bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Restoration implications of the germination ecology of six dry-forest woody Fabaceae species in Mexico
Authors: Aguirre-Salcedo Citlali , Montaño-Arias Susana Adriana , Jansson Roland 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Key message

Seed germination responses to variation in temperature and light differed among six dry forest species, results that will inform ecological restoration and climate change adaptation projects.

Abstract
In dry forests, where opportunities for plant establishment occur in a narrow window of opportunity, seeds must respond to cues to germinate when conditions for growth are suitable. Knowledge of the strategies and adaptations of seeds to the seasonal dry-forest ecosystems, being under constant threat, is needed to guide restoration and management actions in the face of climate change. We investigated the effects of scarification, temperature and light in germination percentage, germination time and synchrony of six woody Fabaceae species. The species have ecological potential for restoration and are of cultural or economic importance for the local people in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico. We carried out a multifactorial germination experiment with five temperatures, two light regimes and two scarification conditions for Mimosa luisana, M. polyantha, M. adenantheroides, M. lactiflua, Acaciella angustissima and Vachellia constricta. All germinated in a wide range of temperatures (10–40 °C), and mechanical scarification highly increased the germination percentage. Higher temperature increased and speeded up germination in dark conditions for most of the species, but they exist heterogeneous responses in their germination synchrony. Studied species had high germination percentages in warm temperatures, but their recruitment in nature might be negatively affected by warmer and drier conditions, and by the loss of shade and seed dispersers due to deforestation and changes in land use. It is crucial to study not just germination percentage and time but also other aspects of the germination process such as the germination synchrony, since it might reveal useful information for management actions.
In-vitro validation of a new method to assess the clinical accuracy of complete arch impressions
Authors: Waldecker Moritz , Katherina Schessler , Wolfgang Bömicke , Peter Rammelsberg , Stefan Rues 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
To develop and validate a new method to acquire reference distances.

Materials and methods
A method to accurately register the intraoral position of precision balls was developed to generate reference values for the in-vivo assessment of impression accuracy and tested in vitro. Therefore, metal occlusal veneers with a special abutment carrying precision balls were provisionally attached to specific positions on the patient’s dental arch (anatomical model with PMMA covered metal teeth). To register the precision ball positions, form-congruent counterparts were jointed to the abutments, adhesively fixed to a transfer aid, removed and digitized with a laboratory scanner. First, the distance determination using a transfer aid and a laboratory scanner was validated. Second, the process was tested for an anatomic situation.

Results
When measuring distances using a transfer aid and a laboratory scanner, distances could be detected with an accuracy of less than 5 μm. Using the new test setup on the anatomical model, the intraoral scanners more accurately reproduced scan volumes up to one quadrant, with deviations between the actual scan data sets/plaster models and the reference data set of < 52 μm for Primescan, < 82 μm for Omnicam, and < 125 μm for conventional impression. Longer distances tended to be more accurately represented by the conventional impression (Primescan < 304 μm; Omnicam < 328 μm; conventional impression < 164 μm).

Conclusions
The developed method seems suitable for determining the clinical accuracy of conventional and digital complete arch impressions.

Clinical relevance
For determining the clinical accuracy of conventional or digital impressions, reference values are crucial.
Electrodeposition of free-standing poly(pyrrole) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)– MoS2 composite films at the liquid | liquid interface
Authors: Al Nasser Hussain A. , Kim Cheonghee , Lin Kailing , Elgendy Amr , Bissett Mark A. , Dryfe Robert A. W. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The preparation of conducting polymer-exfoliated MoS2 composites at the liquid/liquid interface, using electrochemical control to drive polymerization, is reported. Conducting polymers have attracted significant interest in recent years due to their remarkable electrical properties, together with their mechanical properties and the ease of their synthesis. Formation of composite materials, via the incorporation of these polymers with other organic and inorganic materials, is a well-established route to enhance their physical properties. Fabrication of the resultant polymeric composites into thin, robust films is a requirement for certain energy and water treatment applications. Interfacial synthesis methods are widely used to prepare thin films of material, and conducting polymer formation under electrochemical control has been reported previously at the liquid/liquid interface. Here, we describe a potentiostatic synthesis of free-standing, robust films of poly(pyrrole (PPy) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) incorporated within MoS2 sheets. The polymeric films were electrodeposited in their oxidised forms. Distinct morphologies were observed for the polymeric species. This method is advocated as a one-pot, single-step route to the synthesis of polymeric composites for applications where a thin film morphology is required. Although 2D material/polymer composite have been formed via spontaneous reduction processes, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the preparation of a 2D material/polymer composite using electrochemical methods, at the liquid/liquid interface (interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions).
Evaluation of fatigue damage in stern tube sliding bearings of ship propulsion systems under ice impact
Authors: Saleh Ahmed , Könekamp Marco , Jacobs Georg , Gilges Markus , Lehmann Benjamin , Lucassen Math 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Climate change has led to new shipping routes in polar waters, increasing touristic and commercial traffic in these regions. Sequentially, collisions between ship propellers and sea ice have become more frequent. Such collisions subject the propellers to extreme dynamic loads, which are transferred through the propeller shaft to the sliding stern tube bearings, particularly the bearing mounted next to the propeller (aft bearing). These collision loads have been linked to indications of fatigue and wear in sliding bearings. To determine whether these loads contribute to the increasing wear and fatigue damage in bearings, it’s essential to investigate their impact on contact conditions and stress concentration in the bearing. While recent research on stern tube bearing damage has focused on wear, the investigation of fatigue damage remains unexplored.
This study aims to assess the impact of ice-induced loads on the remaining fatigue-life of the aft bearing using the research vessel SA Agulhas II as a case study. For this purpose, four design ice load cases and five field-measured ice load cases are used. The impact of ice-induced loads on the local stress tensors are obtained through multi-body and finite element simulations incorporating elastohydrodynamic effects, followed by the calculation of the DANG VAN’s equivalent stress. This is followed by assessing the partial damage from a single cycle of ice-induced load on the aft bearing using the Palmgren-Miner method. Finally, the remaining fatigue-life is determined based on the calculated damage from a single cycle of ice-induced loads. This represents the remaining number of load cycles until damage occurs, indicating the impact of ice-induced loads on fatigue risk.
Detection of substantial numbers of latent tuberculosis and positive hepatitis B serology results in rheumatology patients preparing to receive intensified immunosuppressive therapy in a low-prevalence country: why screening still matters
Authors: Feuchtenberger Martin , Kovacs Magdolna Szilvia , Nigg Axel , Schäfer Arne 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction /objectives
International guidelines recommend screening for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and chronic viral hepatitis infections before initiating intensified immunosuppressive therapy. We assessed the prevalence of positive screening tests for LTBI, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients screened at a large rheumatology outpatient center in Germany.

