bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive enhancement of contrast and brightness of low-light underwater images using feed-forward neural network
Authors: mohammadi maral mirza , raeisi zahra , lashaki reza ahmadi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Access to high-resolution underwater images is vital in preserving and developing marine resources. Underwater light scattering and light absorption are two Underwater lights scattering, and light absorption are two fundamental issues in improving the quality of underwater images. Many of the captured images have severe degradation that damages the systems and activities that rely on these images. Most of the obtained images have severe degradation that negatively affects the systems and actions based on these images. To address this issue, we have introduced an auxiliary network to enhance the contrast of underwater images. This network comprises three critical components. A decoder network is used to recover the gradient maps and increase the brightness of the images. We use a brightness adjustment network to control the brightness of the hidden image, and finally, we use an adaptive contrast module to adjust the contrast. We use the normalization module to solve the problem of not paying attention to the increase in image contrast when increasing the brightness. The evaluation and comparison of our method using constructed images or images available in public datasets shows that our model effectively increased the resolution of underwater images. In addition, our model can enhance the resolution of complex images in low-light conditions in the deep sea, scenes with dim backgrounds, and images captured in dark environments.
Towards Applicable Just-In-Time Defect Prediction: A Practical Perspective on Effort Awareness
Authors: Bludau Peter , Pretschner Alexander 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Reviewing software changes is crucial, as it mitigates the introduction of defects and thereby saves time and reduces costs. Just-in-time (JIT) defect prediction has emerged as an approach to support the review process by predicting the likelihood of defects in new commits. Effort-aware evaluations were proposed to better manage developers' limited time and to analyze the applicability of JIT defect prediction approaches. However, current effort-aware approaches neglect the time-dependent nature of software engineering when evaluating the performance and rank commits to find most defective commits with limited effort. This reveals a gap between the evaluation of models in research and their application in practice, where a timely decision for every single commit is needed. Thus, evaluating models based on effort-aware evaluations does not reflect the actual performance in real-world scenarios and may misrepresent their applicability. In order to evaluate if state-of-the-art JIT defect prediction approaches are applicable, we address these limitations and suggest a more practical evaluation strategy that shifts the focus to conserving effort while ensuring that defective commits are still examined. We further elaborate on the possibility to tune the model prediction and allow for a more reliable application of JIT defect prediction models. Conducting a case study of six open-source projects, we find that the additional performance metrics allow new insights into the potential of JIT defect prediction and state-of-the-art defect prediction can be applicable under the right assumptions. Taking this new perspective, while still reviewing 95% of defective commits, on average, 46% of the non-defective commits are correctly identified by JIT defect prediction models and can be skipped. Thus, while maintaining high recall levels, 20% of the total avoidable effort can be saved employing JIT defect prediction models.
A novel naloxone distribution intervention among persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness: Acceptability of naloxone training and distribution during an annual Point-in-Time Count
Authors: Herrera Ashleigh , Rios Kael 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The United States is experiencing an intersecting crisis of structural inequities driving unprecedented rates of homelessness and the fourth wave of the opioid epidemic. Consequently, persons experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of dying from opioid related fatalities. While naloxone engagement is crucial to mitigating opioid related mortality, persons experiencing homelessness encounter structural barriers to obtaining and retaining naloxone. The main purpose of this study was to explore the acceptability of a novel overdose management training and naloxone distribution effort during an annual Point-in-Time (PIT) unsheltered count.
Methods
The distribution of naloxone kits was tracked, and PIT Count volunteers were recruited via convenience sampling for an electronic postintervention survey to assess the intervention’s acceptability. Descriptive statistics were performed to explore volunteer’s perceptions of acceptability, based on the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, for both the overdose management training and naloxone distribution efforts during the PIT Count.
Results
Results revealed a high level of acceptability for both the overdose management training and naloxone distribution efforts among volunteers during the PIT Count.
