bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genes involved in DMSO-mediated yield increase of entomopathogenic nematodes
Authors: Liu Xingxin , Rao Zhongchen , Han Richou , Jin Linhong , Cao Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) associated with their symbiotic bacteria can effectively kill insect pests, in agriculture, forestry and floriculture. Industrial-scale production techniques for EPNs have been established, including solid and liquid monoculture systems. It is found that supplement of 0.01% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the culture medium significantly enhances the recovery and infective juvenile yield of these nematodes. However, the specific nematode genes responding to DMSO is not yet clear. This study identified differentially expressed genes and associated enriched pathways by analyzing the transcriptomic response of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora H06 in the liquid medium containing 0.01% DMSO, and validated the function of the selected genes using RNA interference (RNAi). 11 upregulated and 295 downregulated genes were detected in the hermaphrodites of H. bacteriophora H06 at 3 days beforee egg formation, following DMSO treatment. The biological processes involved included regulation of biological processes, metabolism, binding, signal transduction, post-transcriptional modifications, metabolism, and protein folding. By using RNAi, knockdown of three genes, TRINITY_DN811_c0_g1 (Hint module), TRINITY_DN9784_c0_g1 (PAN domain protein), and TRINITY_DN4066_c0_g1 (Dpy-13), significantly regulated the egg load (at least a 17% increase in eggs per hermaphroditic adult) and the yield of infective juveniles (at least a 48% increase), in an optimized 96-well plates containing the medium with 1.6% nutrient broth, 1% corn oil and 1.2% agar, without DMSO. qRT-PCR results confirmed that the expression levels of the knockdown genes decreased significantly, compared to the control. These results demonstrate that DMSO regulates nematode gravidity by suppressing at least three selected genes, thereby enhancing IJ yield, providing molecular cues for understanding how DMSO regulates the EPN yield, and a new technology for enhancing nematode commercial production.
Experimental Investigation and Finite Element Modelling for Solid Warren Dowelled Timber Roof Truss
Authors: Dzulkifli Amira Ruzailin , Hidayat Rahmad , Hassan Rohana , Alisibramulisi Anizahyati , Anshari Buan , Zainal Azman , Jaya Ramadhansyah Putra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Timber trusses are available in various sizes and shapes and can be placed in situ or prefabricated. Unfortunately, the usage of solid timber as a structural material is limited in Malaysia compared to concrete and steel. Hence, this research investigates the structural experimental performance and finite element modelling for solid timber Warren dowelled connections roof trusses using Chengal species. The goals encompassed assessing flexural performance, establishing a correlation between strength and stiffness, and conducting a comparative study between finite element analysis and experimental findings. The experimental research entailed subjecting a Warren roof truss constructed entirely from solid wood under four-point bending load testing. The truss exhibited a linear response during both the application and removal of the load until it reached its elastic limit. Nonlinearity, resulting from the deformation and fracturing of timber at connections, was detected when the load reached 68.88 kN, ultimately leading to failure at 182.76 kN. The displacements of different components were measured, indicating ductile behaviour and failure of the joints. The objective of utilising the ABAQUS program for finite element modelling was to corroborate the experimental findings. The first model displayed a 42.91% disparity in modulus of rupture (MOR) compared to the experimental results. By meticulously calibrating material properties, the model updating process resulted in a significant 75.23% enhancement in stress. This adjustment successfully aligned the stress values obtained from the Finite Element Method (FEM) with the experimental findings. Comparisons between the experimental and Finite Element Method (FEM) results for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) demonstrate significant enhancement after the updating process, resulting in a decrease of ΔS from 42.91–0.036%. Direct comparison of displacement values was not possible due to substantial discrepancies. This study provides significant findings on the performance of solid Warren-dowelled timber roof trusses, highlighting the crucial role of exact calibration of material properties for accurate finite element modelling.
FedAEF: Optimizing federated learning with mining and enhancing local data features
Authors: Zeng Yan , Huang Chengchuang , Teng Siyuan , Xue Meiting , Shi Yukun , Zhang Jilin , Wan Jian , Jia Gangyong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Federated learning is a distributed machine learning method for training models with data localization. However, data generated by local devices is often heterogeneous(non-independent and identically distributed, Non-IID), as it is influenced by time, geographical location, and sampling bias, which can lead to suboptimal performance and slower convergence of models. Most methods mitigate this issue by adjusting the optimization direction on the local device or leveraging shared datasets. However, they still can't work well for Non-IID data, due to the insufficient utilization of local high-quality data. For these problems, we propose an optimizing method, FedAEF. It trains autoencoders on local devices to extract local data features, and the server aggregates these features and generates independent and identically distributed (IID) data to fine-tune the global model. Experiments show that, compared to FedAVG, FedProx, and SCAFFOLD, FedAEF improves the accuracy by 2.5%, and the convergence performance of the model is improved by 55.9%.
