bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning-based and quality preserving super-resolution of noisy images
Authors: Cammarasana Simone , Patanè Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

Purpose:Several applications require the super-resolution of noisy images and the preservation of geometrical and texture features. State-of-the-art super-resolution methods do not account for noise and generally enhance the output image’s artefacts (e.g., aliasing, blurring).Methods:We propose a learning-based method that accounts for the presence of noise and preserves the properties of the input image, as measured by quantitative metrics, e.g., normalised crossed correlation, normalised mean squared error, peak-signal-to-noise-ration, structural similarity feature-based similarity, universal image quality. We train our network to up-sample a low-resolution noisy image while preserving its properties. We perform our tests on the Cineca Marconi100 cluster, at the 26th position in the “top500” list.Results:The experimental results show that our method outperforms learning-based methods, has comparable results with standard methods, preserves the properties of the input image as contours, brightness, and textures, and reduces the artefacts. As average quantitative metrics, our approach has a PSNR value of 23.81 on the super-resolution of Gaussian noise images with a 2X up-sampling factor. In contrast, previous work has a PSNR value of 23.09 (standard method) and 21.78 (learning-based method).Conclusion:Our learning-based and quality-preserving super-resolution improves the high-resolution prediction of noisy images with respect to state-of-the-art methods with different noise types and up-sampling factors.
Stochastic dynamics of mechanical systems with impacts via the Step Matrix multiplication based Path Integration method
Authors: Sykora Henrik T. , Kuske Rachel , Yurchenko Daniil
Published: April 2024

In this work we propose the Step Matrix Multiplication based Path Integration method (SMM-PI) for nonlinear vibro-impact oscillator systems. This method allows the efficient and accurate deterministic computation of the time-dependent response probability density function by transforming the corresponding Chapman–Kolmogorov equation to a matrix–vector multiplication using high-order numerical time-stepping and interpolation methods. Additionally, the SMM-PI approach yields the computation of the joint probability distribution for response and impact velocity, as well as the time between impacts and other important characteristics. The method is applied to a nonlinear oscillator with a pair of impact barriers, and to a linear oscillator with a single barrier, providing relevant densities and analysing energy accumulation and absorption properties. We validate the results with the help of stochastic Monte-Carlo simulations and show the superior ability of the introduced formulation to compute accurate response statistics.
Introgression of early shoot vigour in wheat modifies root systems, increases competitiveness and provides options for integrated weed management
Authors: Hendriks Pieter-Willem , Gurusinghe Saliya , Weston Paul A. , Ryan Peter R. , Delhaize Emmanuel , Weston Leslie A. , Rebetzke Gregory J.
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

Weeds are a major biotic stressor impacting crop production. Improving the competitiveness of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) could provide a useful tool in integrated weed management. While wheat typically exhibits conservative early growth, early vigour has been increased through long-term recurrent selection for greater early biomass and leaf area. However, the influence of integrating such vigour into breeding lines for improving competitive ability remains to be explored.

Methods

In replicated controlled environment experiments, the effect of breeding early shoot vigour on root development and below-ground competitiveness was carefully examined. Physical and chemical characteristics of wheat vigour lines were assessed and compared with commercial cultivars in hydroponics and field soil experiments. Measurements included early root growth, rhizosheath size and growth responses in the presence of annual ryegrass, a major weed in wheat production.

Results

The vigorous lines exhibited larger leaf widths, increased cell file number, increased total root length and larger rhizosheaths compared with commercial parents. Numerous secondary metabolites with known allelopathic effects on weeds were detected in the roots and the rhizosphere, and significant allelochemical level differences observed between distilled water and soil water extract-treated plants. Although the vigour lines were significantly more competitive than the commercial cultivars against ryegrass, they produced similar levels of phytotoxic secondary metabolites.

Conclusion

Competition below-ground was strongly suppressive of ryegrass for the more vigorous genotypes suggesting that breeding with shoot vigour had pleiotropic effects on key root traits for below-ground wheat competitiveness.
Co-occurrence and cognitive basis of low language and low reading skills in children speaking a transparent language
Authors: Kamykowska Joanna , Łuniewska Magdalena , Banasik-Jemielniak Natalia , Czaplewska Ewa , Kochańska Magdalena , Krajewski Grzegorz , Maryniak Agnieszka , Wiejak Katarzyna , Krasowicz-Kupis Grażyna , Haman Ewa
Published: April 2024

