bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable Pavement Materials: Evaluating the Effects of Biochar on Stone Matrix Asphalt and Bituminous Concrete Mix Designs
Authors: PENKI RAMU , Rout Subrat Kumar , Das Aditya Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study looks into the mix design process for Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) and Bituminous Concrete (BC) in compliance with IRC: SP: 79-2008 and MoRT&H-2013 requirements. In comparison to standard dense and open-graded asphalt mixes, SMA has a better structure characterized by gap-graded aggregate, mastic, and fiber. The study uses coconut shell biochar as a filler in both SMA and BC, acting as a carbon-neutral and sequestration material. Using gap-graded aggregates, the study applies STAB (Simple Tool for Aggregate Blending) software for aggregate blending to establish ideal amounts. Following confirmation of the blends using Bailey's gradation technique, the Optimum Bitumen Content (OBC) is calculated using the Marshall method. The initial bitumen concentration is 4% for BC and 6% for SMA, with 0.5% increases up to 7%. Theoretical specific gravity is determined at 6% for the loose mix using ASTM D 2041. Gse is then computed, with OBC set at 6% for SMA and 4.2% for BC, meeting a 4% average air voids criteria among other volumetric parameters. At the appropriate bitumen percentage, all blends are subjected to a variety of tests, including indirect tensile strength, rutting, and resilient modulus. The study replicates moisture resistance deterioration by freezing, thawing, and humidifying materials. The number of blows used to compute refusal density ranges from 25 to 150. ITS determined retained tensile strength to be 93.88% and 98.8% for freezing and thawing BC samples and 93.88% and 98.8% for humidity-conditioned BC samples, respectively. The equivalent figures for SMA are 84% and 89%. Proportional rut depth and wheel tracking speed measurements are given for freezing, humidity, and unconditional samples, and robust modulus values are also supplied. Refusal density air voids that do not decrease below 4% up to 100 blows for BC are within the specified range of 3-5%. This extensive laboratory investigation demonstrates the feasibility of using biochar as a filler in bituminous concrete and stone matrix asphalt. This sustainable method helps eco-friendly and long-lasting road construction practices in addition to improving the durability and performance of highways.
Optimized workflow of EV enrichment from human plasma samples for downstream mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Erwied Patrick , Gu Yi , Simon Lena , Schneider Martin , Helm Dominic , Michel Maurice Stefan , Nuhn Philipp , Nitschke Katja , Worst Thomas Stefan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
To improve the prognosis of bladder and prostate cancer, highly specific and sensitive biomarkers are needed for early detection, prognosis prediction and therapeutic stratification. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) from plasma could fill this gap due to their potential to serve as cancer biomarkers. However, the enrichment of EVs is a major challenge, because the highly abundant plasma proteins are interfering with analytical downstream applications like mass spectrometry (MS). Therefore, the purity requirements of the EV samples must be carefully considered when selecting or developing a suitable EV enrichment method. The aim of this study was to compare a self-designed EV enrichment method based on density cushion centrifugation (DCC) combined with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and concentration (method 1) with the exoRNeasy midi kit from Qiagen (method 2) and with unprocessed plasma. Furthermore, the single steps of method 1 were evaluated for their effectiveness to enrich EVs from plasma. The results showed that the EV samples enriched with method 1 contained the highest levels of EV and exosome markers with simultaneously low levels of highly abundant plasma proteins. In summary, the combination of DCC, SEC and concentration proved to be a promising approach to discover EV-based biomarkers from plasma of cancer patients.