Conclusions
Results highlight that naloxone distribution during the PIT Count was generally acceptable to PIT Count volunteers. These findings have significant implications for the adoption of naloxone distribution efforts during PIT Counts throughout the United States to increase naloxone engagement and reduce opioid related mortality among persons experiencing homelessness and provide a foundation for future effectiveness studies.
Climate Vulnerability and Cancer Incidence among U.S. Women: Who is most affected?
Authors: Johnson Caitlin Ruth , Liao Cheng-I , Jiang Roulin Lorraine , Tran Nathan , Duong Kim , Mann-Grewal Amandeep , Kapp Daniel S , Chan John K 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

While climate change and its impacts have worsened in the U.S. over the past decade, associations between cancer incidence and regional climate change among women and racial minorities remains overlooked. U.S. states were divided into three climate impact categories (high, moderate, low) based on climate data from federal, insurance, and non-profit reports. We utilized United States Cancer Statistics data to identify 6,728,838 climate change-associated cancers (cutaneous melanoma, lung, breast) diagnosed from 2001-2019. Statistical analyses were then performed to examine incidence trends for these cancers. We found that high climate impact states experienced larger increases in cutaneous melanoma, lung, and breast cancer incidence compared to low climate impact states. Upon intersectionality analysis, breast cancer incidence in high impact regions increased among Black, Hispanic, and Asian women but decreased for White women. These incidence trends may continue to worsen unless actions mitigating climate change and its populational health impacts are undertaken.
Genome-wide analysis of the TGF-beta family in Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Choudhury Shouhartha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-beta) family regulates numerous hallmarks of cellular processes and immune response. So, TGF-β reveals major roles in tumorigenesis. The TGF-β observed in the tumorigenesis indicated a cytokine correlated with cancer. Also, TGF-beta governs the maturation of T lymphocytes (T-cells) and cytokine formulation via FOXP3-dependent mechanisms. In tumorigenesis, TGF-beta has a tumour suppressive response observed by cellular process and cellular death (apoptosis). Hence, the TGF-β reveals a striking force of metastasis by tumour cells to promote therapy. In this perspective, the study looked at the TGFB domain-mediated gene in the TGF-beta superfamily in mammalian genomes. So, perform experiments towards bioinformatics and computational to the current knowledge of the TGFB domain-mediated genes in two organisms' genomes. Initial observation demonstrated that the components of nucleotides and peptides in the TGF-beta 2 gene in a model organism of Homo sapiens. Further observation of the organisms suggested two different genome assemblies. Also, the observation upgraded the TGFB domain-initiated isoforms in the TGF-beta family in two genomes. However, analysis of TGF-β2, an isoform of the TGF-beta family, illustrated the 3D structure, conserved domain, sequence motifs, phylogeny, gene network, chromosome location, and pathways. Hence, the study hypothesized that the TGF-beta family plays a leading role in immune homeostasis.
Simulation of shear strengthening fire-exposure high strength lightweight reinforced concrete beams using basalt fiber-reinforced polymer grid and engineered cementitious composites jacket
Authors: Shareef Noora Ali , Kadhum Mohammed Mansour 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This research investigated a new composite strengthening technique consisting of a basalt fibre-reinforced polymer (BFRP) grid in compensation with engineered cementitious composites (ECC) matrix and their efficiency in promoting the capacities of deteriorated lightweight high strength concrete beams under fire. The experimental test was conducted utilizing a total of eight high strength lightweight concrete beams, including a control beam (non-exposed fire) that were instrumented, fire-exposed beams according to ISO 834 heating curve for one hour and strengthened beams specimens with BFRP grid and ECC jacket were prepared and tested for 30mm and 20 mm layer thickness, respectively. However, this work depends on various parameters, such as the LWC beams covers, thickness of jacketing, and constant fire duration for an hour. Additionally, finite element studies using ABAQUS/Standard software were used to develop analytical estimations for verifying the tested beams. This was done to ensure that the model proceeded as expected by comparing the experimental results with an absolute percentage error of less than 15% .Further, crack failure mode, stress distribution, shear capacity, and time-temperature distribution from the finite element models correspond well with the obtained data of the experimental beams in this investigation. Therefore, the simulation results demonstrated that ultimate load mid-span deflection curves, which represent the overall behavior of the finite element models, correspond well with the test data.