Evidence for an evolutionary continuity in social dominance: Insights from non-human primates tractography
Authors: Royo Julie , Orset Thomas , Catani Marco , Pouget Pierre , de Schotten Michel Thiebaut 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The dynamics of social dominance play a significant role in regulating access to resources and influencing reproductive success and survival in non-human primates. These dynamics are based on aggressive and submissive interactions which create distinct, hierarchically organized social structures. In humans, whose social behavior is similarly organized, the use of brain imaging based on tractography has identified key neuronal networks of the limbic system underlying social behaviour. Among them the uncinate fasciculus and the cingulum bundle which have been associated with conduct disorder and psychopathy.
In this study, we have used advanced tractography to study the anatomy of connections underlying social dominance in a colony of 15 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). We correlated biostructural properties of the uncinate fasciculus and cingulum with behavioral hierarchy measures while controlling for factors such as age, weight, handedness, brain size, and hormonal influences. The fornix, a limbic connection involved in memory was also included as control tract. Our findings indicate a significant correlation between the integrity of the right uncinate fasciculus and social dominance measures, including normalised David’s scores, aggressive behaviors, and withdrawal behaviors. Trends observed in the left uncinate fasciculus hint at potential bilateral involvement with a right hemispheric lateralisation. These results are consistent with human studies linking the uncinate fasciculus to social disorders, suggesting an evolutionary continuity in the neuro-anatomical substrates of social dominance back to at least 35 million years.
Degradation of biorefractory compounds by anodic oxidation on Magnéli phase and electro-Fenton process
Authors: Ouagued Imane , Lacour Stella , Petit Eddy , Djafer Abderrahmane , Ouagued Abdellah , Cretin Marc 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) was studied using advanced electrochemical oxidation processes (EAOP): electro-Fenton (EF), anodic oxidation (AO) and electro-Fenton coupled with anodic oxidation (EF/AO) on a carbon felt (CF) cathode paired with either a sub-stoichiometric titanium dioxide Magnéli phase (Ti4O7) anode or a platinized titanium (Ti/Pt) anode. The study revealed that operating conditions significantly impacted the kinetics of electrochemical reactions. Increasing the current density from 10 to 50 mA cm− 2 significantly accelerated the degradation of RhB, with 30 mA cm− 2 identified as the optimal current density, balancing energy consumption and degradation efficiency. The RhB concentration also influenced the degradation kinetics: higher concentrations required longer treatment times. The EF/AO coupling process proved particularly effective in degrading higher concentrations of RhB. Toxicity evaluation using the Microtox® bioluminescence inhibition test showed reduced toxicity during the electrochemical degradation of the pollutant, with EF/AO presenting the most significant reduction. The EF/AO coupling also demonstrated superior total organic carbon (TOC) removal, reaching 90% at pH 3 compared to EF and AO alone, suggesting efficient mineralization of RhB and its by-products. Energy consumption (EC) remained relatively stable across all processes during a 480 min electrolysis period. High-resolution mass spectrometry confirmed the degradation pathways of RhB, involving chain oxidation reactions leading to the formation of intermediate products and mineralization to CO2 and H2O. This study demonstrates the potential of EF, AO and EF/AO coupling as effective methods for mineralizing Rhodamine B (RhB) from wastewater, contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment strategies.
Continuous Sign Language Recognition Enhanced by Dynamic Attention and Maximum Backtracking Probability Decoding
Authors: Xiong Sije , Zou Chunlong , Yun Juntong , Jiang Du , Huang Li , Liu Ying , Xie Yuanmin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Sign language utilizes changes in hand shape, body movements, and facial expressions to collaboratively convey information. Most of the current continuous sign language recognition (CSLR) models focus on extracting information from each frame of the video, neglecting the dynamical changing characteristics of the signer across multiple frames. This contrasts with the essence of continuous sign language recognition: which aims to learn the most essential feature of changes in both hand-controlled and non-hand-controlled parts and convert them into text. In this paper, a feature alignment method is first employed to explicitly capture the spatial position offset and motion direction information between neighboring frames, direct a dynamic attention mechanism to focus on the subtle change region. A dynamic decoding module based on maximum backtracking probability is proposed to decode word-level features and achieve word consistency constraints without increasing computational resources. We propose a comprehensive CSLR model (DAM-MCD) that combines a Dynamic Attention Mechanism and Maximum Backtracking Probability Dynamic Decoding, enhancing the model's inference capability and robustness. Experiments conducted on two publicly accessible datasets, PHOENIX14 and PHOENIX14-T, demonstrate that the DAM-MCD model achieves higher accuracy compared to methods using multi-cue input. The results further show that our model effectively captures sign language motion information in videos.
