bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AoZC9, a Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor, negatively regulates salt tolerance in Aspergillus oryzae by controlling fatty acid biosynthesis
Authors: Yu Wenbin , Zhao Zeying , Zhang Yufei , Tu Yayi , He Bin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aspergillus oryzae, a key fermenting organism in soy sauce production, faces significant osmotic stress due to high environmental salt levels. This study identifies and functionally characterizes a novel Zn(II)2Cys6 transcription factor, AoZC9, which negatively regulates salt tolerance by controlling fatty acid biosynthesis. Overexpression of AoZC9 decreased growth rates in the presence of salt, while its knockdown enhanced growth, spore count, and biomass, particularly under conditions of 15% salt concentration, doubling these metrics compared to the wild-type. Furthermore, overexpression of AoZC9 led to the downregulation of the FAD2 gene, a key enzyme in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. Transcriptome analysis revealed the broad impact of AoZC9 on unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and key stress response pathways, emphasizing its regulatory role in the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway and the ABC transporters pathway, both integral to cellular osmotic balance and endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. These findings offer valuable insights into the molecular underpinnings of salt stress response and could inform improvements in industrial fermentation processes for Aspergillus oryzae.
Impact of Academic Role on Physical Activity, Health Locus of Control, and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Feiler Kimberly , Thomas Anusha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This research investigated physical activity (PA), health locus of control, and health-related quality of life for adults working and/or enrolled at higher education institutions in California. Roles were full-time or part-time: student, faculty, or staff. One questionnaire combined four surveys, with added demographic questions. Over 65% of respondents reported high PA, 28% moderate, and 5% low. Part-time staff reported the greatest amount of high PA; full-time students showed the highest scores for health locus of control’s “God” scale; and, part-time faculty reported the highest scores for health-related quality of life’s general health. The college/university campus is a vital space for health education. Through improving understanding of how role impacts PA, health locus of control, and health related quality of life, health programs can be better designed for health behavior changes and improve health outcomes. This research was the first to look at differences among students, staff, and faculty.
Properties and Corrosion Resistance Mechanism of a Self-Healing Octadecyl amine Loaded Ethyl cellulose Microcapsule Coating Loaded with Epoxy Resin
Authors: Cao Qidong , Kang Shumei , Lu Chenshuo , Sun Dongpeng , Li Jinghao , Chen Hong , Li Xintong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The use of inhibitors in organic coatings is an effective method for protection against corrosion. However, most coatings cannot provide lasting protection to the matrix. In this paper, an intelligent self-healing epoxy coating (EC@ODA/EP) consisting of microcapsules coated with octadecyl amine (ODA) encapsulated by ethyl cellulose (EC) was designed. The corrosion resistance and self-healing properties of EC@ODA/EP were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The EIS results show that the impedance modulus of EC@ODA/EP is 3.7×104 Ω/cm2 at low frequency after 7 days of immersion, which is still higher than that of pure epoxy coating. EC@ODA microcapsules coatings can provide long-term corrosion protection for steel because microcapsules were breaked when damaged, releasing ODA and the multiple synergistic effects of metal matrix and epoxy resin give the coating excellent self-healing ability. The design of self-healing coating system with multiple synergistic effects will provide a new strategy for the preparation of efficient anti-corrosion coating.
Modeling and Control of Functional Electrical Stimulation Cycling Training System
Authors: Sun Mingxu , Cheng Fangyuan , Wang Tingting , Hu Chuan , Wang Sizhong , Li Xiangyang , Xu Yuan , Liu Min 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

As a rehabilitation technique, functional electrical stimulation cycling training system can improve patients' cardiopulmonary function, enhance muscle strength, and restore some motor function. However, for functional electrical stimulators, the pattern of electrical stimulation in cycling training is usually obtained by physiotherapist based on trial and error or clinical experience, Inability to maintain a training speed for an extended period of time. Therefore, this study proposed a kind of pedal-Hill modeling to establish an optimal stimulus mode with the maximum torque efficiency optimization objective. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, back propagation (BP) neural network algorithm and a composite algorithm of proportional integral differentiation (PID) control were used to construct an adaptive controller. We conducted experiments on six subjects to validate the system. First, the six subjects' own stimulation patterns were found separately according to the proposed modeling approach, and then each subject performed three sets of experiments for cycling without electrical stimulation, cycling with fixed pulse width, and cycling with adaptive adjustment of pulse width by the fabricated controller. In the traditional training mode, the cycling speed of the six subjects fluctuated greatly, in the FES-engaged mode, six subjects experienced longer sustained riding and more stable cycling training speeds. RMSE: fixed pulse width < adaptive adjustment of pulse width, AVE: traditional training mode > fixed pulse width >28 adaptive adjustment of pulse width, training time: traditional training mode < fixed pulse width < adaptive adjustment29 of pulse width, number of stops: traditional training mode > fixed pulse width > adaptive adjustment of pulse width. The results of the study showed that the adaptive pulse width control system of the fabricated controller allows subjects to train at a more stable speed compared to the no control and fixed control conditions.
