bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Near-wall flow measurements using frequency-modulating filtered Rayleigh scattering (FM-FRS)
Authors: Byun Gwibo , Lowe K. Todd , Ellery Michael , Sole Joshua 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The frequency-modulating filtered Rayleigh scattering (FM-FRS) technique has been developed and applied for the boundary layer measurements. The FM-FRS technique effectively extracts Rayleigh scattering information from noisy low-SNR signals caused by intense wall glare. The boundary layer velocity profiles measured by FM-FRS show excellent agreement with an independent pressure probe measurement and the law-of-the-wall, including approximately 100 μm above the wall. This technique is desirable for the practical applications of the Rayleigh scattering technique for flow diagnostics to regions that were limited due to strong background and low signal-to-noise ratio.
Center of Pressure of Medial Knee Contact Force Predicts Future Transition Risk of Knee Surgery in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Momoko Yamagata , Masashi Taniguchi , Hiroshige Tateuchi , Yoshiki Motomura , Masashi Kobayashi , Noriaki Ichihashi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to explore whether mechanical load features, including the magnitude of the medial knee contact force (KCFmed) and its center of pressure (KCFcop) during gait, predict future surgery in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods
Twenty-six patients with knee OA walked three times at a comfortable speed, and the external knee adduction moment (KAM), flexion moment (KFM), and total knee moment of the KAM and KFM (KTM) were assessed. We further evaluated KCFmed and KCFcop using a musculoskeletal model. The values of knee moments and KCFmed were extracted at the first and second peaks, and the average KCFcop location and amount of KCFcop displacement were calculated during the early-, mid-, and late-stance phases. Ten years after data collection, we confirmed whether the patients required knee surgery (Surg_OA) or not (NonSurg_OA).

Results
Twenty-four patients with complete data were divided into Surg_OA and NonSurg_OA groups. The Surg_OA group had significantly lower KTM, KFM, and KCFmed values at the first peak than the NonSurg_OA group. In the Surg_OA group, KCFcop shifted toward the joint center during the mid- and late-stance phases, and the amount of KCFcop displacement was small during the mid-stance phase. No significant differences were observed in the other parameters.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated that individuals who underwent knee surgery within 10 years showed suppressed KCFmed magnitudes in the first half of the stance phase, whereas they received sustained force on a localized area of the medial compartment during the mid-stance phase.
Neurotrophins and their receptors in the peripheral nervous system and non-nervous tissue of fish
Authors: Carrillo-Muñoz Aldo Isaac , R-Jaimes Sharet Y. , Hernández-Hernández Guadalupe C. , Castelán Francisco 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Trophic factors, such as neurotrophins, are fundamental for cellular processes including differentiation, growth, survival, and regeneration. These molecules exhibit significant morphological and phylogenetic conservation throughout the animal kingdom, indicating conserved functions. In fish, the oldest and most diverse group of vertebrates, neurotrophins, and their receptors play pivotal roles not only within the central nervous system but also in various peripheral tissues. They are distributed in mechanosensory, muscle, skin, respiratory, circulatory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, and immune systems, suggesting their involvement in the development and maintenance of all tissues/organs/systems. Despite this broad distribution, studies focusing on these molecules outside of the central nervous system have been limited to just 12 fish species. These investigations have revealed diverse expression patterns across different ages and tissues/organs/systems, expanding our comprehension of their functions beyond the central and peripheral nervous systems. Notably, BDNF and NT-3 are prominently expressed outside the central nervous system, particularly in mechanosensory and digestive tissues, whereas NGF is predominantly observed in mechanosensory and urinary systems. The expression and localization of neurotrophins and their receptors vary among organs, underscoring tissue-specific roles. Further research is imperative to decipher the precise functions and mechanisms of action of neurotrophins and their receptors in diverse fish tissues. Enhanced efforts are needed to include a broader range of fish species in these studies to advance our understanding of these agents in complex vertebrates, thereby shedding light on tissue development, regeneration, and maintenance, with potential implications for addressing organ-related issues.