Effects of Tumor-Associated E. coli Metabolites on Migration of Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Ignatova Nadezhda , Pryazhnikova Maria , Seliverstov Andrey , Abidullina Alina , Gamayunov Sergey , Shirmanova Marina , Druzhkova Irina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Colorectal tumors have a close connection with the gut microbiome. Correlation between rearrangement in microbiome composition and disease progression has already been shown. However, the questions about the mechanisms underlying microorganisms and cancer cells interaction and the immediate effects of tumor-associated microbiomes on cancer cells remain open. In this work, we investigated the effects of metabolites of tumor-associated E.coli strains on the growth and migration of human colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT116, SW480 and HT29). Differences in the spectrum of synthesized organic acids from tumor-associated and probiotic M-17 strains were revealed. Specifically, tumor-associated E.coli produced more fumaric, malic and maleic acids, whereas the M-17 - more propionic, 2-oxobutyric and α-ketoglutaric acids. Upon exposure to metabolites from tumor-associated E.coli strains, HCT116 and SW480 cells showed an increased migration activity and HT29 cells - decreased migration activity in 2D and 3D culture models. Immunocytochemistry assay revealed decrease of E-cadherin in HCT116 and SW480 cells and FAK- in HT29, which explain different effects of E.coli metabolites on migratory capacity of colorectal cancer cells. Therefore, these results suggest that the effect of tumor-associated E.coli strains on cancer cells migration depends on their innate type of migration - single-cell or collective migration.
Three-Step Thermodynamic vs. Two-Step Kinetic-Limited Sulfur Reactions in All-Solid-State Sodium Batteries
Authors: Zhu Hongli , Ji Tongtai , Tu Qingsong , Zhao Yang , Wierzbicki Dominik , Plisson Vincent , Wang Ying , Wang Jiwei , Burch Kenneth , Yang Yong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The investigation of all-solid-state sodium-sulfur batteries (ASSSBs) is still in its early stage, where the intermediates and mechanism of the complex 16-electron conversion reaction of the sulfur cathode remain unclear. Herein, this study for the first time presents a comprehensive investigation of the sulfur reaction mechanism in ASSSBs by combining electrochemical measurements, ex-situ synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), in-situ Raman spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations. The sulfur cathode undergoes a three-step solid-solid redox reaction following the thermodynamic principle. S8 first reduces to long-chain polysulfides, Na2S5 and Na2S4, then to Na2S2, and finally to Na2S, resulting in a three-plateau voltage profile when temperatures ≥ 90°C or C-rates ≤ C/100. However, under kinetics-limited conditions, temperatures ≤ 60°C and C-rates ≥ C/20, the Na2S2 phase is skipped, leading to a direct conversion from Na2S4 to Na2S and resulting a two-plateau voltage profile. First-principles calculations reveal that the formation energy of Na2S2 is only 4 meV/atom lower than the two-phase equilibrium of Na2S4 and Na2S, explaining its absence under kinetics-limited conditions. This work clarified the thermodynamic and kinetics-limited pathways of the 16-electron conversion reaction of the sulfur cathode in ASSSBs, thereby facilitating the development of high-performance ASSSBs.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain CD3 implements cadmium resistance through multimodal systems and its regulatory networking
Authors: Chatterjee Soumya , Barman Partha , Barman Chandan , Majumdar Sukanta , Chakraborty Ranadhir , Chakraborty Ranadhir 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, poses a significant global concern. Out of 26 cadmium-resistant bacteria isolated from Malda, West Bengal, India, 10 exhibited significant resistance to cadmium. The study hypothesized that the net availability of metal salt molecules in a dissolved state would determine the tolerance limit of a given bacterium towards a particular heavy metal. Experiments were conducted using a modified medium that supported maximum bioavailability of cadmium, and strain CD3 was selected for studying the growth and induction of cadmium resistance. The resistance levels of CD3 cells increased with increasing initial cell numbers. Biofilm formation increased at lower concentrations of CdCl2.H2O but decreased as concentrations exceeded 0.75 mM. Atomic-absorption-spectrophotometry data confirmed that the efflux pump played a critical role in cadmium resistance at higher concentrations. Using whole-genome-based phylogenetic tools, strain CD3 was found to be the closest relative to Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM50071T among the type strains of Pseudomonas spp., highlighting its unique evolutionary path. The STRING database was used to uncover an intricate web of protein-protein interactions. Hence, bioinformatic analyses revealed a complex network of regulations, with BfmR playing a crucial role in the functions of CzcR and CzcS, essential for biofilm formation and receptor signalling pathways.