We investigated the comorbidity of low language and reading skills in 6- to 8-year-old monolingual Polish-speaking children (N = 962) using three different approaches: norming data to determine the prevalence of co-morbid difficulties, group comparisons of profiles on key cognitive-linguistic measures, and a case series analysis examining the frequency of single versus multiple deficits. We identified four groups of children based on their oral language and reading skills: children with low oral language skills alone, low reading skills alone, comorbid low language/reading skills, and typically developing chronological-age controls. We characterized the four groups (n = 38 per group) in terms of oral language and reading skills measured with normed test batteries, and in terms of the cognitive-linguistic profiles measured by the phonological awareness test (PA), rapid automatized naming test (RAN), and nonword repetition tests (NWR). We found that 24–31% of children with one type of difficulty had comorbid difficulties in the other domain. All groups differed significantly in cognitive-linguistic profiles. For each measure, the comorbid group had the lowest results. The group of children with isolated low language skills had better results than the comorbid group in (1) Sentence repetition (sub-test in an oral language test), (2) discrimination-based, blending-based, and elision-based PA sub-tests, (3) RAN (both digits and letters). The group with isolated low reading skills had better results than the comorbid group in: (1) discrimination-based PA sub-test, (2) NWR tests. The results indicate differences in cognitive-linguistic profiles between the groups with low language and/or low reading skills. They highlight the need to control for both types of difficulties in researching low language and/or reading skills, and to screen for comorbid issues while diagnosing children.
Colour change in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers by disruption of the anthocyanin pathway via ribonucleoprotein complex delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Wulff-Vester Anders , Andersson Mariette , Brurberg May Bente , Hofvander Per , Alsheikh Muath , Harwood Wendy , Hvoslef-Eide Trine
Published: April 2024

Potato is an important part of the traditional Norwegian diet, and the crop faces several challenges with respect to pests and diseases, as well as the increasingly challenging changes in climate. Genome editing may provide tools to improve the resilience of Norwegian potato cultivars to new climate challenges. We have altered the skin colour of two potato cultivars, ‘Desirée’ and ‘Nansen’ from red to yellow, as a proof-of-concept for the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in a Norwegian cultivar. Our method has involved the use of protoplasts and we have grown the regenerants for three successive clonal tuber generations to evaluate the stability of the edited plants over time and under varying temperature conditions in contained rooms in a greenhouse. We found that the protoplast method is well suited to achieving CRISPR/Cas9 applications. The results show that the yellow skin is consistent over the three generations of tuber propagation. We found some suspected somaclonal variation in the protoplast regenerants. Some of the variation which we observed under high temperatures (up to nearly 40ºC) during the second growth cycle, disappeared when cultivated under lower temperatures in the third cultivation cycle.
Numerical Simulations of Viscous Fingering in Fractured Porous Media
Authors: Berge Runar L. , Berre Inga , Keilegavlen Eirik , Nordbotten Jan M.
Published: April 2024

The effect of heterogeneity induced by highly permeable fracture networks on viscous miscible fingering in porous media is examined using high-resolution numerical simulations. We consider the planar injection of a less viscous fluid into a two-dimensional fractured porous medium that is saturated with a more viscous fluid. This problem contains two sets of fundamentally different preferential flow regimes; the first is caused by the viscous fingering, and the second is due to the permeability contrasts between the fractures and the rock matrix. We study the transition from the regime where the flow is dominated by the viscous instabilities, to the regime where the heterogeneity induced by the fractures define the flow paths. Our findings reveal that even minor permeability differences between the rock matrix and fractures significantly influence the behavior of viscous fingering. The interplay between the viscosity contrast and permeability contrast leads to the preferential channeling of the less viscous fluid through the fractures. Consequently, this channeling process stabilizes the displacement front within the rock matrix, ultimately suppressing the occurrence of viscous fingering, particularly for higher permeability contrasts. We explore three fracture geometries: two structured and one random configuration and identify a complex interaction between these geometries and the development of unstable flow. While we find that the most important factor determining the effect of the fracture network is the ratio of fluid volume flowing through the fractures and the rock matrix, the exact point for the cross-over regime is dependent on the geometry of the fracture network.
Dynamic Tunable Liquid-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber Sensor Based on Graphene Plasmon
Authors: Luo Wei , Abbasi Syeda Aimen , Li Xuejin , Ho Ho-Pui , Yuan Wu
Published: April 2024

The combination of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and graphene-supporting surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) presents a new approach to achieving a plasmonic sensor with adjustable properties in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. In this study, we investigate a liquid-core PCF-based graphene plasmonic sensor, where the analyte to be detected is located on both the sensing layer surface and the fiber core. As a result, the dispersion relations of both graphene plasmon (GP) and core-guide mode can be influenced by the analyte, leading to a negative refractive index (RI) wavelength sensitivity. This unique performance is attributed to the higher modulation degree of the core mode on the analyte RI (Δneff.core) compared to that of the GP mode (Δneff.GP). By reducing the graphene Fermi energy, a positive sensibility is achieved with the modulation relationship of Δneff.core < Δneff.GP. Subsequently, the geometry dependence is explored to optimize the sensing capabilities. Furthermore, we demonstrate the sensor’s tunability by dynamically varying the graphene Fermi energy (Ef). By adjusting the Ef from 0.6 to 0.9 eV, the detection range can be artificially shifted from 0.554–0.574 THz to 0.686–0.724 THz, obtaining a tunability of 0.44 THz/eV and a higher sensitivity of 1.2667 THz/RIU. This design facilitates the efficient utilization of the limited bandwidth to detect various RIs and provides a flexible approach to constructing multiple sensing channels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of graphene plasmonic sensing based on core-filled PCF in the THz frequency range. The novel analysis method of modulation degree and dispersion matching has the potential to be widely applied in THz plasmonic sensing and could lead to various nanoscience applications.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Long-Term Depression Symptoms among Veterans
Authors: Chen Jason I. , Bui David , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Shahoumian Troy A. , Hickok Alex , Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Hawkins Eric J. , Naylor Jennifer , Govier Diana J. , Osborne Thomas F. , Smith Valerie A. , Bowling C. Barrett , Boyko Edward J. , Ioannou George N. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , O’Hare Ann M. , Viglianti Elizabeth M. , Bohnert Amy S.-B. , Hynes Denise M. ,   for the V. A. HSRDSARS-C.O.V.-2 Observational Research Collaboratory (CORC)
Published: April 2024