Graphical Abstract
First and last as superlatives of before and after
Authors: Alstott Johanna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

First and last have been variously described as ordinals, superlatives, or both. These descriptions are generally not accompanied by extensive argumentation, and those who label first and last as superlatives do not present and argue for a particular decomposition. Thus, first and last’s status as ordinals vs. superlatives and their internal composition remain open issues. In this paper, I argue that first and last are superlatives, in particular the superlative forms of before and after. To argue that first and last are superlatives, I show that they pattern like superlatives and unlike ordinals (second, third, etc.) with respect to plurality, modifier choice, “modal superlatives” with possible, and the ordinal superlative construction. I next argue that the relations between before and first and between after and last show themselves overtly in many languages and in English paraphrases; furthermore, first and last semantically differ in ways that before and after have also been noted to differ. While I acknowledge one observation that prima facie counterexemplifies these claims, I argue that it constitutes a genuine counterexample only if one formalizes my decomposition of first/last using a standard Heimian (Heim in Notes on superlatives. Manuscript, MIT (1999)) entry for -est. The counterexample, which concerns the “upstairs de dicto” reading of superlatives, ceases to be an issue if one treats before and after as simplex and formalizes my decomposition using a Containment Hypothesis-inspired semantics (Bobaljik in Universals in comparative morphology: Suppletion, superlatives, and the structure of words, MIT Press, Cambridge, 2012) for -est.
Forecasting field rice grain moisture content using Sentinel-2 and weather data
Authors: Brinkhoff James , Dunn Brian W. , Dunn Tina , Schultz Alex , Hart Josh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Optimizing the timing of rice paddy drainage and harvest is crucial for maximizing yield and quality. These decisions are guided by rice grain moisture content (GMC), which is typically determined by destructive plant samples taken at point locations. Providing rice farmers with predictions of GMC will reduce the time burden of gathering, threshing and testing samples. Additionally, it will reduce errors due to samples being taken from unrepresentative areas of fields, and will facilitate advanced planning of end-of-season drain and harvest timing. This work demonstrates consistent relationships between rice GMC and indices derived from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, particularly those involving selected shortwave infrared and red edge bands (r=0.84, 1620 field samples, 3 years). A methodology was developed to allow forecasts of grain moisture past the latest image date to be provided, by fusing remote sensing and accumulated weather data as inputs to machine learning models. The moisture content predictions had root mean squared error between 1.6 and 2.6% and
$$\hbox {R}^2$$
of 0.7 with forecast horizons from 0 to 28 days. Time-series grain moisture dry-down predictions were summarized per field to find the optimal harvest date (22% grain moisture), with an average RMSE around 6.5 days. The developed methodology was operationalized to provide rice growers with current and projected grain moisture, enabling data-driven decisions, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and crop outcomes.
Prevalence and impact of comorbid mental disorders in hospitalized patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): a nationwide study using administrative data
Authors: Nora Daniel , Freitas Alberto , Fernandes Lia , Ferreira Ana Rita 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aimed to compare the prevalence of mental comorbidities between hospitalization episodes with and without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and to analyze the association of those mental comorbidities with modifiable risk factors that may potentiate OSA. An observational retrospective analysis was conducted using an administrative database of discharges from all Portuguese mainland public hospitals. All-cause adult hospitalizations occurring between 2008–2015 were dichotomized according to the existence of an OSA code (ICD-9-CM 327.23). Mental disorders were clustered into categories 650–670 of Clinical Classifications Software. Within the OSA group, binary logistic regressions were performed to analyze associations between mental comorbidities and modifiable OSA risk factors. Of 6 072 538 admissions, 36 385 had a primary or secondary diagnosis of OSA, which was associated with greater odds of comorbid anxiety disorders (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.84), bipolar disorders (aOR = 2.68), depressive disorders (aOR = 2.38), alcohol abuse (aOR = 1.29) and suicidal behaviors (aOR = 1.52) compared to those without OSA (all p < 0.05). Each of these mental comorbidities was associated with significantly greater odds of at least two of the four studied risk factors that may potentiate OSA (namely obesity, smoking, alcohol abuse and opioid/sedative abuse). These findings emphasize the complex interplay between OSA and mental disorders, suggesting relevant bidirectional relationships, and highlight the importance of comprehensive assessment and management of mental health in individuals with OSA.
The shifted prime-divisor function over shifted primes
Authors: Fan Kai Steve 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Let