On testing the effectiveness of soil microbial inoculants in integrated pest management for commercial tomato production
Authors: Minchev Zhivko , Ramírez-Serrano Beatriz , Dejana Laura , Díaz Ana S. Lee , Zitlalpopoca-Hernandez Guadalupe , Orine Dimitri , Saha Haymanti , Papantoniou Dimitra , García Juan M. , González-Céspedes Alicia , Garbeva Paolina , Dam Nicole M. van , Soler Roxina , Giron David , Martínez-Medina Ainhoa , Biere Arjen , Hauser Thure , Meyling Nicolai V. , Rasmann Sergio , Pozo María J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Research is showing that soil-borne beneficial microorganisms can enhance plant growth, productivity, and resistance against pests and pathogens, and could thus serve as a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals. To date, however, the effect of soil beneficial microbes under commercial crop production has not been fully assessed. We here investigated the effect of root inoculation with 11 well-characterized bacterial and fungal strains on tomato performance under intensive tomato crop management practices. We measured the impact of these strains on plant growth, fruit quality, yield, and pest and pathogen incidence. While most microbial strains showed weak effects, we found that the fungal strains Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 and Funneliformis mosseae significantly increased marketable tomato yield. Moreover, we found that inoculation with most of the fungal strains led to a significant reduction in the incidence of the devastating leaf mining pest Tuta absoluta, while this effect was not observed for bacterial inoculants. In addition, we found that microbial inoculations did not impact the incidence of introduced natural enemies, supporting their compatibility with well-established integrated pest management strategies in horticulture. In sum, the observed general positive effects of soil microbes on tomato yield and resistance reinforce the move toward a broader adoption of microbial inoculants in future crop production, ultimately improving agricultural sustainability.
Enhanced effects of changes in precipitation on the water yield and ecosystem sustainability
Authors: Yakir Dan , Tatrinov Fedor , Muller Jonathan , Rotenberg Eyal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Predictions of climate change over land indicate drying trends in the form of ecological and agricultural droughts over many regions (1-6), and increased flooding in others (7). Globally, evapotranspiration (ET) from vegetated areas consumes about 63% of annual precipitation8, which is expected to increase with global warming (9,10), and can approach 100% in drylands (11) beyond which ecosystems are unsustainable. As global climate change progresses, it remains unknown what fraction of the precipitation will remain available for runoff, recharge of aquifers and consumption, or prevent ecosystems’ collapse in dry regions (7,12). Here, we show using a global dataset that evapotranspiration from ecosystems displays a conservative ‘saturation effect’ at ~460 mm across climates with a precipitation range of ~4000 mm. This implies that changes in precipitation are preferentially reflected in ecosystem water yield (WY; the residual between precipitation and evapotranspiration). Consequently, changes in WY are greatly enhanced compared with precipitation changes, both in observations and model-based future projections. In dry regions, ecosystems will reach the unsustainable state (negative WY) faster than expected based on predicted changes in precipitation alone, imposing land cover changes and impacting water availability for ecological and societal needs.
Antibacterial and therapeutic effects of Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteriocin (VRSAcin) in treatment of VRSA skin infection in mice
Authors: qassam ahmed , emad mais 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Vancomycin Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) is a strain belonging to S. aureus that is considered the main cause of bacterial skin and soft tissue infections. It has acquired resistance to vancomycin and represents a therapeutic challenge. The current study aimed to compare the possible therapeutic effects of VRSA bacteriocin (VRSAcin) on the treatment of skin infection in mice compared with an antibiotic (linezolid). The results showed that from fifty swabs obtained from human skin wounds, only 30 samples were identified as Staphylococcus spp., and 20 samples of them were identified as VRSA strains. One isolate was selected for VRSAcin extraction depending on its antibiotic resistance using an antibiotic susceptibility test. The typical conditions for the production of VRSAcin include pH 7 and a temperature of 37°C for 48 hours. In mice, VRSA-contaminated wounds revealed severe tissue distraction and inflammation that extended to the hypodermis, while VRSA-treated skin showed mild changes and localized lesions to the epidermis and upper dermis. Linezolid-ointment-treated skin shows moderate to severe changes. In conclusion, VRSA strain infections in human burned skin were found to be more common than expected. In vivo studies in mice indicated that wounded skin infected with VRSA can be treated with VRSAcin as an antibacterial agent that promotes healing processes with obvious superiority to linezolid ointment.