Background

Prior research demonstrates that SARS-COV-2 infection can be associated with a broad range of mental health outcomes including depression symptoms. Veterans, in particular, may be at elevated risk of increased depression following SARS-COV-2 infection given their high rates of pre-existing mental and physical health comorbidities. However, few studies have tried to isolate SARS-COV-2 infection associations with long term, patient-reported depression symptoms from other factors (e.g., physical health comorbidities, pandemic-related stress).

Objective

To evaluate the association between SARS-COV-2 infection and subsequent depression symptoms among United States Military Veterans.

Design

Survey-based non-randomized cohort study with matched comparators.

Participants

A matched-dyadic sample from a larger, stratified random sample of participants with and without known to SARS-COV-2 infection were invited to participate in a survey evaluating mental health and wellness 18-months after their index infection date. Sampled participants were stratified by infection severity of the participant infected with SARS-COV-2 (hospitalized or not) and by month of index date. A total of 186 participants in each group agreed to participate in the survey and had sufficient data for inclusion in analyses. Those in the uninfected group who were later infected were excluded from analyses.

Main Measures

Participants were administered the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 as part of a phone interview survey. Demographics, physical and mental health comorbidities were extracted from VHA administrative data.

Key Results

Veterans infected with SARS-COV-2 had significantly higher depression symptoms scores compared with those uninfected. In particular, psychological symptoms (e.g., low mood, suicidal ideation) scores were elevated relative to the comparator group (MInfected = 3.16, 95%CI: 2.5, 3.8; MUninfected = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.4, 2.5). Findings were similar regardless of history of depression.

Conclusion

SARS-COV-2 infection was associated with more depression symptoms among Veterans at 18-months post-infection. Routine evaluation of depression symptoms over time following SARS-COV-2 infection is important to facilitate adequate assessment and treatment.
Effect of stabilizing subgrade layer using various additives on the flexible pavement design
Authors: Mostafa Abdelzaher E. A. , Eisa Mohamed , Ibrahim Mokhtar F.
Published: April 2024

Soil stabilization involves enhancing the physical properties of soil to increase its stability, durability, and ability to support heavy loads, making it a crucial technique in civil engineering and construction. The process is used to reduce soil permeability and compressibility and increase its shear strength. To achieve this, various additives are used. This paper evaluates RoadCem (nanomaterial) and traditional additives such as cement, lime, and ashes materials such as rice husk ash (RHA) and fly ash (FA) as by-product materials in clayey soil stabilization. The used percentages of Lime were (2, 4, 6, and 8%), cement and RoadCem (3, 6, 9, and 12%), FA (3, 6, 9, 12, and 15%), and RHA (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%) by dry weight of the tested soil. Various tests were used to examine and evaluate the physical and engineering characteristics of the treated soil, modified proctor, atterberg limits, free swelling (FS%), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and resilient modulus (Mr) as well as microstructure tests [scanning electron microscopic (SEM)]. All admixtures were tested and subjected to two curing periods, 7 and 28 days. The results indicated that the optimum additives percentages were selected as 6% FA and 15% RHA activated by 6% lime and 6% for both RoadCem and cement. At these percentages, plasticity, FS%, and optimum moisture content (OMC) values were decreased. In contrast, maximum dry density (MDD), UCS, CBR%, and Mr values were increased. In addition, the correlation between Mr and both CBR and UCS was drawn. SEM results showed that major changes were observed in the microstructure of treated samples due to the forming of cementitious materials. The study evaluated the effect of subgrade stabilization on reducing base layer thickness under light, medium, and heavy expected traffic loads with an economic analysis to examine the benefits of subgrade stabilization. The cost analysis showed that the optimal economic additives were RoadCem and cement.
Conducting an in situ evaluation of erodibility in a Mediterranean semi-arid and conventional vineyard in Granada province (Southern Spain) through rainfall simulation experiments
Authors: Ortega José Parra , Cambronero Laura , Alcarria Salas María , Rodríguez José Luis , Durán-Zuazo Víctor Hugo , Keesstra Saskia D. , Rodrigo-Comino Jesús
Published: April 2024