Structure-Informed Design of an Ultra Bright RNA-activated Fluorophore
Authors: Schneekloth John , Yang Mo , Prestwood Peri , Passalacqua Luiz , Balaratnam Sumirtha , Fullenkamp Christopher , Arney Winston , Weeks Kevin , Ferre-D'Amare Adrian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Fluorogenic RNAs such as the Mango aptamers are uniquely powerful tools for imaging RNA. A central challenge has been to develop brighter, more specific, and higher affinity aptamer-ligand systems for cellular imaging. Here, we report an ultra-bright fluorophore for the Mango II system discovered using a structure-informed, fragment-based small molecule microarray approach. The new dye, Structure informed, Array-enabled LigAnD 1 (SALAD1) exhibits 3.5-fold brighter fluorescence than TO1-Biotin and subnanomolar aptamer affinity. Improved performance comes solely from alteration of dye-RNA interactions, without alteration of the chromophore itself. Multiple high-resolution structures reveal a unique and specific binding mode for the new dye resulting from improved pocket occupancy, a more defined binding pose, and a novel bonding interaction with potassium. The dye notably improves in-cell confocal RNA imaging. This work provides both introduces a new RNA-activated fluorophore and also a powerful demonstration of how to leverage fragment-based ligand discovery against RNA targets.
Synergetic strength-ductility enhancement of ultra-thin W wire by La oxide nanoprecipitates induced pinning effect
Authors: Zhang Tao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ultra-thin W wire is one of the few tools that can cut precious hard materials, including wafers, silicon, and sapphire. Reducing the diameter of tungsten wire by increasing the strength of W wire is the only method to achieve lower material waste and higher precision. Here, we report an ultra-thin La-doped W wire produced by the ice bath assisted non-slip drawing, with a diameter of 38.0 μm and a continuous length exceeding 50 km, exhibiting a tensile strength up to 6.92 GPa with an elongation of 4.2%. Statistical analysis-assisted atomic resolution imaging and element distribution mapping and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) La oxide precipitates pin at the grain boundaries and form a coherent interface with the body-centered cubic (bcc) W matrix, inducing the nano twins and local hcp region in bcc W matrix, which originates lattice distortion and dislocations, and altered the plastic deformation mechanism of W. The coherent W-La oxide interface enhances the plastic deformation of grain boundaries and effectively elevates the uniform deformation, thereby simultaneously enhancing the strength and ductility. The ice bath assisted non-slip drawing is applicable to diverse metal wires and is of high potential for scalable and industrial applications.