Advanced Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy Reveals 3D Organization of Condensed Mitotic Chromosomes in Their Native State
Authors: Neděla Vilém , Tihlaříková Eva , Cápal Petr , Doležel Jaroslav 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The challenge of in-situ handling and high-resolution, low-dose imaging of intact, sensitive and moist samples in their native state at the nanometer scale or live samples is met by Advanced Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (A-ESEM). This new generation of ESEM uses machine learning-based optimization of thermodynamic conditions with respect to sample specifics to employ a low temperature method and an ionization secondary electron detector with an electrostatic separator in an in-house modified electron microscope equipped with temperature, humidity and gas pressure sensors for in-situ and real-time monitoring of the sample. An invisible thin film of ionic liquid is used to increase the thermal and electrical conductivity of the samples and minimize damage from free radicals. To validate the power of the new method, we analyze condensed mitotic metaphase chromosomes to reveal new structural features of their perichromosomal layer, and the organization of chromatin fibers, not directly observed before by any microscopic technique.
Microstructural brain assessment in late-life depression and apathy using diffusion MRI multi-compartments models associated with tractometry
Authors: Hedouin Renaud , Roy Jean-Charles , Desmidt Thomas , Robert Gabriel , Coloigner Julie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Late-life depression is a common disorder in the elderly, difficult to treat, where apathy contributes to a poor prognosis. Despite its severity and frequency, the pathophysiology of LLD remains complex and its exploration challenging. While white matter (WM) damages have been assessed using diffusion tensor imaging, this model cannot correctly represent the WM microstructure. We hypothesized that using a more complex multi-compartment model, never used on LLD, would better describe the WM microstructure. In this article, we performed a tract-based approach to investigate novel diffusion-model biomarkers of LLD and apathy, by interpolating the microstructural metrics directly along the fibers. We performed a multivariate statistical analysis along the fiber, combined with a principal component analysis for dimensional data reduction. Then, we tested the utility of our framework by showing classical modifications in LDD. Finally, we aimed to investigate the relationship between apathy and microstructure in different fibers. Our study suggests that new tracts, such as striato-premotor, may be involved in LLD and apathy, which has not been observed in previous studies. We also identified modifications of inflammation metrics in 5 different tracts, already reported in dementia, which may contribute to the cognitive decline observed with apathy.
Patient-centric thresholding of Cobas® EGFR mutation Test v2 for surveillance of EGFR- mutated metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Claus Jonas , De Smet Dieter , Breyne Joke , Wesolowski Janusz , Himpe Ulrike , Demedts Ingel , Martens Geert 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Cobas EGFR mutation Test v2 was FDA-approved as qualitative liquid biopsy for actionable EGFR variants in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It generates semiquantitative index (SQI) values that correlate with mutant allele levels, but decision thresholds for clinical use in NSCLC surveillance are lacking. We conducted long-term ctDNA monitoring in 20 subjects with EGFR-mutated NSCLC; resulting in a 155 on-treatment samples. We defined optimal SQI intervals to predict/rule-out progression within 12 weeks from sampling and performed orthogonal calibration versus deep-sequencing and digital PCR. SQI showed significant diagnostic power (AUC: 0.848, 95% CI 0.782–0.901). SQI below 5 (63% of samples) had 93% (95%CI 87%-96%) NPV, while SQI above 10 (25% of samples) had 69% (95%CI 56%-80%) PPV. Cobas EGFR showed perfect agreement with sequencing (Kappa 0.860; 95%CI 0.674-1.00) and digital PCR. SQI values strongly (r: 0.910, 95% 0.821–0.956) correlated to mutant allele concentrations with SQI of 5 and 10 corresponding to 6–9 (0.2%-0.3%) and 64–105 (1.1%-1.6%) mutant allele copies/mL (VAF) respectively. Our dual-threshold classifier of SQI 0/5/10 yielded informative results in 88% of blood draws with high NPV and good overall clinical utility for patient-centric surveillance of metastatic NSCLC.