Vineyards in Europe has been fundamental for food, drink and cosmetic production, and job creation; however, in recent decades due to increased cultivation intensity, numerous negative consequences, including erosion, have been observed. Erodibility or susceptibility to erosion is a little-studied parameter in vineyards but is crucial for analyzing the vulnerability of this crop. Therefore, in this research, a small portable rainfall simulator was used as a useful tool for assessing erodibility, combined with other methods such as soil analyses or infiltration measurements in a semi-arid vineyard located in the Granada province (Spain) considering 20 different hotspots at diverse hillslope positions along the inter-rows and close to the traffic roads. The experiments were conducted in spring 2022 under dry soil conditions. Our results display susceptibility to erosion, particularly on steeper parts such as the shoulder and backslopes. In these areas, runoff gained momentum, carrying a significant sediment load, diminishing the effectiveness of stone cover, and occasionally leading to its removal, especially near the roads. Nevertheless, it is observed that increased roughness plays a mitigating role by slowing down runoff. Using linear correlation analysis and Spearman rank coefficient, we observed this effect is linked to factors such as stoniness, vegetation, and moderate tillage. Conversely, in the flatter zones, primarily in lower areas, reduced runoff and delayed onset are primarily influenced by factors such as roughness, type of cover, material composition, and organic matter content. We concluded that this study case can demonstrate that erodibility in vineyards can shed light as an extra parameter to inform farmers, rural inhabitants, and policymakers about the extreme problem of the vulnerable soils of vineyards.
Der explizite Leser
Authors: Weitin Thomas
Published: April 2024

Produktion, Text und Rezeption sind die Gegenstandsfelder der klassischen, hermeneutischen Literaturwissenschaft. Der Beitrag argumentiert, dass diese Felder auch für die Digitale Literaturwissenschaft zusammengehören. Ergebnisse von Untersuchungen im data rich approach, der Korpusanalysen mit der Analyse von Daten aus der Institutionengeschichte der Literatur verbindet, erhärten die Notwendigkeit, sich stärker mit der Rezeptionsseite der Literatur zu befassen. Dazu gehört die Durchführung von Experimenten, deren empirische Daten in die Daten-Systematik der Literaturwissenschaft integriert werden müssen. Für diese Perspektive greift die rezeptionsästhetische Vorstellung vom ›impliziten Leser‹, der auf Textstrukturen nur reagiert, zu kurz. Vor dem Hintergrund neuer Evidenz aus der Kognitionswissenschaft wird gezeigt, dass Lesen immer auch der Eigengesetzlichkeit der dabei beteiligten kognitiven Prozesse unterliegt. Der ›explizite Leser‹ bietet die Möglichkeit, zentrale interdisziplinäre Fragen wie die nach der Funktionsweise von Aufmerksamkeit, nach der Wirkung von Narrativen oder nach den speziellen Wahrscheinlichkeitskalkülen der Literatur neu zu fassen und dies bei der Analyse zu berücksichtigen.
Seasonal variation, source identification, and health risk assessment of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Ulsan, South Korea
Authors: Youn Na Ra , Lee Sang-Jin , Nguyen Tuyet Nam Thi , Lee Ho-Young , Cho Hye Kyung , Song Chang-Keun , Choi Sung-Deuk
Published: April 2024

Gaseous and particulate 21 PAHs were monitored at a residential site in Ulsan, South Korea, over three seasons (December 2013–August 2014). The mean concentrations of Σ21 PAHs were highest in winter (16.2 ± 8.2 ng/m3), followed by spring (8.37 ± 4.53 ng/m3) and summer (6.23 ± 2.53 ng/m3). The mean gaseous concentration of Σ21 PAHs (7.39 ± 4.39 ng/m3) was 2.7 times higher than that of particulate PAHs (2.70 ± 3.38 ng/m3). To identify the sources of PAHs (both types of sources and their areas), diagnostic ratios, principal component analysis, and concentration-weighted trajectory (CWT) were used. The results showed that pyrogenic sources (e.g., coal combustion) were the primary emission sources of PAHs in winter and spring. In summer, the influence of both coal and heavy oil combustion was dominant, suggesting that PAHs could be transported from industrial areas of Ulsan (e.g., petrochemical and nonferrous industrial complexes) by seasonal winds. Regarding emission source areas, the CWT analysis revealed that in winter and spring, PAHs in Ulsan could be attributed to emissions from regional areas, e.g., China and North Korea. The PAH concentrations were also used to assess the health risks associated with the inhalation of these compounds for adults aged 18–70. The results showed that the cancer risks from Σ19 PAHs and Σ13 PAHs did not exceed the guideline set by the US EPA (10−6), indicating no cancer risks for this target group. However, it is worth noting that certain PAHs, which are not listed as priority PAHs by the US EPA, make significant contributions to the benzo[a]pyrene equivalent and the associated cancer risks. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate not only the priority PAHs but also other PAH species to fully evaluate their effect on human health.
Factors associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and evaluation of a recruitment protocol among healthcare personnel in a COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness study
Authors: Millar Morgan M. , Mayer Jeanmarie , Crook Jacob , Stratford Kristina M. , Huber Tavis , Samore Matthew H.
Published: April 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare personnel. Secondary objectives were to assess representativeness of recruited participants and the effectiveness of a multiple-contact protocol for recruiting healthcare personnel in this COVID-19 study.

Design:

Survey study, conducted as part of an observational test-negative study of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness.

Setting:

University of Utah Health system, including both inpatient and outpatient facilities.

Participants:

Clinical and non-clinical healthcare personnel at University of Utah Health. 1456 were contacted and 503 (34.5%) completed the survey. Cases were all eligible employees testing positive for COVID-19, with 3:1 randomly selected, matched controls (test negative) selected weekly.