Entomological Surveys in Rural Tanzania Reveal Key Opportunities for Targeted Larval Source Management to Control Malaria in Areas Dominated by Anopheles funestus
Authors: Msugupakulya Betwel J. , Mhumbira Nicolaus S. , Mziray Dawson T. , Kilalangongono Masoud , Jumanne Mohamed , Ngowo Halfan S. , Kahamba Najat F. , Limwagu Alex J. , Mollel Meleji L. , Selvaraj Prashanth , Wilson Anne L. , Okumu Fredros O. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Larval Source Management (LSM) is re-emerging as a critical malaria intervention to address challenges associated with core vector control tools such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and to accelerate progress towards elimination. Presently, LSM is not widely used in rural settings and is instead more commonly applicable in urban and arid settings. Here, we performed a systematic entomological assessment in rural communities of southeastern Tanzania, where ITNs are widely used, to explore opportunities for deploying LSM to improve malaria control.
Methods
Aquatic habitat surveys were conducted to understand habitat usage by different mosquito vectors, covering five villages during the rainy season of 2021, and seven villages during the dry season. Additionally, we sampled adult mosquitoes to assess the role of various Anopheles species in malaria transmission in the area and explore opportunities for species-targeted control.
Results
Adult mosquito surveys identified Anopheles funestus and Anopheles arabiensis as the main malaria vectors in the area, with total entomological inoculation rates (EIR) of 20.1 and 6.5 infectious bites per person per year indoors and outdoors respectively. An. funestus was responsible for over 97.6% of the malaria transmission indoors and 95.4% outdoors. The concurrent larval surveys found that habitats with late instar An. arabiensis and An. funestus comprised only a small subset of 11.2% − 16.5% of all water bodies in the rainy season, and 9.7% -15.2% in the dry season. In terms of size, these habitats covered 66.4% − 68.2% of the total habitat areas in the wet season, reducing to 33.9% − 40.6% in the dry season. From the rainy season to the dry season, the surface area of habitats occupied by An. arabiensis and An. funestus decreased by 92.0–97.5%, while the number of habitats occupied by An. arabiensis and An. funestus decreased by 38.0–57.3%. An. funestus preferred large, permanent habitats with clear water and vegetation year-round, while An. arabiensis showed contrasting seasonal preferences, favoring sunlit still waters in the rainy season and larger, opaque habitats in the dry season.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that An. funestus, which is the dominant malaria vector in the area, mediating over 95% of malaria transmission, preferentially occupies only a small subset of uniquely identifiable aquatic habitats in both wet and dry seasons. This presents an opportunity to expand LSM in rural settings by carefully targeting An. funestus habitats, which might be effective and logistically feasible as a complementary approach alongside existing interventions. Further research should assess the impact of such targeted LSM strategies compared to blanket LSM.
Multiple sliding ferroelectricity of rhombohedral-stacked InSe for reconfigurable photovoltaics and imaging applications
Authors: Zheng Shoujun , Liang Qingrong , Zheng Guozhong , Yang Liu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Through stacking engineering of two-dimensional (2D) materials, a switchable interface polarization can be generated through interlayer sliding, so called sliding ferroelectricity, which is advantageous over the traditional ferroelectricity due to ultra-thin thickness, high switching speed and low fatigue. However, 2D materials with intrinsic sliding ferroelectricity are still rare, with the exception of rhombohedral-stacked MoS2, which limits sliding ferroelectricity for practical applications such as high-speed storage, photovoltaic, and neuromorphic computing. Here, we reported the observation of sliding ferroelectricity with multiple states in undoped rhombohedral-stacked InSe (γ-InSe) via dual-frequency resonance tracking piezoresponse force microscopy, scanning Kelvin probe microscopy and conductive atomic force microscopy. The tunable bulk photovoltaic effect via the electric field is achieved in the graphene/γ-InSe/graphene tunneling device with a photovoltaic current density of ~ 15 mA/cm2, which is attributed to the multiple sliding steps in γ-InSe according to our theoretical calculations. The vdw tunneling device also features a high photo responsivity of ~ 255 A/W and a fast response time for real-time imaging. Our work not only enriches rhombohedral-stacked 2D materials for sliding ferroelectricity, but also sheds light on their potential for tunable photovoltaics and imaging applications.