fluvial Bedform Stratigraphy
Authors: Mahon Robert C. , Ganti Vamsi , Kelley Madeline M. , Das Debsmita , Sanchez Victoria , Portocarrero Giancarlo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRiver bedforms and their deposits—fluvial cross strata— respond to floods. However, it is unclear if all floods are equally represented in cross strata. Here, using a series of physical experiments in which bedforms were subjected to equivalent flood magnitudes over varying durations, we demonstrate the existence of a lower bound on flood durations that are represented in cross strata. We show that the scour depths and preserved set thickness are indistinguishable from baseflow conditions when the rising‐limb duration of floods is shorter than the baseflow‐equilibrated bedform turnover timescale—time required to displace the volume of a single bedform at baseflow conditions. In contrast, scour depth and preserved set thickness distributions deviate from baseflow conditions when flood rising‐limb duration exceeds the baseflow‐equilibrated bedform turnover timescale, causing preferential preservation of falling‐limb bedform dynamics. Our work provides a previously unrecognized quantitative bound on flood durations that are represented in fluvial cross strata.
Three‐Stage India‐Asia Collision Proposed by the Thrice Remagnetizations of the Tethyan Himalaya Terrane
Authors: Tong Yabo , Pei Junling , Qian Tao , Sun Shengsi , Hou Lifu , Sun Xinxin , Zhang Zijian , Yang Bin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCrustal deformation and hydrothermal percolation related to the India‐Asia collision have caused extensive remagnetization of the Tethyan Himalaya Terrane (THT). The present work identified three phases of regional remagnetization during 62.3–50.0 Ma for the east‐central THT. Consequently, a model of three‐stage India‐Asia collision was proposed. The east‐central THT first collided with the southward migrated southern margin of the Lhasa Terrane (LT) at 5.4 ± 0.9°N during 62.3–60.9 Ma. Subsequently, the THT continuously moved northward and pushed the southern margin of the LT back to its original position prior to the initiation of fore‐arc and back‐arc extension on both sides of the Gangdese magmatic arc. Since the final suturing of the THT with Asia at ∼10°N during 59.8–58.0 Ma, the east‐central THT remained stationary until India collided with it at 10.9 ± 5.1°N at ∼50.0 Ma.
Cholesterol imbalance and neurotransmission defects in neurodegeneration
Authors: Shin Kyung Chul , Ali Moussa Houda Yasmine , Park Yongsoo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe brain contains the highest concentration of cholesterol in the human body, which emphasizes the importance of cholesterol in brain physiology. Cholesterol is involved in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, and age-related reductions in cholesterol levels can lead to synaptic loss and impaired synaptic plasticity, which potentially contribute to neurodegeneration. The maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis in the neuronal plasma membrane is essential for normal brain function, and imbalances in cholesterol distribution are associated with various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease. This review aims to explore the molecular and pathological mechanisms by which cholesterol imbalance can lead to neurotransmission defects and neurodegeneration, focusing on four key mechanisms: (1) synaptic dysfunction, (2) alterations in membrane structure and protein clustering, (3) oligomers of amyloid beta (Aβ) protein, and (4) α-synuclein aggregation.
The potential role of gut microbiota-derived metabolites as regulators of metabolic syndrome-associated mitochondrial and endolysosomal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Jung Young Hyun , Chae Chang Woo , Han Ho Jae 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAlthough the role of gut microbiota (GMB)-derived metabolites in mitochondrial and endolysosomal dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) under metabolic syndrome remains unclear, deciphering these host–metabolite interactions represents a major public health challenge. Dysfunction of mitochondria and endolysosomal networks (ELNs) plays a crucial role in metabolic syndrome and can exacerbate AD progression, highlighting the need to study their reciprocal regulation for a better understanding of how AD is linked to metabolic syndrome. Concurrently, metabolic disorders are associated with alterations in the composition of the GMB. Recent evidence suggests that changes in the composition of the GMB and its metabolites may be involved in AD pathology. This review highlights the mechanisms of metabolic syndrome-mediated AD development, focusing on the interconnected roles of mitochondrial dysfunction, ELN abnormalities, and changes in the GMB and its metabolites. We also discuss the pathophysiological role of GMB-derived metabolites, including amino acids, fatty acids, other metabolites, and extracellular vesicles, in mediating their effects on mitochondrial and ELN dysfunction. Finally, this review proposes therapeutic strategies for AD by directly modulating mitochondrial and ELN functions through targeting GMB metabolites under metabolic syndrome.