Methods:

Online survey.

Results:

Significant differences in the demographics of participants and the source population were observed; e.g., nursing staff comprised 31.6% of participants but only 23.3% of the source population. The multiple-contact recruitment protocol increased participation by ten percentage points and ensured equal representation of controls. Potential exposure to illness outside of work was strongly predictive of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 3.74; 95% CI: 2.29, 6.11) whereas potential exposure at work was protective against testing positive (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.88).

Conclusions:

Carefully designed recruitment protocols increase participation and representation of controls, but bias in participant demographics still exists. The negative association between potential workplace exposure and positive test suggests testing bias in the test-negative design. Healthcare personnel’s potential exposures to COVID-19 outside of the workplace are important predictors of SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.
Reaching high-hanging fruit in antimicrobial stewardship: a hospital-based intervention to withdraw inappropriately prescribed antimicrobials
Authors: Khan Salman S. , Krichavets Ilya , Feldmesser Marta
Published: April 2024

Background:

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are responsible for addressing unnecessary antimicrobial use. We describe our experience with a unique intervention to withdraw unnecessary antimicrobials.

Methods:

Design, Setting, Participants: descriptive case series of adult inpatients at a single academic medical center, December 2021 to December 2022; Intervention: hospital-wide policy allowing ASP to discontinue inappropriate antimicrobials in select cases not resolved by prospective audit and feedback; Measures: count, date, and generic names of antimicrobials prescribed; reason for antimicrobial withdrawal (prolonged duration, no evidence of infection, or other); withdrawals by inpatient service (surgical or medical); time from antimicrobial start date to withdrawal intervention; days of therapy (DOT) saved; “nudge effect” defined as the prescribing team self-discontinuing withdrawn antimicrobial within 24 hours of withdrawal notice; appeals to withdrawals; ordering of alternative antimicrobials following withdrawal; incident infections, readmission, in-hospital mortality within 30 days of withdrawal intervention.

Results:

There were 54 antimicrobials withdrawn among 36 unique patients during the study period; piperacillin-tazobactam followed by vancomycin were the most frequently withdrawn agents; prolonged duration of therapy or prophylaxis followed by no evidence of infection were the most common reasons for withdrawal; withdrawals occurred most often on surgical services; an estimated 236 DOT (27.2 DOT per 100 patient-days) were saved; 32% of withdrawals were appealed; alternative antimicrobials were ordered following 20% of withdrawals; no incident infections, readmissions or in-hospital deaths were definitively attributed to withdrawal intervention.

Conclusions:

Our antimicrobial withdrawal intervention was a safe and effective addition to ASP activities to reduce inappropriate antimicrobial use and improve prescriber accountability.
The melanin pigment gene black mediates body pigmentation and courtship behaviour in the German cockroach Blattella germanica
Authors: Gong Lang-Lang , Ma Yun-Feng , Zhang Meng-Qi , Feng Hong-Yan , Zhou Yang-Yuntao , Zhao Ya-Qin , Hull J. Joe , Dewer Youssef , He Ming , He Peng
Published: April 2024

Genes involved in melanin production directly impact insect pigmentation and can affect diverse physiology and behaviours. The role these genes have on sex behaviour, however, is unclear. In the present study, the crucial melanin pigment gene black was functionally characterised in an urban pest, the German cockroach, Blattella germanica. RNAi knockdown of B. germanica black (Bgblack) had no effect on survival, but did result in black pigmentation of the thoraxes, abdomens, heads, wings, legs, antennae, and cerci due to cuticular accumulation of melanin. Sex-specific variation in the pigmentation pattern was apparent, with females exhibiting darker coloration on the abdomen and thorax than males. Bgblack knockdown also resulted in wing deformation and negatively impacted the contact sex pheromone-based courtship behaviour of males. This study provides evidence for black function in multiple aspects of B. germanica biology and opens new avenues of exploration for novel pest control strategies.
Austria and the Czech Republic as Immigration Countries: Transnational Labor Migration in Historical Comparison
Authors: Stránský Mojmír , Ther Philipp
Published: April 2024

This article is an introduction to the forum that compares Austria and today's Czech Republic as immigration countries.
Crusade, Culture, and Conflict: The Evidence of Monastic Miscellanies
Authors: Mixson James D.
Published: April 2024

“Later” crusading has become a vibrant field in recent years, with a concern for our core theme, “patterns of conflict and negotiation,” at its center. Often, and rightly enough, those patterns have been focused on matters of high politics and diplomacy, military affairs, papal propaganda, and more. The approach adopted here complements these efforts by modulating their perspectives. This article explores patterns of conflict and negotiation as they played out in the realms of crusading experience, culture, and memory in the wake of the fall of Constantinople (1453) and the siege of Belgrade (1456). It does so through the lens of those particularly rich, but also challenging, fifteenth-century manuscript sources known as “miscellanies.”
Polarization and the Democratic System: Kinds, Reasons, and Sites
Authors: Rostbøll Christian F.
Published: April 2024