Novel estimation of African Swine Fever transmission parameters within smallholder villages in Lao P.D.R.
Authors: Matsumoto Nina , Ward Michael P. , Halasa Tariq , Schemann Kathrin , Khounsy Syseng , Douangneun Bounloum , Thepagna Watthana , Phommachanh Phouvong , Siengsanan-Lamont Jarunee , Young James Robert , Toribio Jenny-Ann , Bush Russell D. , Blacksell Stuart D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

African Swine Fever (ASF) disease transmission parameters are crucial for making response and control decisions when faced with an outbreak, yet they are poorly quantified for smallholder and village contexts within Southeast Asia. Whilst disease-specific factors − such as latent and infectious periods − should remain reasonably consistent, host, environmental and management factors are likely to affect the rate of disease spread. These differences are investigated using Approximate Bayesian Computation with Sequential Monte-Carlo methods to provide disease parameter estimates in four naïve pig populations in villages of Lao People’s Democratic Republic. The villages represent smallholder pig farmers of the Northern province of Oudomxay and the Southern province of Savannakhet, and the model utilised field mortality data to validate the transmission parameter estimates over the course of multiple model generations. The basic reproductive number between-pigs was estimated to range from 3.08 to 7.80, whilst the latent and infectious periods were consistent with those published in the literature for similar genotypes in the region (4.72 to 6.19 days and 2.63 to 5.50 days, respectively). These findings demonstrate that smallholder village pigs interact similarly to commercial pigs, however the spread of disease may occur slightly slower than in commercial study groups. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that despite diversity across the study groups, the disease behaved in a consistent manner. This data can be used in disease control programs or for future modelling of ASF in smallholder contexts.
Proteome Data Based Identification of Potential Rnai Targets for Cotton Mealybug (Phenacoccus Solenopsis Tinsley) Population Management
Authors: Singh Sanchita , Rahangdale Somnath , Pandita Shivali , Singh Manisha , Saxena Gauri , Jain Gaurav , Verma Praveen C. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background of the study:Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as cotton mealybug, regarded as an invasive pest worldwide, particularly in the tropics and subtropics. It is one of the major pests of cotton and other commercially important crops. Despite the significant economic losses caused by cotton mealybug the molecular aspects of this insect are under-studied.
Methods: In the present study, proteome data of four different developmental stages of cotton mealybug is generated. Differential expression of proteins (DEPs) was studied among six different groups of which, maximum DEPs (550 up-regulated and 1118 down- regulated) were obtained when the quantifiable proteins of Egg+first nymphal were compared with second nymphal instar (FC ≥ 2, P < 0.05). From this proteomics data fifteen potential target genes were predicted for insect pest management. Further, these fifteen genes were explored and evaluated the for RNAi based pest control and optimisation of dsRNA delivery system in cotton mealybug. The analysis of transient expression of target genes was performed.
Results: The results signified that dsRNA of Ferritin caused ~69% mortality hence, could be exploited as a promising candidate gene to design a sustainable method for cotton mealybug management.
Conclusion: This study provides an urgently required, alternate green control strategy based on proteomics to identify potential RNAi targets for pest management.
Modeling the Spatial Relationship of Landscape Services and Vulnerability Assessment
Authors: Darabi Hassan , Bazhdar Yaser , Ehsani Amir Hoshang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Even though many studies have been thus far devoted to landscape services (LS) or vulnerability assessment (VA) alone, the relationship between these two concepts has been less investigated. The current study attempts to model the spatial relationship between LS and VA in the Tarhan area (west of Iran). For this purpose, a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are applied to assess vulnerability. Variogram models and geostatistical simulations are used for mapping and evaluating landscape services. Moreover, the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) is operated to predict the relationship between LS and VA. The results indicate that landform and socioeconomic variables are also two main factors shaping variations in VA. As well, the levels of services provided in the possible landscape are affected by the vulnerability. The assessment accordingly establishes that natural and cultural values have significant effects on services, in terms of their spatial distribution and nature. Exploring the relationship between LS and VA correspondingly depicts that VA has a direct influence on the capacity and entity of LS provision (adjusted R2 = 0.67). The outcomes of the study provide a foundation for nature management and conservation, although it is less able to analyze the trade-off between ecosystem degradation and future development trends. The nexus of LS and future ecological processes in an integrated system can be thus the subject of further research.