Low-level brain somatic mutations in exonic regions are collectively implicated in autism with germline mutations in autism risk genes
Authors: Kim Il Bin , Kim Myeong-Heui , Jung Saehoon , Kim Woo Kyeong , Lee Junehawk , Ju Young Seok , Webster Maree J. , Kim Sanghyeon , Kim Ja Hye , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Junho , Kim Sangwoo , Lee Jeong Ho 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLow-level somatic mutations in the human brain are implicated in various neurological disorders. The contribution of low-level brain somatic mutations to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), however, remains poorly understood. Here, we performed high-depth exome sequencing with an average read depth of 559.3x in 181 cortical, cerebellar, and peripheral tissue samples to identify brain somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in 24 ASD subjects and 31 controls. We detected ~2.4 brain somatic SNVs per exome per single brain region, with a variant allele frequency (VAF) as low as 0.3%. The mutational profiles, including the number, signature, and type, were not significantly different between the ASD patients and controls. Intriguingly, when considering genes with low-level brain somatic SNVs and ASD risk genes with damaging germline SNVs together, the merged set of genes carrying either somatic or germline SNVs in ASD patients was significantly involved in ASD-associated pathophysiology, including dendrite spine morphogenesis (p = 0.025), mental retardation (p = 0.012), and intrauterine growth retardation (p = 0.012). Additionally, the merged gene set showed ASD-associated spatiotemporal expression in the early and mid-fetal cortex, striatum, and thalamus (all p < 0.05). Patients with damaging mutations in the merged gene set had a greater ASD risk than did controls (odds ratio = 3.92, p = 0.025, 95% confidence interval = 1.12–14.79). The findings of this study suggest that brain somatic SNVs and germline SNVs may collectively contribute to ASD-associated pathophysiology.
Inhibition of BCAT1-mediated cytosolic leucine metabolism regulates Th17 responses via the mTORC1-HIF1α pathway
Authors: Kang Yeon Jun , Song Woorim , Lee Su Jeong , Choi Seung Ah , Chae Sihyun , Yoon Bo Ruem , Kim Hee Young , Lee Jung Ho , Kim Chulwoo , Cho Joo-Youn , Kim Hyun Je , Lee Won-Woo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBranched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly leucine, are indispensable AAs for immune regulation through metabolic rewiring. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. Our investigation revealed that T-cell receptor (TCR)-activated human CD4+ T cells increase the expression of BCAT1, a cytosolic enzyme responsible for BCAA catabolism, and SLC7A5, a major BCAA transporter. This upregulation facilitates increased leucine influx and catabolism, which are particularly crucial for Th17 responses. Activated CD4+ T cells induce an alternative pathway of cytosolic leucine catabolism, generating a pivotal metabolite, β-hydroxy β-methylbutyric acid (HMB), by acting on BCAT1 and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPD)/HPD-like protein (HPDL). Inhibition of BCAT1-mediated cytosolic leucine metabolism, either with BCAT1 inhibitor 2 (Bi2) or through BCAT1, HPD, or HPDL silencing using shRNA, attenuates IL-17 production, whereas HMB supplementation abrogates this effect. Mechanistically, HMB contributes to the regulation of the mTORC1-HIF1α pathway, a major signaling pathway for IL-17 production, by increasing the mRNA expression of HIF1α. This finding was corroborated by the observation that treatment with L-β-homoleucine (LβhL), a leucine analog and competitive inhibitor of BCAT1, decreased IL-17 production by TCR-activated CD4+ T cells. In an in vivo experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, blockade of BCAT1-mediated leucine catabolism, either through a BCAT1 inhibitor or LβhL treatment, mitigated EAE severity by decreasing HIF1α expression and IL-17 production in spinal cord mononuclear cells. Our findings elucidate the role of BCAT1-mediated cytoplasmic leucine catabolism in modulating IL-17 production via HMB-mediated regulation of mTORC1-HIF1α, providing insights into its relevance to inflammatory conditions.