It is widely agreed that the increased polarization many countries experience is bad for democracy. However, existing assessments of how polarization affects democracy operate with simplified understandings of both polarization and democracy. Bringing empirical studies and democratic theory into dialogue, I argue that polarization cannot be understood as a single phenomenon that can be evaluated in one way. Moreover, its different kinds affect different parts of the democratic system in distinct ways. First, we must distinguish between the degree of polarization in a given context and the different kinds of polarization at play. Second, we must consider whether people have good reasons for their polarizing behavior or whether it is entirely irrational. If people have good reasons for their polarizing behavior, the problem lies elsewhere than in polarization itself. Third, we must distinguish between the content of polarized opinions and the process of opinion formation. Both can be assessed with democratic criteria, but they raise different questions. Finally, for democratic evaluation it matters where polarization occurs and thus, we must differentiate between different sites of polarization: civil society, election campaigns, and legislatures. I recommend a systemic approach to assessing the democratic implication of polarization, which analyzes both the effects of polarization at different sites and on democracy as a composite whole.
Association between precarious employment and the onset of depressive symptoms in men and women: a 13-year longitudinal analysis in Korea (2009–2022)
Authors: Baek Seong-Uk , Won Jong-Uk , Lee Yu-Min , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: April 2024

Aims

Increasing social concern surrounds the potential adverse health effects of precarious employment (PE). In this study, we explored the association between PE and the onset of depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 11,555 Korean waged workers (5700 females) contributed 62,217 observations from 2009 to 2022. PE was operationalized as a multidimensional construct, including employment insecurity, income inadequacy and lack of rights and protection. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (11-item version). The association between PE and the onset of depressive symptoms in the subsequent year was estimated using generalized estimating equations. Effect sizes were reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

The overall incidence of depressive symptoms was 8.3% during the study period. In cross-sectional analysis, daily employment, disguised employment, lower monthly wages and lack of social insurance coverage were associated with concurrent depressive symptoms in both men and women. Longitudinally, fixed-term employment (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07–1.29), daily employment (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.45–1.85) and disguised employment (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.17–1.57) were associated with the onset of depressive symptoms among the overall sample. Among men, the lowest quartiles of wage were associated with the onset of depressive symptoms (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.13–1.60), while the absence of a trade union was associated among women (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01–1.39).

Conclusions

Employment insecurity, inadequate income and lack of rights and protection may contribute to depressive symptoms. Therefore, PE serves as a significant social determinant of mental health among workers in Korea. Active policy efforts are warranted to improve the overall quality of employment in the workforce.
Effect of herbicide programs on control and seed production of multiple herbicide–resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in corn resistant to 2,4-D/glufosinate/glyphosate
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Rogers Rachel , Lawrence Nevin C. , Shi Yeyin , Chahal Parminder S. , Knezevic Stevan Z. , Jhala Amit J.
Published: April 2024

Multiple herbicide–resistant (MHR) Palmer amaranth is among the most problematic summer annual broadleaf weeds in Nebraska and several other states. A new MHR corn cultivar (resistant to 2,4-D/glufosinate/glyphosate, also known as Enlist corn) has been commercially available in the United States since 2018. Growers are searching for herbicide programs for control and reduce seed production of MHR Palmer amaranth among Enlist corn crops. The objectives of this study were to evaluate herbicides applied preemergence, early postemergence, or preemergence followed by (fb) late postemergence for the management of MHR Palmer amaranth in Enlist corn fields and to assess their effect on Palmer amaranth biomass, density, seed production, and corn yield. Field experiments were conducted near Carleton, NE, in 2020 and 2021, in a grower’s field of Enlist corn infested with acetolactate synthase–inhibitor/atrazine/glyphosate–resistant Palmer amaranth. Herbicides applied preemergence, such as flufenacet/isoxaflutole/thiencarbazone-methyl, acetochlor/clopyralid/flumetsulam, or acetochlor/clopyralid/mesotrione, provided 75% to 99% control of Palmer amaranth 30 d after preemergence. Preemergence fb late postemergence herbicides resulted in 94% Palmer amaranth control 90 d after late postemergence, reduced weed density to 0 to 8 plants m−2 30 d after late postemergence, and reduced biomass to 2 to 14 g m−2 15 d after late postemergence compared to preemergence-only (59% control, 0 to 15 plants m−2, and 4 to 123 g m−2) and early postemergence–only herbicides (78% control, 6 to 30 plants m−2, and 8 to 25 g m−2). Based on contrast analysis, Palmer amaranth seed production was reduced to 14,050 seeds m–2 in preemergence fb late postemergence herbicide programs compared with 325,490 seed m–2 in preemergence-only and 376,750 seed m–2 in early postemergence–only programs. Based on orthogonal contrast, higher corn yield of 12,340 and 11,730 kg ha−1 was obtained with preemergence fb late postemergence herbicide programs compared with preemergence-only (10,840 and 11,510 kg ha−1) and early postemergence–only programs (10,850 and 10,030 kg ha−1) in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Nimmt der Bildungshintergrund Einfluss auf mütterliche Entwicklungseinschätzungen im Verlauf des ersten Lebensjahres?
Authors: Samdan Gizem , Heilig Lena , Pauen Sabina
Published: April 2024

