bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Boltzmann-Grad Limit of the Lorentz Gas in a Union of Lattices
Authors: Palmer Matthew , Strömbergsson Andreas 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe Lorentz gas describes an ensemble of noninteracting point particles in an infinite array of spherical scatterers. In the present paper we consider the case when the scatterer configuration $${{\mathcal {P}}}$$
P
is a fixed union of (translated) lattices in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$

R

d

, and prove that in the limit of low scatterer density, the particle dynamics converges to a random flight process. In the special case when the lattices in $${{\mathcal {P}}}$$
P
are pairwise incommensurable, this settles a conjecture from Marklof and Strömbergsson (J Stat Phys 155:1072–1086, 2014). The proof is carried out by applying a framework developed in recent work by Marklof and Strömbergsson (Mem AMS 294, 2024), and central parts of our proof are the construction of an admissible marking of the point set $${{\mathcal {P}}}$$
P
, and the verification of the uniform spherical equidistribution condition required in Marklof and Strömbergsson (Mem AMS 294, 2024). Regarding the random flight process obtained in the low density limit of the Lorentz gas, we prove that it can be reconstructed from the corresponding limiting flight processes arising from the individual commensurability classes of lattices in $${{\mathcal {P}}}$$
P
. We furthermore prove that the free path lengths of the limit flight process have a distribution with a power law tail, whose exponent depends on the number of commensurability classes in $${{\mathcal {P}}}$$
P
.
Fungus Fighters: Wood Ants (Formica polyctena) and Their Associated Microbes Inhibit Plant Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Jensen Ida Cecilie , Schramm Andreas , Offenberg Joachim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract Plant diseases cost the global economy billions of US dollars every year. The problem has mainly been addressed by using chemical pesticides, but recently, the use of ants has shown promising effects against plant pathogens. However, the mechanisms accounting for these effects have not yet been determined. One possible explanation is antimicrobial microorganisms associated with ants. Through controlled laboratory experiments, we investigated the inhibitory effects of wood ants (Formica polyctena) and their associated microorganisms against economically important plant pathogenic fungi. All live ants, extracts from crushed ants, and extracts from washed ants significantly inhibited the apple brown rot (Monilinia fructigena) while yielding the growth of other microbes. Furthermore, all investigated wood ants transferred microorganisms to their surroundings within 10 s when walking across a surface. We isolated the most dominant microorganisms deposited by walking ants and from washed ant extracts (i.e., strains likely found on the surface of ants), resulting in four bacterial cultures and one yeast. Two of these isolates, strain I3 (most closely related to Pseudomonas sichuanensis and P. entomophila) and strain I1b (most closely related to Bacillus mycoides), showed inhibitory effects against apple brown rot and apple scab (Venturia inaequalis), while strain I3 also inhibited gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) and Fusarium head blight (Fusarium graminearum). These results suggest that wood ants have potential as biological control agents against commercially relevant plant pathogens, and that their inhibitory effect might be at least partially caused by antibiotic compounds produced by their associated microorganisms.
Diagnostic performance of dual-energy computed tomography in detecting anterior cruciate ligament injuries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Valizadeh Parya , Jannatdoust Payam , Pahlevan-Fallahy Mohammad-Taha , Bagherieh Sara , Adli Paniz , Amoukhteh Melika , Hassankhani Amir , Matcuk George R. , Gholamrezanezhad Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objective
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common and lead to significant physical limitations. While MRI is the diagnostic gold standard, its use is restricted in acute trauma cases due to contraindications and longer imaging times. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has emerged as a potential alternative. This meta-analysis evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of DECT for ACL injuries.

Materials and methods
Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase for studies published up to June 2024. Studies that provided diagnostic accuracy data for DECT in ACL ruptures were included. Metrics of diagnostic accuracy were aggregated using a bivariate random effects model.

Results
The meta-analysis, which included five studies with a total of 191 patients, found that DECT had a pooled sensitivity of 88.1% (95% CI, 78.0–93.9%) and a specificity of 82.0% (95% CI, 62.0–92.7%) for diagnosing ACL ruptures, with an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI, 0.72–0.96). For complete ruptures, sensitivity was 83.2% (95% CI, 68.2–92.0%), and specificity was 94.9% (95% CI, 92.2–96.7%), with an AUC of 0.96 (95% CI, 0.81–0.98). In acute/subacute settings, sensitivity was 89.4% (95% CI, 76.8–95.6%), and specificity was 82.1% (95% CI, 56.2–94.2%), with an AUC of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.71–0.97).