$$a,b\in {\mathbb {Z}}\setminus \{0\}$$

a
,
b
∈
Z
\
{
0
}

. For every

$$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

, denote by

$$\omega _a^*(n)$$

ω
a
∗

(
n
)

the number of shifted-prime divisors

$$p-a$$

p
-
a

of n, where

$$p>a$$

p
>
a

is prime. In this paper, we study the moments of

$$\omega _a^*$$

ω
a
∗

over shifted primes

$$p-b$$

p
-
b

. Specifically, we prove an asymptotic formula for the first moment and upper and lower bounds of the correct order of magnitude for the second moment. These results suggest that the average behavior of

$$\omega ^*_a$$

ω
a
∗

on shifted primes is similar to its average behavior on natural numbers. We shall also prove upper bounds for the mean values of sub-multiplicative functions in a nice class over the least common multiples of the shifted primes

$$p-a$$

p
-
a

and

$$q-b$$

q
-
b

. Such upper bounds are intimately related to the second moments of

$$\omega ^*_a$$

ω
a
∗

over natural numbers and over shifted primes. Finally, we propose a new conjecture on the second moment of

$$\omega _1^*$$

ω
1
∗

over natural numbers and provide a heuristic argument in support of this conjecture.
The differential diagnosis of adrenocortical tumors: systematic review of Ki-67 and IGF2 and meta-analysis of Ki-67
Authors: Oliveira Sofia B. , Machado Mariana Q. , Sousa Diana , Pereira Sofia S. , Pignatelli Duarte 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Distinguishing benign from malignant adrenocortical tumors (ACT) is not always easy, particularly for tumors with unclear malignant potential based on the histopathological features comprised of the Weiss score. Previous studies reported the potential utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers to recognize malignancy, in particular the Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and the proliferation marker, Ki-67. However, this information was not compiled before. Therefore, this review aimed to collect the evidence on the potential diagnosis utility of IGF2 and Ki-67 IHC staining. Additionally, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the Ki-67 accuracy to identify adrenocortical carcinoma. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. From the 26 articles included in the systematic review, 21 articles provided individual data for IGF2 (n = 2) or for Ki-67 (n = 19), while 5 studies assessed both markers. IGF2 staining was positive in most carcinomas, in contrast to adenomas. However, the different immunostaining evaluation methods adopted among the studies impeded to perform a meta-analysis to assess IGF2 diagnostic accuracy. In contrast, for the most commonly used cut-off value of 5% stained cells, Ki-67 showed pooled specificity, sensitivity and log diagnostic odds ratio of 0.98 (95% CI 0.95 to 0.99), 0.82 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.92) and 4.26 (95% CI 3.40 to 5.12), respectively. At the 5% cut-off, Ki-67 demonstrated an excellent specificity to recognize malignant ACT. However. the moderate sensitivity observed indicates the need for further studies exploring alternative threshold values. Additionally, more studies using similar approaches are needed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of IGF2.