Zusammenfassung: In der vorliegenden Längsschnittstudie wird die frühkindliche Entwicklung von 100 Kindern aus benachteiligten Stadtteilen Bremens durch Befragungen der Mutter mittels MONDEY (Milestones of Normal Development in Early Years) erfasst und die frühkindliche Entwicklung in Abhängigkeit vom Bildungsniveau der Mütter untersucht. Die Befunde zeigen, dass der Bildungshintergrund der Mütter keinen erkennbaren Einfluss auf die Entwicklung im ersten Lebensjahr hat, weder bei Betrachtung der Gesamtentwicklung noch bei differenzierter Betrachtung von Einzeldimensionen. Beide Gruppen von Kindern bildungsferner und bildungsnaher Mütter zeigen einen Anstieg der MONDEY-Scores für jede Entwicklungsdimension über drei Messzeitpunkte. Die Entwicklungsdimensionen weisen dabei jedoch differenzierte Profile auf, die mit der Literatur übereinstimmen. Die Rolle von Beobachtungsfehlern und Antwortverzerrungen bei der Einschätzung der Mutter sowie die Frage, wann Effekte des sozioökonomischen Status in der kindlichen Entwicklung sichtbar werden, werden diskutiert.
Assessment of Play in Preschool-Age
Authors: Rebelo Gabriela , Sousa-Gomes Valéria , Moreira Diana , Fávero Marisalva
Published: April 2024

Abstract: The construct of play lacks a universal and consensual definition, due to its inherent complexity. It is during childhood play is fundamental to the development of cognitive, social, emotional, physical, and language skills. Therefore, it is pertinent to conduct research on play in preschool age, seeking to identify predictors of development and methods to assess the specific components that make up the different dimensions of play. The evaluation of preschool play, using valid and reliable instruments, supports the construction of intervention programs that enhance the child’s full development. This systematic review aimed to investigate national and international instruments and tasks that assess play. The results indicate the existence of several instruments and tasks at pre-school age. However, the complexity of the construct still hinders the clear definition of the specific components to be assessed. There was a prevalence of the assessment of the social and cognitive dimensions over the assessment of the affective dimension, which is in line with the perceived frequency of the use of instruments that assess social interaction during play. So, this systematic review was a valuable contribution to the development and support of future research on tools for play assessment, specifically in preschool age.
Autophagy degrades immunogenic endogenous retroelements induced by 5-azacytidine in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Noronha Nandita , Durette Chantal , Cahuzac Maxime , E Silva Bianca , Courtois Justine , Humeau Juliette , Sauvat Allan , Hardy Marie-Pierre , Vincent Krystel , Laverdure Jean-Philippe , Lanoix Joël , Baron Frédéric , Thibault Pierre , Perreault Claude , Ehx Gregory
Published: April 2024

The hypomethylating agent 5-azacytidine (AZA) is the first-line treatment for AML patients unfit for intensive chemotherapy. The effect of AZA results in part from T-cell cytotoxic responses against MHC-I-associated peptides (MAPs) deriving from hypermethylated genomic regions such as cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), or endogenous retroelements (EREs). However, evidence supporting higher ERE MAPs presentation after AZA treatment is lacking. Therefore, using proteogenomics, we examined the impact of AZA on the repertoire of MAPs and their source transcripts. AZA-treated AML upregulated both CTA and ERE transcripts, but only CTA MAPs were presented at greater levels. Upregulated ERE transcripts triggered innate immune responses against double-stranded RNAs but were degraded by autophagy, and not processed into MAPs. Autophagy resulted from the formation of protein aggregates caused by AZA-dependent inhibition of DNMT2. Autophagy inhibition had an additive effect with AZA on AML cell proliferation and survival, increased ERE levels, increased pro-inflammatory responses, and generated immunogenic tumor-specific ERE-derived MAPs. Finally, autophagy was associated with a lower abundance of CD8+ T-cell markers in AML patients expressing high levels of EREs. This work demonstrates that AZA-induced EREs are degraded by autophagy and shows that inhibiting autophagy can improve the immune recognition of AML blasts in treated patients.
METTL14 downregulation drives S100A4+ monocyte-derived macrophages via MyD88/NF-κB pathway to promote MAFLD progression
Authors: Wang Yue-fan , Zhang Wen-li , Li Zhi-xuan , Liu Yue , Tan Jian , Yin Hao-zan , Zhang Zhi-chao , Piao Xian-jie , Ruan Min-hao , Dai Zhi-hui , Wang Si-jie , Mu Chen-yang , Yuan Ji-hang , Sun Shu-han , Liu Hui , Yang Fu
Published: April 2024

