bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractSoil 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

AbstractVineyards 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

ZusammenfassungProduktion, 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

AbstractGaseous 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

Abstract

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

Abstract

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

AbstractGenes 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.
Crusade, Culture, and Conflict: The Evidence of Monastic Miscellanies
Authors: Mixson James D. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract“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.”
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

Abstract

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

Abstract
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.
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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractWithout 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.