Ubiquitous short-range order in multi-principal element alloys
Authors: Han Ying , Chen Hangman , Sun Yongwen , Liu Jian , Wei Shaolou , Xie Bijun , Zhang Zhiyu , Zhu Yingxin , Li Meng , Yang Judith , Chen Wen , Cao Penghui , Yang Yang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRecent research in multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) has increasingly focused on the role of short-range order (SRO) on material performance. However, the mechanisms of SRO formation and its precise control remain elusive, limiting the progress of SRO engineering. Here, leveraging advanced additive manufacturing techniques that produce samples with a wide range of cooling rates (up to 107 K s−1) and an enhanced semi-quantitative electron microscopy method, we characterize SRO in three CoCrNi-based face-centered-cubic (FCC) MPEAs. Surprisingly, irrespective of the processing and thermal treatment history, all samples exhibit similar levels of SRO. Atomistic simulations reveal that during solidification, prevalent local chemical order arises in the liquid-solid interface (solidification front) even under the extreme cooling rate of 1011 K s−1. This phenomenon stems from the swift atomic diffusion in the supercooled liquid, which matches or even surpasses the rate of solidification. Therefore, SRO is an inherent characteristic of most FCC MPEAs, insensitive to variations in cooling rates and even annealing treatments typically available in experiments.
Structural insights into strigolactone catabolism by carboxylesterases reveal a conserved conformational regulation
Authors: Palayam Malathy , Yan Linyi , Nagalakshmi Ugrappa , Gilio Amelia K. , Cornu David , Boyer François-Didier , Dinesh-Kumar Savithramma P. , Shabek Nitzan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhytohormone levels are regulated through specialized enzymes, participating not only in their biosynthesis but also in post-signaling processes for signal inactivation and cue depletion. Arabidopsis thaliana (At) carboxylesterase 15 (CXE15) and carboxylesterase 20 (CXE20) have been shown to deplete strigolactones (SLs) that coordinate various growth and developmental processes and function as signaling molecules in the rhizosphere. Here, we elucidate the X-ray crystal structures of AtCXE15 (both apo and SL intermediate bound) and AtCXE20, revealing insights into the mechanisms of SL binding and catabolism. The N-terminal regions of CXE15 and CXE20 exhibit distinct secondary structures, with CXE15 characterized by an alpha helix and CXE20 by an alpha/beta fold. These structural differences play pivotal roles in regulating variable SL hydrolysis rates. Our findings, both in vitro and in planta, indicate that a transition of the N-terminal helix domain of CXE15 between open and closed forms facilitates robust SL hydrolysis. The results not only illuminate the distinctive process of phytohormone breakdown but also uncover a molecular architecture and mode of plasticity within a specific class of carboxylesterases.
Seismic response of mountain tunnel induced by fault slip
Authors: Xia Chen , Wang Zian , He Yongsheng , Chen Yeqing , Li Chunhai , Shi Lei , Zhao Chuan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of Chinese transportation networks, such as the Sichuan-Tibet railway, numerous tunnels are under construction or planned in mountainous regions. Some of these tunnels must traverse or be situated near active fault zones, which could suffer damage from fault slip. In this study, the seismic response of a mountain tunnel subjected to coseismic faulting was analyzed using a fault-structure system in a two-step process. Firstly, a nonuniform slip model was proposed to calculate the ground deformations and internal displacements induced by a specific active fault on a geological scale, considering nonuniform slips on the fault plane. The 1989 Loma Prieta and 2022 Menyuan earthquakes were chosen as case studies to validate the proposed slip model. Secondly, the calculated displacement of the Menyuan earthquake was used as the input load for the discrete–continuous coupling analysis of the Daliang tunnel on an engineering scale. The simulated deformation of the Daliang tunnel aligned with the on-site damage observations following the Menyuan earthquake. Lastly, the effects of different fault conditions on the tunnel seismic response were investigated. The results indicate that the distribution of the peak longitudinal strain of the lining is governed by fault mechanisms, and the degree of fault slip significantly influences the response of the tunnel. A tunnel passing through an active fault with a wider fault fracture zone and smaller dip angle experience less damage.