Without intervention, a considerable proportion of patients with metabolism‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) will progress from simple steatosis to metabolism‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH), liver fibrosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the molecular mechanisms that control progressive MAFLD have yet to be fully determined. Here, we unraveled that the expression of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase METTL14 is remarkably downregulated in the livers of both patients and several murine models of MAFLD, whereas hepatocyte-specific depletion of this methyltransferase aggravated lipid accumulation, liver injury, and fibrosis. Conversely, hepatic Mettl14 overexpression alleviated the above pathophysiological changes in mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD). Notably, in vivo and in vitro mechanistic studies indicated that METTL14 downregulation decreased the level of GLS2 by affecting the translation efficiency mediated by YTHDF1 in an m6A-depedent manner, which might help to form an oxidative stress microenvironment and accordingly recruit Cx3cr1+Ccr2+ monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo-macs). In detail, Cx3cr1+Ccr2+ Mo-macs can be categorized into M1-like macrophages and S100A4-positive macrophages and then further activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to promote liver fibrosis. Further experiments revealed that CX3CR1 can activate the transcription of S100A4 via CX3CR1/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway in Cx3cr1+Ccr2+ Mo-macs. Restoration of METTL14 or GLS2, or interfering with this signal transduction pathway such as inhibiting MyD88 could ameliorate liver injuries and fibrosis. Taken together, these findings indicate potential therapies for the treatment of MAFLD progression.
Quantification of cervical spinal stenosis by automated 3D MRI segmentation of spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid space
Authors: Hohenhaus Marc , Klingler Jan-Helge , Scholz Christoph , Watzlawick Ralf , Hubbe Ulrich , Beck Jürgen , Reisert Marco , Würtemberger Urs , Kremers Nico , Wolf Katharina
Published: April 2024

Design

Prospective diagnostic study.

Objectives

Anatomical evaluation and graduation of the severity of spinal stenosis is essential in degenerative cervical spine disease. In clinical practice, this is subjectively categorized on cervical MRI lacking an objective and reliable classification. We implemented a fully-automated quantification of spinal canal compromise through 3D T2-weighted MRI segmentation.

Setting

Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Germany.

Methods

Evaluation of 202 participants receiving 3D T2-weighted MRI of the cervical spine. Segments C2/3 to C6/7 were analyzed for spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid space volume through a fully-automated segmentation based on a trained deep convolutional neural network. Spinal canal narrowing was characterized by relative values, across sever segments as adapted Maximal Canal Compromise (aMCC), and within the index segment as adapted Spinal Cord Occupation Ratio (aSCOR). Additionally, all segments were subjectively categorized by three observers as “no”, “relative” or “absolute” stenosis. Computed scores were applied on the subjective categorization.

Results

798 (79.0%) segments were subjectively categorized as “no” stenosis, 85 (8.4%) as “relative” stenosis, and 127 (12.6%) as “absolute” stenosis. The calculated scores revealed significant differences between each category (p ≤ 0.001). Youden’s Index analysis of ROC curves revealed optimal cut-offs to distinguish between “no” and “relative” stenosis for aMCC = 1.18 and aSCOR = 36.9%, and between “relative” and “absolute” stenosis for aMCC = 1.54 and aSCOR = 49.3%.

Conclusion

The presented fully-automated segmentation algorithm provides high diagnostic accuracy and objective classification of cervical spinal stenosis. The calculated cut-offs can be used for convenient radiological quantification of the severity of spinal canal compromise in clinical routine.
The PML1-WDR5 axis regulates H3K4me3 marks and promotes stemness of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Pai Chun-Peng , Wang Han , Seachrist Darcie D. , Agarwal Neel , Adams Joshua A. , Liu Zhenghao , Keri Ruth A. , Cao Kaixiang , Schiemann William P. , Kao Hung-Ying
Published: April 2024

The alternative splicing of PML precursor mRNA gives rise to various PML isoforms, yet their expression profile in breast cancer cells remains uncharted. We discovered that PML1 is the most abundant isoform in all breast cancer subtypes, and its expression is associated with unfavorable prognosis in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers. PML depletion reduces cell proliferation, invasion, and stemness, while heterologous PML1 expression augments these processes and fuels tumor growth and resistance to fulvestrant, an FDA-approved drug for ER+ breast cancer, in a mouse model. Moreover, PML1, rather than the well-known tumor suppressor isoform PML4, rescues the proliferation of PML knockdown cells. ChIP-seq analysis reveals significant overlap between PML-, ER-, and Myc-bound promoters, suggesting their coordinated regulation of target gene expression, including genes involved in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), such as JAG1, KLF4, YAP1, SNAI1, and MYC. Loss of PML reduces BCSC-related gene expression, and exogenous PML1 expression elevates their expression. Consistently, PML1 restores the association of PML with these promoters in PML-depleted cells. We identified a novel association between PML1 and WDR5, a key component of H3K4 methyltransferase (HMTs) complexes that catalyze H3K4me1 and H3K4me3. ChIP-seq analyses showed that the loss of PML1 reduces H3K4me3 in numerous loci, including BCSC-associated gene promoters. Additionally, PML1, not PML4, re-establishes the H3K4me3 mark on these promoters in PML-depleted cells. Significantly, PML1 is essential for recruiting WDR5, MLL1, and MLL2 to these gene promoters. Inactivating WDR5 by knockdown or inhibitors phenocopies the effects of PML1 loss, reducing BCSC-related gene expression and tumorsphere formation and enhancing fulvestrant’s anticancer activity. Our findings challenge the conventional understanding of PML as a tumor suppressor, redefine its role as a promoter of tumor growth in breast cancer, and offer new insights into the unique roles of PML isoforms in breast cancer.