Synergizing Handcrafted and Deep Features for Enhanced Face Presentation Attack Detection
Authors: Shekar B. H. , K Vannurswamy , Pilar Bharathi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated approach to enhance face presentation attack detection (PAD) by combining handcrafted Multi-level Local Binary Patterns (MLBP) and VGG16 deep learning features. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is employed to reduce the dimensionality of the feature space, ensuring an efficient detection process. MLBP captures intricate details and patterns crucial for distinguishing between genuine and forged facial presentations. By analyzing texture patterns at multiple scales and focusing on both local texture variations and global features, MLBP effectively identifies specific characteristics that are not easily discernible with global features alone. VGG16, a convolutional neural network with 16 layers, is renowned for its deep architecture, which extracts high-level hierarchical features from facial images. It captures complex and hierarchical representations of image data, effectively differentiating between subtle variations in facial images. The features are integrated and then processed using PCA to reduce dimensionality, enhancing overall efficiency. Extensive experimentation is done on various datasets, including CS-MAD Mobile, CASIA FASD, and NUAA, demonstrating the success of the proposed approach. We have also conducted a comparative analysis with state-of-the-art literature. The comparison results demonstrate that this integrated approach distinguishes between genuine and fraudulent facial presentations more effectively than well-known methods in the field.
Modeling Paths and History for Temporal Knowledge Graph Reasoning
Authors: Chen Yue , Huang Yongzhong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Knowledge Graph (KG) reasoning is a crucial task that discovers potential and unknown knowledge based on the existing knowledge. Temporal Knowledge Graph (TKG) reasoning is more challenging than KG reasoning because the additional temporal information needs to be handled. Previous TKG reasoning methods restrict the search space to avoid huge computational consumption, resulting in a decrease in accuracy. In order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of TKG reasoning, a model CMPH (Combination Model of Paths and History) is proposed, which consists of a path memory network and a history memory network. The former finds the paths in advance by a TKG path search algorithm and learns to memorize the recurrent pattern for reasoning, which prevents path search at inference stage. The latter adopts efficient encoder-decoder architecture to learn the features of historical events in TKG, which can avoid tackling a large number of structural dependencies and increase the reasoning accuracy. To take the advantages of these two types of memory networks, a gate component is designed to integrate them for better performance. Extensive experiments on four real-world datasets demonstrate that the proposed model obtains substantial performance and efficiency improvement for the TKG reasoning tasks. Especially, it achieves up to 8.6% and 11.8% improvements in MRR and hit@1 respectively, and up to 21 times speedup at inference stage comparing to the state-of-the-art baseline.
Innovative Approaches to Structural Health Monitoring: Ndt Applications in Critical Facilities
Authors: Bhirud Rushabh , Makwana Mahesh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of technology and the growing need for auditing, the concept of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and its application through Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is experiencing significant demand. SHM has become essential, offering a range of techniques for evaluating and preserving the integrity of structures. This project investigates the synergy between NDT and SHM, where innovation and precision work together to meet the critical needs of assessing, safeguarding, and extending the lifespan of vital infrastructure. The primary goal of this project is to explore and implement various NDT methodologies within the context of SHM for a rural hospital and an industrial institute, providing practical insights through real-world applications. Applying NDT techniques to these structures not only enhances development but also increases sustainability and facilitates necessary structural improvements. This research paper provides valuable insights for professionals and individuals involved in preserving the structural integrity of built environments. This includes engineers who design structures, researchers who study construction methods and materials, and stakeholders interested in ensuring the stability and safety of these structures.
Impact of Spanish gambling regulations on online gambling behavior and marketing strategies
Authors: Aonso-Diego Gema , García-Pérez Ángel , Krotter Andrea 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background. A large body of research has pointed out that advertising has an impact on gambling behavior. However, little is known about how gambling marketing regulations impact online gambling behavior and marketing expenditure. Recently, a Spanish law -the Royal Decree 958/2020- came into force, which, in general terms, limits the marketing of gambling products. The current study aimed to examine the effect of the Spanish Royal Decree 958/2020 on gambling behavior (i.e., new accounts, active accounts, deposits, and total money bet) and marketing expenditure (i.e., advertising, bonuses, affiliation, and sponsorship) based on data from the Directorate General for Regulation of Gambling. Methods. We used Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models to examine the impact of the implementation of Royal Decree 958/2020 on both online gambling behavior and marketing expenditure.