Feasibility of gamified visual desensitisation for visually-induced dizziness
Authors: Goodwin Nathan , Powell Georgina , Loizides Fernando , Derry-Sumner Hannah , Rajenderkumar Deepak , Sumner Petroc 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVisually-induced dizziness (visual vertigo) is a core symptom of Persistent Perceptual Postural Dizziness (PPPD) and occurs in other conditions and general populations. It is difficult to treat and lacks new treatments and research. We incorporated the existing rehabilitation approach of visual desensitisation into an online game environment to enhance control over visual motion and complexity. We report a mixed-methods feasibility trial assessing: Usage and adherence; rehabilitation potential; system usability and enjoyment; relationship with daily dizziness. Participants played online with (intervention, N = 37) or without (control, N = 39) the visual desensitisation component for up to 5–10 min, twice daily for 6 weeks. Dropout was 45%. In the intervention group, N = 17 played for the recommended time while N = 20 played less. Decreases in visual vertigo symptoms, anxiety and depression correlated with playtime for the intervention but not control. System usability was high. Daily symptoms predicted playtime. Qualitative responses broadly supported the gamified approach. The data suggest gamified visual desensitisation is accessible, acceptable and, if adherence challenges can be overcome, could become a useful addition to rehabilitation schedules for visually-induced dizziness and associated anxiety. Further trials are needed.
Optimizing sustainable control of Meloidogyne javanica in tomato plants through gamma radiation-induced mutants of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus velezensis
Authors: Rostami Mahsa , Shahbazi Samira , Soleimani Reihaneh , Ghorbani Abozar 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the efficacy of Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp., as well as their gamma radiation-induced mutants, as potential biological control agents against Meloidogyne javanica (Mj) in tomato plants. The research encompasses in vitro assays, greenhouse trials, and molecular identification methodologies to comprehensively evaluate the biocontrol potential of these agents. In vitro assessments reveal significant nematicidal activity, with Bacillus spp. demonstrating notable effectiveness in inhibiting nematode egg hatching (16–45%) and inducing second-stage juvenile (J2) mortality (30–46%). Greenhouse trials further confirm the efficacy of mutant isolates, particularly when combined with chitosan, in reducing nematode-induced damage to tomato plants. The combination of mutant isolates with chitosan reduces the reproduction factor (RF) of root-knot nematodes by 94%. By optimizing soil infection conditions with nematodes and modifying the application of the effective compound, the RF of nematodes decreases by 65–76%. Molecular identification identifies B. velezensis and T. harzianum as promising candidates, exhibiting significant nematicidal activity. Overall, the study underscores the potential of combined biocontrol approaches for nematode management in agricultural settings. However, further research is essential to evaluate practical applications and long-term efficacy. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable alternatives to chemical nematicides, with potential implications for agricultural practices and crop protection strategies.
Population diversity control based differential evolution algorithm using fuzzy system for noisy multi-objective optimization problems
Authors: Subburaj Brindha , Maheswari J. Uma , Ibrahim S. P. Syed , Kavitha Muthu Subash 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe objective measurements of the real-world optimization problems are mostly subject to noise which occurs due to several reasons like human measurement or environmental factors. The performance of the optimization algorithm gets affected if the effect of noise is higher than the negligible limit. The previous noise handling optimization algorithms use a large population size or multiple sampling at same region which increases the total count of function evaluations, and few methods work for a particular problem type. To address the above challenges, a Differential Evolution based Noise handling Optimization algorithm (NDE) to solve and optimize noisy bi-objective optimization problems is proposed. NDE is a Differential Evolution (DE) based optimization algorithm where the strategies for trial vector generation and the control parameters of DE algorithm are self-adapted using fuzzy inference system to improve the population diversity along the evolution process. In NDE, explicit averaging based method for denoising is used when the noise level is higher than negligible limit. Extending noise handling method enhances the performance of the optimization algorithm in solving real world optimization problems. To improve the convergence characteristics of the proposed algorithm, a restricted local search procedure is proposed. The performance of NDE algorithm is experimented using DTLZ and WFG problems, which are benchmark bi-objective optimization problems. The obtained results are compared with other SOTA algorithm using modified Inverted Generational Distance and Hypervolume performance metrics, from which it is confirmed that the proposed NDE algorithm is better in solving noisy bi-objective problems when compared to the other methods. To further strengthen the claim, statistical tests are conducted using the Wilcoxon and Friedman rank tests, and the proposed NDE algorithm shows significance over the other algorithms rejecting the null hypothesis.