“The Patient as Teacher” - thematic analysis of undergraduate medical students’ experiences with an experiential learning project in Palliative Care
Authors: Stocklassa Stephanie , Block Susan , Paal Piret , Elsner Frank 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Experiential learning holds high potential for medical students’ education in palliative care. At RWTH Aachen University in Germany, medical students can participate in the course “The Patient as Teacher” offering a one-to-one exchange with a terminally ill patient over a period of several weeks complemented with four supervision sessions and writing of a reflective essay. The course had run from 2005-2020 before it was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess the course's value as a palliative care teaching tool by investigating students’ motivation and experiences over the years 2005-2020.
Methods: A stratified sample of 24 essays was taken from all submitted essays (n = 78), eight essays from the years 2005-2009, 2010-2014, and 2015-2020. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of the selected essays was conducted.
Results: The students felt motivated by the opportunity to gain more experience in palliative care, to improve their communication skills and to decrease insecurities in interaction with terminally ill patients. They learned about the patient’s biography and medical history, and encountered physical, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of living with a life-limiting disease. Moreover, they experienced relationship building and communication with a terminally ill patient outside their role as future doctors. Ultimately, they considered their participation as a beneficial experience on both a personal and professional level.
Conclusions: The course “The Patient as Teacher” presents a valuable tool for experiential learning in palliative care, which has elicited an unceasingly positive response among the students who participated over the years. It has facilitated medical students in overcoming insecurities in dealing with terminally ill patients and supported them in further developing their professional identity.
The relationship between maternal iron status and risk of congenital heart defects: a case-control study
Authors: Qaddour Raghdah , Alsayed Ranwa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background The cause of most congenital heart defects (CHD) cases is still unknown. A study on animals showed a link between maternal iron deficiency and congenital heart defects in mice, but this connection in humans is not yet clear. Our goal in this study was to assess the iron levels in mothers and infants with CHDs and to explore the potential relationship between maternal iron status and CHDs.
Methods We conducted a case-control study in Damascus, Syria, including 70 cases and 30 controls. The study involved mothers whose infants were aged from 1 day to 1 year. We interviewed eligible mothers to gather information about their pregnancies and collected peripheral blood from both the mothers and their infants to analyze iron-related biomarkers. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the odds ratio (with 95% confidence intervals) for maternal iron status with CHDs.
Results The iron-related biomarkers (serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (Fe), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) showed lower levels, while total iron binding capacity (TIBC) was higher among mothers of CHD infants compared to the control group (p-value < 0.05). Additionally, mothers of CHD infants were at a higher risk of having iron deficiency (OR=2.91, 95% CL: 1.143-7.418) compared to the control group.
Conclusions Mothers of CHD infants exhibited lower levels of SF, Fe, and TSAT, and higher TIBC compared to the control group. Furthermore, the CHD mothers were more likely to have iron deficiency compared to the control group.
Impact of Immigrant-Driven Services on the Labor Supply of High-Skilled Native Women
Authors: Hung Chih-min 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Previous research has proved that low-skill immigration impacts the labor supply of high-skilled native women; however, insufficient attention is paid to the sectors where these immigrants bring significant influence. This paper analyzes service sectors that heavily depend on less educated immigrants: maids and housekeeping cleaners, food preparation and serving, and childcare. These service sectors are focused on because they alleviate household responsibilities that women typically spend a large amount of time on. Using U.S. Decennial Census data from 1980 to 2000, the study found that the inflow of low-skill immigrants into these service sectors tends to lower wages for workers with similar education levels, thereby reducing service costs. These more affordable services enable highly skilled native women, especially those with young children under age 5, to provide more labor supply in the labor market. Therefore, low-skill immigrants play an indirect but important role in supporting the careers of high-skilled native women and thereby increasing the overall labor supply by influencing the labor structure in these targeted service sectors.
JEL classifications J12, J16, J31, J61
Taurolidine resists pulmonary artery vasoconstriction induced by influenza virus infection via inhibiting Ca 2+ influx and MLCK/p-MLC signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Chaoxiang , Guo Jin , Luo Rongbo , Li Yuanguo , qian Bingshuo , Zou Xiaopan , Wang Tiecheng , Shen Beilei , Sun Weiyang , Gao Yuwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Influenza virus causes worldwide outbreaks and seasonal epidemics, severely threatening public health and social development. Effective prevention and therapy for influenza infections are a major challenge to global healthcare.