Results. The entry into force of the Spanish Royal Decree led to a permanent decrease in gambling behavior, in particular new accounts (-326k; p = .006) and total money bet (-€232M; p= .016). Additionally, regulatory measures had an impact on marketing strategies, specifically, reducing money earmarked for advertising (-€20M; p< .001), bonus (-€2.6M; p < .001) and sponsorship (-€5.3M; p< .001).
Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that regulatory measures aimed at limiting gambling advertising, bonuses, and sponsorships have an impact on new accounts and total money gambled. This study can serve as a model for other countries where gambling advertisements have not yet been regulated.
Longitudinal changes in brain asymmetry track lifestyle and disease
Authors: Bzdok Danilo , Saltoun Karin , Yeo B.T. Thomas , Paul Lynn , Diedrichsen Jörn 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Human beings may have evolved the largest asymmetries of brain organization in the animal kingdom. Hemispheric left-vs-right specialization is especially pronounced in our species-unique capacities. Yet, brain asymmetry features appear to be strongly shaped by non-genetic influences. We hence charted the largest longitudinal brain-imaging adult resource, yielding evidence that brain asymmetry changes continuously in a manner suggestive of neural plasticity. In the UK Biobank population cohort, we demonstrate that asymmetry changes show robust associations across 959 distinct phenotypic variables spanning 11 categories. We also find that changes in brain asymmetry over years co-occur with changes among specific lifestyle markers. Finally, we reveal relevance of brain asymmetry changes to major disease categories across thousands of medical diagnoses. Our results challenge the tacit assumption that asymmetrical neural systems are highly conserved throughout adulthood.
Future runoff increase may destabilize Petermann ice shelf
Authors: Prakash Abhay , Zhou Qin , Hattermann Tore , Kirchner Nina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Increased basal melting of the Petermann Glacier Ice Shelf (PGIS) is typically attributed to rising ocean temperatures. Although subglacial discharge (Qsg) has been shown to intensify melt, the mechanisms behind this increase and their evolution with increasing Qsg in a warmer climate remain unresolved. Using a 3-D numerical regional ice shelf-ocean model centered on the Petermann Fjord, we show that heightened Qsg under the RCP 8.5 scenario leads to more than threefold increase in summer mean melt when averaged over the deeper (>300 m) drafts compared to conditions without Qsg. Notably, we identify a regime change in heat flux efficiency within the PGIS cavity when Qsg exceeds the current peak summer value. Here, thermal driving saturates, and Qsg-intensified currents increase melt by enhancing shear-driven turbulent mixing across the PGIS-ocean boundary layer. Increases in melt are most profound at the crests of the basal channels, where vigorous meltwater confluence exacerbates friction velocity. We estimate that sustained intensified summer melting over a decade may completely erode the channels, undermining the stability of PGIS. Considering the impact of the channelized basal morphology of PGIS on the spatial heterogeneity of melt, and projected increases in Qsg, we posit that our results have wider implications for similar 'warm cavity' environments.
A tunable and reversible thermo-inducible bio-switch for streptomycetes
Authors: Niu Guoqing , Lv Lanxin , Fu Yudie , Liu Shuo , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Meiyan , Lu Yin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Programmable control of bacterial gene expression is of great interest for both applied and academic research. This is particularly true for Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Streptomyces, major producers of prodigious natural products. Despite a few inducible regulatory systems have been developed for use in Streptomyces, there is an increasing pursuit to augment the toolkit of high-performance induction systems. We herein report a robust and reversible thermo-inducible bio-switch, referred to as StrepT-switch. The bio-switch enables tunable and bidirectional control of gene expression with temperature as stimulation input. StrepT-switch has been proved successful for highly efficient CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering, as well as programmable control of antibiotic production and morphology differentiation. The versatility of the device has also been exemplified by thermal induction of a site-specific relaxase ZouA-mediated DNA amplification for overproduction of actinorhodin, a blue pigmented polyketide antibiotic. This study demonstrates the exploration a temperature-sensing module and exemplifies its versatility for programmable control of various target genes in Streptomyces species.