Registration code in PROSPERO: CRD42022370389.
Statistical optimisation and analysis of biomass and exopolysaccharide production by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH30
Authors: Copeland Helena Mylise , Maye Susan , MacLeod George , Brabazon Dermot , Loscher Christine , Freeland Brian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria with immunomodulatory potential are promising natural food additives. This study employs small-scale, 250 mL bioreactors combined with a central composite design to optimise two important bioprocess parameters, namely temperature and airflow, to achieve high yields of biomass and EPS from Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRH30 (L. rhamnosus LRH30). A quadratic model was determined to be the best fit for the production of both products. The optimum critical process parameters for maximised biomass were identified to be 37.01 °C with an airflow of 0.12 vvm, while optimum criteria was 20.1 °C with an airflow of 0.18 vvm for maximum EPS production. Under these optimized conditions, small-scale batch experiments yielded a biomass concentration of 10.1 g/L and an EPS yield of 520.2 mg/L. In comparison, scale-up experiments in 2L reactors resulted in a biomass concentration of 8.54 g/L (a reduction of 18%) and an EPS yield of 654.6 mg/L (an increase of 26%). The produced EPS was purified and characterised through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and showed characteristic peaks associated with polysaccharides. The immunomodulatory potential of the L. rhamnosus LRH30 cells and EPS was evaluated through cytokine and chemokine secretion in a J774A.1 murine macrophage, resulting in a predominantly anti-inflammatory effect of L. rhamnosus LRH30 and EPS.
Investigating heavy metals and other elements in Procambarus clarkii and environmental matrices from three wetlands of Sicily (Italy)
Authors: Savoca Dario , Marrone Federico , Faraone Francesco Paolo , Giudice Vittoria , Messina Salvatore , D’Oca Gaetano , Arizza Vincenzo , Maccotta Antonella , Vecchioni Luca 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A qualitative and quantitative analysis of 18 elements was conducted on Procambarus clarkii and its environmental samples to evaluate its potential as a bioindicator species. Analysis of biological samples was carried out to both assess the safety of the use of raw materials and, together with environmental samples, to assess the contamination status of the sampled sites. Significant differences highlighted by the PERMANOVA, HCA and PCA analyses confirmed the valid use of P. clarkii as a bioindicator of the health status of the studied ecosystem. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and the biotic sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), except in a few cases, reported values below the bioaccumulative criterion and showed the highest BAF values for manganese, iron and barium in the exoskeleton while the highest BSAF values concerned mercury, copper and zinc in the muscle and barium in the exoskeleton. These findings indicate that, for most of the trace elements (TEs), the extent of pollution at these sites is such that it does not result in significant bioaccumulation in the muscle and exoskeleton of P. clarkii. The TE concentration levels signalled mild contamination of the sampling sites, proving a good health status of the studied aquatic ecosystem. Finally, the results obtained in P. clarkii muscle were below the threshold limits of EU Regulation 2023/915 suggesting that these edible parts are safe for human consumption.
Next-generation urea resins: formaldehyde-free coating materials based on higher aldehydes and amides
Authors: Knospe Philipp , Shams Uldeen Marya , Reichmann René , Seithümmer Julia , Abdulkarim Ali , Rubbert Lea V. , Knospe Felix , Dornbusch Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Urea-formaldehyde resins, which are often used indoors as coatings or adhesives due to their limited resistance to moisture, are becoming less and less important, particularly due to the increasingly strict limit values for formaldehyde.1 The release of toxicologically harmful formaldehyde is possible even after curing, so that these resins, which have been favored in terms of price, are increasingly being substituted.2 This work focused on the synthesis of formaldehyde-free coating materials based on higher aldehydes, which can be cured with urea or urea derivatives. The substitution of formaldehyde, which is becoming more and more restricted, also makes it easier to produce and handle these resins on an industrial scale. Especially higher aldehydes of the benzaldehyde type were investigated, as these do not mechanistically release formaldehyde during the curing reaction with urea and are also unable to form colored enamides.3 Both aspects were confirmed in this work. The crosslinking mechanism was investigated using spectroscopic methods such as IR or Raman, and the mechanical properties of the resulting coatings were examined using DMA and rheometer-DMTA. Furthermore, application tests in accordance with DIN were carried out. Especially adducts from renewable 5-hydroxymetylfurfural turned out to form high performance coatings when crosslinked with urea.
Mind the Gap: Eine Analyse der Beteiligungsdifferenz von nationalen und lokalen Wahlen in Deutschland
Authors: Graeb Frederic 
Published: January 2025