Varieties of silence – A mixed-methods study exploring reasons and justifications for nondisclosure of the use of complementary therapies to physicians
Authors: Aarva Pauliina , Väänänen Tiina , Pyykkönen Maija , Kankkunen Tiia-Tuulia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
In health care, two in three users of complementary therapies (CT) stay silent about their CT use. Disclosure of CT use to physicians is important for patient safety, participation, and shared decision-making. Common reasons for CT nondisclosure include patients´ expectations of physicians' unaccepting response to disclosure, physicians not asking, and patients believing it is unnecessary. This study aimed to increase understanding of patient silence. We investigated how the reasons for nondisclosure of CT use reported by CT users were associated with the frequency of CT disclosure and how these associations and reported justifications to keep silent reflect patient silence among the study participants.
Methods
This mixed-methods study used existing data from the non-probability-based online survey (n = 6802) targeted to CT users among the general population in Finland. A qualitative structured tabular thematic analysis was conducted for the selected 342 brief texts describing the reasons and justification for not telling physicians about CT use. The associations between the frequency of CT disclosure and the reasons for CT nondisclosure were analysed by crosstabulations and binary logistic regression analysis with SPSS (v28).
Results
Three types of patient silence were revealed. Avoidant silence illustrates the respondents coping with the fear of unwanted response from a physician and avoiding the expected negative consequences of CT disclosure. Precautionary silence exemplifies respondents striving to prevent the reoccurrence of previously experienced frustration of wishes to be seen and heard as CT users. Conditional silence portrays the self-confidence of respondents who assessed their need to disclose CT use to physicians on a case-by-case basis.
Conclusions
Silence, for some patients, may serve as a way of warding off past and possible future fears and frustrations related to CT disclosure. It is important to recognise different types of patient silence related to CT disclosure to enhance patient participation and shared decision-making in health care. Efforts are needed to provide health policy decision-makers with information about CT users’ lived experiences with CT communication in health care.
Optimizing Substrate Moisture Content for Enhanced Larval Survival and Growth Performance in Hermetia illucens: Exploring Novel Approaches
Authors: Frooninckx Lotte , Broeckx Laurens , Goossens Sarah , Wuyts Ann , Miert Sabine Van 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Insects are receiving a lot of attention as an alternative protein source, especially the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. This insect is of particular interest due to its potential as a waste converter as it can be grown on low-value organic substrates, such as agricultural side-streams, manure and decomposing materials. It’s capacity to turn low-value biomass into high-quality protein provide new opportunities in organic waste management. Unfortunately, rearing of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) does not run efficiently on most substrates. Several parameters influence the rearing efficiency of BSFL. One of the parameters that is often overlooked is the moisture content of the substrate and the physical properties, such as water release/holding, associated with it. In this study the water release properties of 3 BSFL feeds, each at a dry matter content ranging from 10 to 90%, were investigated using 4 different methods, being water release by (1) filtration, (2) sedimentation, (3) syneresis and (4) centrifugation. Rearing of BSFL on the substrates with different dry matter content showed that water release influences larval performance and survival. Moreover, correlating survival to water release indicated that when substrates are hydrated to the minimum dry matter content, at which no water release is measured by the sedimentation method, the highest BSFL survival can be achieved for that substrate. In addition, a standardised method for determining the most optimal dry matter content of substrates based on substrate water holding capacity was developed.