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that DECT is a valuable diagnostic tool for ACL injuries, particularly as an adjunct or alternative when MRI is unavailable or contraindicated, enabling timely and accurate diagnosis.
Patient-reported performance status and postoperative complications in elective colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Pardes Helin Yikilmaz , Dohrn Niclas , Dolin Troels Gammeltoft , Gögenur Ismail , Klein Mads Falk 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concordance between patient-reported performance status (prPS) and surgeon-reported performance status (srPS), and to assess the correlation between srPS and prPS and postoperative complications following elective colorectal cancer surgery. Not all patients are deemed suitable for undergoing a surgical procedure. We aimed to assess whether prPS can aid the surgeons’ decision-making prior to surgery.

Methods
In this retrospective study, 524 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were included. prPS were collected via questionnaires, while 30-day postoperative complications were obtained from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group (DCCG) database. To evaluate the agreement between prPS and srPS, linearly weighted kappa statistics were applied. Rank-biserial correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation between prPS and srPS with postoperative complications.

Results
In total, there was an approximate 71% concordance between the assessments. Around 17% of the patients rated themselves with a higher PS status than the surgeons, while 13% of the patients rated themselves with a lower PS. Overall postoperative complications, minor surgical complications, and medical complications were all significantly correlated to both srPS and prPS, while only srPS was correlated with major surgical complications. Neither srPS nor prPS were correlated with overall surgical complications (major and minor collapsed).

Conclusion
The agreement between prPS and srPS is poor and in nearly one-third of the cases, disagreement occurs. Overall, both prPS and srPS were correlated to postoperative complications, with srPS demonstrated a slightly higher correlation.
Identification and functional characterization of multiple haemadins and an oligomeric decorsin in the Asian land leech Haemadipsa interrupta
Authors: Müller Christian , Sponholz Dana , Tolksdorf Céline , Rauch Bernhard H. , Kvist Sebastian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHaematophagous leeches rely on a broad variety of bioactive compounds to secure a sufficient blood meal from their vertebrate prey. Both the primary (platelet aggregation) and secondary (blood coagulation) haemostasis are the main targets of action. The platelet aggregation inhibitor decorsin was first described in the North American leech, Macrobdella decora Say, 1824, whereas the bivalent thrombin inhibitor hirudin was originally identified in the European medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis Linnaeus, 1758. Hirudin blocks both the catalytic site and the fibrinogen-binding site (exosite I) of thrombin. Haemadin of the Indian land leech Haemadipsa sylvestris Blanchard, 1894, is also a highly efficient bivalent thrombin inhibitor but blocks exosite II of thrombin. So far, only the archetypal form of haemadin from H. sylvestris has been purified and functionally characterized, and two putative haemadins have been identified in the salivary transcriptome of Haemadipsa interrupta Moore, 1835, a terrestrial leech inhabiting mainly the Malayan peninsula. Here, we describe the identification of ten additional putative haemadins in the transcriptomic data set of H. interrupta, first generated by another study. Furthermore, we identified a putative oligomeric decorsin, which represents the first finding of this anticoagulant in a haemadipsid leech. Both the putative decorsin and a selection of haemadins were expressed, purified, and functionally characterized. The putative haemadins displayed a broad spectrum of thrombin-inhibitory potencies, whereas the putative oligomeric decorsin was indeed a weak inhibitor of platelet aggregation.
An exploration of the connection between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in European countries
Authors: Pourshir Sefidi Niloufar , Mooney Peter 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Aim
This study aims to extend the research on the connection between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) by exploring this link at a macro level across the continent of Europe. We aim to highlight the virus’s detrimental effects on heart health at both country and continental levels.

Subject and methods
Utilizing data from the SHARE survey, we investigated the heart health impacts of COVID-19 on individuals aged 50 and over in 26 European countries. A Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression (BHLR) model was employed to assess country-level and continent-level effects, enabling us to account for geographical variations and estimate the overall continental impact.

Results
Our findings indicate a 20% average increase in CVD risk post-COVID-19 infection, associated with other risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, and elevated BMI. Hypertension was particularly notable as a significant risk factor.

Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive overview of how COVID-19 interacts with cardiovascular health risks across Europe. It reveals significant variability in the virus’s impact on heart health across different countries compared to the overall effect observed at the continental level. These insights contribute to a broader understanding of COVID-19’s implications for public health policy and individual risk management in the context of cardiovascular health.
Evaluating the appropriateness and the factors associated with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors prescribing in a Middle Eastern country: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zaghloul Nancy , Awaisu Ahmed , Mahfouz Ahmed , Ali Zainab , Alyafei Sumaya , Elewa Hazem 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a novel class of oral antidiabetic drugs (ADDs). Studies evaluating the appropriateness of SGLT2is prescribing, and the factors associated with their initiation in the Middle East region are lacking.

Aim
This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribing SGLT2is based on indication, dosing, and contraindication and determine the factors associated with their initial prescribing.

Method
In this cross-sectional study, a cohort of 650 patients newly prescribed SGLT2is (n = 400) and/or any other oral ADDs (n = 250) during 2020 were included. Data were extracted from an electronic medical record system. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to investigate factors associated with prescribing SGLT2is.

Results
SGLT2is were prescribed for appropriate indication in 400 patients (100%), while inappropriately prescribed in relation to contraindication and dosing in 14 patients (3.5%). Male patients were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–2.82). Patients with a baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) above 7% and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.84–5.64) and (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.05–4.52), respectively. Patients receiving metformin (OR, 7.56; 95% CI, 4.46–12.80), sulfonylureas (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.16–4.56), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.00–5.87) were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is.

Conclusion
SGLT2is were found to be typically prescribed for the appropriate indication. Among the most important factors associated with prescribing SGLT2is are having uncontrolled HbA1c, history of ASCVD, and using other ADDs.
Biotic aspects of suspended solid reduction in sedimentation ponds
Authors: Skrzypczak Andrzej , Tandyrak Renata 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe reduction of suspended solids is an important aspect of water management, especially in the mining industry. The ecological potential of sedimentation ponds has been identified, but many aspects of the coexistence of ecological and technological functions of these reservoirs are still unresolved. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of suspended solid reduction in an open pit mine drainage system under the influence of biotic factors, including fish, taking into account the hydrochemical background. The dynamics of biotic factors and the sedimentation process were identified using the normalized total suspended solid reduction index (TE) and the trophic group status (TGS) indices of planktivorous, benthivorous, and carnivorous fish. The hydrochemical background in both ponds provided similar habitat conditions for biota and suspended solid reduction. Although a moderately trophic ecosystem has developed, the typical relationship between water transparency (SDD) and chlorophyll a concentration characteristic of natural waters was not observed. The sedimentation complex was found to be highly effective in reducing total suspended solids by 89–93%. Spatial variation of sedimentation rates was related to the ichthyobiotic factor, mainly to the biomass of bentophages and the status of this trophic group in the fish community. Stable relationships in the structure of the ichthyofauna with a balanced proportion of planktivorous fishes favored the sedimentation process. The results obtained are part of the development of research on the possibility of combining the technological function of artificial ponds with other applications and ecological benefits for industrialized areas.
Variable toxicity of inorganic mercury compounds to Artemia elicited by coexposure with dissolved organic matter
Authors: Gade Christoph , von Hellfeld Rebecca , Mbadugha Lenka , Paton Graeme 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe chemical behavior of mercury (Hg) and its interactions with naturally occurring ligands shape its environmental fate and impact. The neurotoxic properties of Hg are widely known and studied both in vitro and in vivo. However, there continues to be limited information on the influence of chelation with large organic ligands on the toxicity to marine macro-organisms. This work examined the effect of Hg complexed with various types of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the mortality and hatching success of Artemia sp. nauplii under varying marine media conditions. The results confirmed both, an alleviating as well as additive, DOM-specific, effect on mortality. DOM coexposure resulted in a compound specific decreased or increased toxicity in comparison with single exposure in artificial seawater, with LC50 values ranging from 2.11 to 62.89 µM. Hatching success under conditions of Hg exposure was almost two orders of magnitude more sensitive than toxicity in hatched individuals. Elevated DOM concentrations had no statistically significant impact on hatching success with computed EC50 values ranging from 196 to 324 nM.
Graphical abstract
Cognitive aging and reserve factors in the Metropolit 1953 Danish male cohort
Authors: Mehdipour Ghazi Mostafa , Urdanibia-Centelles Olalla , Bakhtiari Aftab , Fagerlund Birgitte , Vestergaard Mark Bitsch , Larsson Henrik Bo Wiberg , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Osler Merete , Nielsen Mads , Benedek Krisztina , Lauritzen Martin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIdentifying early predictors of cognitive decline and at-risk individuals is essential for timely intervention and prevention of dementia. This study aimed to detect neurobiological changes and factors related to cognitive performance in the Metropolit 1953 Danish male birth cohort. We analyzed data from 582 participants, aged 57–68 years, using machine learning techniques to group cognitive trajectories into four clusters differentiating high- and low-performing groups. These clusters were then evaluated with MRI, EEG, and lifestyle/familial risk factors to identify predictors of cognitive decline. Low education and occupation, alcohol consumption, and type 2 diabetes were associated with lower cognitive performance. Declines in neocortical volume and increases in frontotemporal alpha and temporoparietal gamma activity preceded clinical symptoms of cognitive decline. Neocortical atrophy and disruptions in network activity were prominent in lower-performing groups, with higher education and IQ scores and a lower prevalence of lifestyle factors moderating cognitive decline.
Continued fractions and Hardy sums
Authors: Lägeler Alessandro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe classical Dedekind sums s(d, c) can be represented as sums over the partial quotients of the continued fraction expansion of the rational $$\frac{d}{c}$$