Results
Taurolidine effectively inhibited the proliferation of several human or animal influenza virus strains and protected mice from lethal-infection. Taurolidine treatment decreased the viral titer in the lungs of infected mice, reduced immune cells infiltration, and alleviated lung pathology. Additionally, influenza virus infection increased blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and pulmonary aortic thickness in mouse model, as well as promoted the increase of intracellular Ca2+ concentration and pulmonary artery vasoconstriction. These effects were attenuated by taurolidine treatment through inhibiting the activation of the MLCK/p-MLC pathway.
Conclusions
These findings confirm the effectiveness of taurolidine as an antiviral agent and highlight its important roles in host immune cell infiltration and vasoconstriction induced by influenza virus infection.
Classification and reconstruction for single-pixel imaging with classical and quantum neural networks
Authors: Manko Sofya , Frolovtsev Dmitry 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Single-pixel cameras are effective solution for imaging outside the visible spectrum where traditional CMOS/CCD cameras have challenges. Combined with machine learning, they can analyze images quickly enough for practical applications. Solving the problem of high-dimensional single-pixel visualization can potentially be accelerated using quantum machine learning, thereby expanding the range of practical problems. In this work we simulated a single-pixel imaging experiment using Hadamard basis patterns, where images from the MNIST handwritten digit dataset were used as objects. There were selected 64 measurements with maximum variance (6% of the number of pixels in the image). We created algorithms for classifying and reconstruction images based on these measurements using classical fully connected neural networks and parameterized quantum circuits. Classical and quantum classifiers showed accuracies of 96% and 95% respectively after 6 training epochs, which is quite competitive result. Image reconstruction was also demonstrated using classical and quantum neural networks after 10 training epochs, the structural similarity index measure values were 0.76 and 0.25, respectively, which indicates that the problem in such a formulation turned out to be too difficult for quantum neural networks in such a configuration for now.
Assessment of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) farm surface contamination through environmental sampling
Authors: Melini Claudio Marcello , Kikuti Mariana , Bruner Laura , Allerson Matt , O’Brien Katie , Stahl Chase , Roggow Brian , Yeske Paul , Leuwerke Brad , Schwartz Mark , Torremorell Montserrat , Corzo Cesar A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can be transmitted indirectly between infected and susceptible pigs through the contamination of inanimate objects or aerosols. PRRSV can be present on surfaces for prolonged periods, and under certain conditions of temperature, humidity and type of surface, remain viable outside the host. In the United States, the yearly epidemic of PRRSV typically begins in the fall. During the fall of 2020, the variant L1C.5 emerged and rapidly spread throughout southern Minnesota, which generated questions regarding possible transmission routes. This study aimed to investigate whether PRRSV could be detected on surfaces inside and outside pig barns housing L1C.5 variant PRRSV-positive pigs to illustrate the potential for indirect transmission of PRRSV.
Results
All (n = 26) samples from PRRSV-negative farm tested negative. Nineteen (13%) out of 143 samples from positive farms yielded positive RT-PCR results. Positive samples originated primarily from exhaust fan cones and doorknobs, followed by anteroom floor and mortality carts/sleds. Virus isolation attempted on two samples did not yield positive results.
Conclusions
PRRSV contamination can occur on surfaces inside and outside pig barns that are in frequent contact with farm personnel. Although virus isolation attempts were negative, our results illustrate the potential for PRRSV to be transmitted indirectly through contaminated materials or farm personnel. The study supports the implementation of biosecurity practices by farm personnel to prevent the introduction of PRRSV into farms and the prevention of PRRSV transmission between farms.
Microbial methane production from calcium carbonate at moderately alkaline pH
Authors: Fiore Nicole , Kohtz Anthony , Miller Daniel , Antony-Babu Sanjay , Pan Donald , Lahey Caitlin , Huang Xi , Lu Yongfeng , Buan Nicole , Weber Karrie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Carbonate minerals are considered a metastable carbon reservoir under alkaline conditions. Here we demonstrate the use of calcium carbonate as a sole inorganic carbon source at moderately alkaline pH for a methanogenic microbial community enriched from alkaline, saline wetland soil. In reactors amended with calcium carbonate as the sole source of inorganic carbon, concentrations of methane and aqueous calcium increased concurrent with headspace hydrogen depletion. Cells were observed in association with the carbonate mineral matrix via coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and two-photon excitation fluorescence microscopy. Genome-resolved metagenomics of the enrichment community confirmed the presence of a methanogen (Methanobacterium sp.) with the metabolic potential for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis in addition to five bacterial community members. These results demonstrate that carbonate minerals can serve as an inorganic carbon source for hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis, leading to mineral dissolution under stable alkaline conditions. As such, hydrogenotrophic methanogens may impact carbon biogeochemistry and carbonate mineral stability in environmental systems.