Zusammenfassung
Der Status von Kommunalwahlen ist in der Wahlforschung umstritten. So wurden Kommunalwahlen einerseits schon früh als nationale Nebenwahlen klassifiziert, andererseits deutet die Ausbildung lokalisierter Parteiensysteme daraufhin, dass es sich um einen Wahltyp sui generis handeln könnte. Das vorliegende Papier soll dazu beitragen, Klarheit bezüglich des Nebenwahlcharakters von Kommunalwahlen herzustellen. Dazu wird das Ausmaß der Beteiligungsdifferenz von Kommunal- und Bundestagswahlen in Deutschland analysiert und versucht, mögliche Einflussfaktoren zu identifizieren.
Es wird argumentiert, dass der Nebenwahlcharakter einer Kommunalwahl von lokalen Rahmenbedingungen abhängt. Konkret wird ein substantieller Einfluss der Bevölkerungsgröße, des Wahlsystems sowie des lokalen Parteiensystems auf die Höhe der Beteiligungsdifferenz postuliert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einerseits, dass Kommunalwahlen Eigenschaften einer nationalen Nebenwahl aufweisen. In einer großen Mehrheit der Gemeinden ist die lokale Wahlbeteiligung unter dem Niveau der Beteiligung an nationalen Wahlen. Andererseits üben Kontextfaktoren wie das Wahlsystem, die Gemeindegröße und das lokale Parteiensystem einen Einfluss auf die Beteiligungsdifferenz aus. Nebenwahleigenschaften von Kommunalwahlen werden hierdurch relativiert. In kleinen Gemeinden nehmen Kommunalwahlen eher den Charakter einer eigenständigen Hauptwahl an, was in einer niedrigeren Beteiligungsdifferenz zum Ausdruck kommt. Nationalisierte Parteiensysteme und Wahlsysteme mit geschlossenen Listen wirken sich ebenfalls auf die Beteiligungsdifferenz aus. Das Papier leistet damit einen Beitrag zum Verständnis kommunaler Wahlbeteiligung und bietet eine Reihe von Anknüpfungspunkten für künftige Forschungsvorhaben.
Food Security and Plant Variety Protection: Seeding Hope for the African Continental Free Trade Area?
Authors: Ncube Caroline B. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This article argues that the twin pillars of the right to food and sustainable development ought to inform how the Annex on the protection of new plant varieties under the Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is drafted, in view of the impact of such protection on access to food. Such impact is multi-pronged, beginning with the quality, quantity and availability of seeds, through to crop production and regional cross-border distribution of agricultural products in the AfCFTA. In order to give effect to these twin pillars, the continental sui generis system mandated by the AfCFTA Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights must draw on access and benefit sharing rules, farmers rights and existing plant variety protection systems. The article posits that this is an opportune moment to return to the African Union Model Law for the Protection of the Rights of Local Communities, Farmers and Breeders, and for the Regulation of Access to Biological Resources and various instruments of the regional economic communities and intellectual property organizations to weave the continental system in the Annex on Plant Variety Protection to be negotiated under the Protocol.
Towards (Global) Food Equity – The Role of Intellectual Property and Trade
Authors: Upreti Pratyush Nath , Guida Alessandra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted global food systems, aggravating vulnerabilities in consumption, production, hygiene, and access. These disruptions intensified economic instability and reduced the production capacity of small and medium-sized agribusinesses, widening the gap between food supply and demand and contributing to a dramatic rise in global undernourishment. Economic fallout and price inflation compounded these issues, particularly affecting low-income countries and exacerbating social inequities. The recent escalation in global food crises, exacerbated by events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and climate change, underscores the urgent need for a transformative approach to food ecosystems. This article examines the critical role of intellectual property (IP) and trade in fostering equitable food governance, particularly within the post-pandemic and post-crisis global legal order. It assesses how IP and trade mechanisms might bridge gaps in food security and advance the right to food as part of a broader human rights framework. Using equity as a guiding concept, this article analyzes ongoing initiatives at the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization, focusing on recent developments in trade negotiations and the International Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge. Through these lenses, the article evaluates the potential of IP and trade instruments to support sustainable, inclusive, and equitable food governance, highlighting how these tools can address emerging challenges in agri-food innovation, food sovereignty, and climate resilience.