d
c

. Hardy sums, the analog integer-valued sums arising in the transformation of the logarithms of $$\theta $$
θ
-functions under a subgroup of the modular group, have been shown to satisfy many properties which mirror the properties of the classical Dedekind sums. The representation as sums of partial quotients has, however, been missing so far. We define non-classical continued fractions and prove that Hardy sums can be expressed as a sums of partial quotients of these continued fractions. As an application, we prove that the graph of the Hardy sums is dense in $$\textbf{R}\times \textbf{Z}$$

R
×
Z

.
Two scientific perspectives on nerve signal propagation: how incompatible approaches jointly promote progress in explanatory understanding
Authors: Holland Linda , de Regt Henk W. , Drukarch Benjamin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe present a case study of two scientific perspectives on the phenomenon of nerve signal propagation, a bio-electric and a thermodynamic perspective, and compare this case with two accounts of scientific perspectivism: those of Michela Massimi and Juha Saatsi, respectively. We demonstrate that the interaction between the bio-electric perspective and the thermodynamic perspective can be captured in Saatsi’s terms of progress in explanatory understanding. Using insights from our case study, we argue that both the epistemic and pragmatic dimensions of scientific understanding are important for increasing explanatory understanding of phenomena. The epistemic dimension of understanding is important for increasing the number of actually answered what-if-things-had-been-different questions about a phenomenon, the pragmatic dimension for pointing out the potentially answerable what-if questions that have been overlooked or purposefully neglected thus far. Exposing the limitations of the acquired understanding within a particular perspective can be achieved by criticizing the assumptions that have been adopted to make models of the perspective intelligible, but that are considered problematic from a rival perspective.
Exploring the Potential of Syngas Fermentation for Recovery of High-Value Resources: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Neto Alvaro S. , Wainaina Steven , Chandolias Konstantinos , Piatek Pawel , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSynthesis gas (syngas) fermentation represents a promising biological method for converting industrial waste gases, particularly carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial sources (e.g. steel production or municipal waste gasification), into high-value products such as biofuels, chemicals, and animal feed using acetogenic bacteria. This review identifies and addresses key challenges that hinder the large-scale adoption of this technology, including limitations in gas mass transfer, an incomplete understanding of microbial metabolic pathways, and suboptimal bioprocess conditions. Our findings emphasize the critical role of microbial strain selection and bioprocess optimization to enhance productivity and scalability, with a focus on utilizing diverse microbial consortia and efficient reactor systems. By examining recent advancements in microbial conditioning, operational parameters, and reactor design, this study provides actionable insights to improve syngas fermentation efficiency, suggesting pathways towards overcoming current technical barriers for its broader industrial application beyond the production of bulk chemicals.
Commutativity and spectral properties for a general class of Szász–Mirakjan–Durrmeyer operators
Authors: Abel Ulrich , Acu Ana Maria , Heilmann Margareta , Raşa Ioan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In this paper we present commutativity results for a general class of Szász–Mirakjan–Durrmeyer type operators and associated differential operators and investigate their eigenfunctions.
Explanatory Reasoning and Informativeness
Authors: McCain Kevin , Poston Ted 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBas van Fraassen has argued that explanatory reasoning does not provide confirmation for explanatory hypotheses because explanatory reasoning increases information and increasing information does not provide confirmation. We compare this argument with a skeptical argument that one should never add any beliefs because adding beliefs increases information and increasing information does not provide confirmation. We discuss the similarities between these two arguments and identify several problems with van Fraassen’s argument.