Neoadjuvant cabozantinib restores CD8 T cells in patients with locally advanced non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a phase 2 trial
Authors: Kissick Haydn , Bilen Mehmet , Vo BaoHan , Liu Yuan , Greenwald Rachel , Davarpanahfakhr Amir , McGuire Donal , Shiradkar Rakesh , Li Liping , Nazha Bassel , Brown Jacqueline , Williams Sierra , Session Wilena , Russler Greta , Caulfield Sarah , Joshi Shreyas , Narayan Vikram , Filson Christopher , Ogan Kenneth , Kucuk Omer , Carthon Bradley , Balzo Luke del , Cohen Athena , Boyanton Adriana , Prokhnevska Nataliya , Cardenas Maria , Sobierajska Ewelina , Jansen Caroline , Patil Dattatraya , Edouard Nicaise , Osunkoya Adeboye , Master Viraj 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cabozantinib is an oral multikinase inhibitor approved for treatment in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We hypothesized that neoadjuvant cabozantinib could downstage localized tumors, facilitating partial nephrectomy, and facilitating surgery in patients with locally advanced tumors that would require significant adjacent organ resection. We, therefore, conducted a phase 2, single-arm trial of cabozantinib treatment for 12 weeks in 17 patients with locally advanced biopsy-proven non-metastatic clear cell RCC before surgical resection. Six patients (35%) experienced a partial response, and 11 patients (65%) had stable disease. We identified that plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA), VEGF, c-MET, Gas6, and AXL were significantly increased while VEGFR2 decreased during cabozantinib treatments. There was a trend towards CD8+ T cells becoming activated in the blood, expressing the proliferation marker Ki67 and activation markers HLA-DR and CD38. Cabozantinib treatment depleted myeloid populations acutely. Importantly, immune niches made up of the stem-like CD8+ T cells and antigen presenting cells were increased in every patient. These data suggest that cabozantinib treatment was clinically active and safe in the neoadjuvant setting in patients with locally advanced non-metastatic clear cell RCC and activated the anti-tumor CD8+ T cell response. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT04022343.
Applied Design of Optimal PID-with-Feedforward Control Using Two-Parameter Behavior Models
Authors: Smith George 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a two-parameter method for adjusting and tuning control systems in order to explore trade-offs in light of real-world objectives and constraints; the user-friendly mechanism draws parallels between robot and human behavior easily understood at an intuitive level. Firstly, the general behavior model enables a designer to adjust weightings in a cost function using two behavior traits, potentially to create 3D plots that illustrate trade-offs. Secondly, the specific behavior model allows someone to explore trade-offs or tune the control gains in real time, for a specific situation or for personal preference, again using only two intuitive behavior traits. Both methods also facilitate a simple strategy of just choosing between a few distinctive behavior types. Moreover, the framework provides a possible model for understanding how some behavior qualities might arise due to the natural constraint of feedback in systems, with implications for programming relatable behaviors into robots. A nonlinear optimal quadratic tracking design for the PID-with-feedforward control of a robot link demonstrates the practical design methodology.
Assessment of the PhysicochemicalProperties of Water in Tin Mining Ponds on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria: Prospect for Municipal Clean Water Supply
Authors: Zitta Solomon Wuyep 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The global problem in water resources management is finding new and reliable sources of water. The utility of water is limited by its quality and accessibility,which makes it suitable or unsuitable for a variety of uses. Assessment of water quality is therefore an important aspect of water resource evaluation. Various analytical procedures were used to analyze the appearance, taste, E-productivity, temperature, turbidity, color, odor, pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na) chloride (Cl), fluoride (F), nitrate (NO2), microbial, cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (Ar) contents, which were all measured during the dry season. The results were compared with water quality standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Based on these findings, the appearance, color, taste, odor, electrical conductivity, turbidity, iron (Fe), lead (Pb), arsenic (Ar), total coliform and E. coli concentrations are above the WHO and NESREA limits. The utilization of mining ponds for a sustainable water supply offers benefits, including increased water security, minimized environmental impact and reduced water costs. It is recommended that mining ponds undergo proper treatment and further purification before being utilized for domestic purposes.
First report of Acanthamoeba spp. isolation in a recreational hot spring in the Philippines
Authors: Parado Wilfredo , Quito Ynna Cialina , Mondelo Kirk Nathaniel , Nicdao Elynn Joshua Ali , Ortiz Rochelle , Perez Jad Carlos , Reyes Aella Frances , Arada Miguel Carlos , Padua Mark F. F. E. , Milanez Giovanni De Jesus , Karanis Panagiotis 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Natural hot springs are ideal places and environmental matrices that offer relaxation to people and microorganisms of different types. A total of 40 surface water samples were collected from the five identified collection sites, eight water samples for each site. Collection sites are designated 200 m apart to cover the entire study site. Surface water samples were collected approximately 10–20 cm from the surface. Water samples were filtered, cultured, and microscopically observed for 14 days. After 14 days of cultivation, eight (20%) water samples revealed cystic and trophozoite stages. Polymerase chain reaction using JDP1 and JDP2 specific primers confirmed the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. from two of our isolates in the hot spring, isolates 1.1 and 5.1. Further sequencing revealed that the isolates are Acanthamoeba T20 and Acanthamoeba genotype T7. Sequences were deposited to GenBank and were assigned accession numbers PP741726 and PP741727, respectively. The isolation of Acanthamoeba spp. in hot springs has significant health implications, especially for those who use it for recreational activity. Private resort owners are highly encouraged to regularly monitor and maintain hot spring resorts to avoid future infections.