Method
This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records from adult rheumatology patients. The presence of LTBI was evaluated by chest X-rays, patient medical history/self-report, and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold Plus (QFT) interferon-gamma release assays. Antibodies to HBV core antigen (anti-HBc) and HCV were used to assess HBV and HCV, respectively. Statistically significant associations were evaluated by Fisher exact tests.

Results
Of 697 screened patients with a rheumatological condition (61.3% female, mean age 60.0 years), 132 (18.9%) patients were positive for LTBI (99 [14.2%]), anti-HBc (39 [5.6%]), or anti-HCV (3 [0.4%]). Nine patients had more than one positive result; different infections were not significantly associated. QFT detected the most LTBI cases (59.5%) followed by patient report/history (42.4%) and chest X-rays (17.2%). Although most patients (83.8%) were positive on only one test, associations among LTBI tests were statistically significant. Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) use was lower in patients with a positive LTBI screening result compared with all screened patients (73.7% vs 86.4%) and targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD) use was higher (10.1% vs 5.9%).

Conclusions
Almost one-fifth of rheumatology patients preparing to initiate intensified immunosuppressive therapy have positive results on screening tests for LTBI or show evidence of exposure to HBV or HCV. These findings support the need for careful screening, even in “low-prevalence” countries.

Key Points• Almost 20% of rheumatology patients preparing for intensified immunosuppressive therapy were
positive on screening tests for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) or showed evidence of exposure to
hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV).• All three LTBI assessments (chest X-ray, patient medical history/self report, and interferon-gamma
release assay) were important in determining LTBI status and seldom overlapped.• Positive results for LTBI, HBV, and HCV were not significantly associated.• Compared with all screened patients, biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use was
lower in patients with a positive LTBI result and targeted synthetic DMARD use was higher, but this
result must be interpreted with caution.
Is the isolation of S. epidermidis from pre-operative synovial fluid culture a predictor of S. epidermidis prosthetic joint infection?
Authors: Olearo Flaminia , Schoppmeier Carl Philipp , Both Anna , Citak Mustafa , Maschkowitz Gregor , Schubert Sabine , Fickenscher Helmut , Gehrke Thorsten , Aepfelbacher Martin , Rohde Holger 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Pathogen identification is key to the management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Staphylococcus epidermidis is a major cause of PJI. Differentiating between invasive and contaminating S. epidermidis from joint specimens is challenging, and usually S. epidermidis is only considered a true invasive isolate when grown from two or more independent tissue samples. Thus, the detection of S. epidermidis in single synovial fluid (SF) samples from preoperative athrocentesis makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its clinical significance, especially when grown from contamination-prone broth enrichment cultures (BEC). This study evaluates the diagnostic value of S. epidermidis detection in preoperative synovial cultures for the diagnosis of S. epidermidis-related PJI diagnosed by intraoperative tissue culture (TC). A total of 292 patients were included in the study, of whom 271 had prosthetic joint infection (PJI) according to EBJIS criteria. Preoperative synovial fluid (SF) cultures detected Staphylococcus epidermidis in 32.5% cases (SF-epi), other pathogens in 43.2% cases (SF-other), and were negative in 24.3%. Intraoperative tissue cultures TC identified clinically significant S. epidermidis in 30.1% of cases. The overall agreement between SF and tissue cultures was 66.1%, and the presence of S. epidermidis in SF was confirmed by TC in 70.5%. The diagnostic accuracy of SF cultures for S. epidermidis PJI was 83.2%, with sensitivity of 76.1% and specificity of 86.3% to detect S. epidermidis PJI. The positive likelihood-ration (LR+) was 5.5. When S. epidermidis from SF-BEC were excluded from analysis, specificity increased to 94.2%, and LR + was 7, but diagnostic sensitivity dropped to 40.5%. This study highlights the important value of using preoperative SF fluid cultures for the diagnosis of S. epidermidis PJI. The integration of BEC improves diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity in S. epidermidis PJI, and thus providing valuable information to guide clinical practice. For definitive antibiotic treatment decisions intraoperative tissue cultures remain mandatory.
Forecasting workload in cloud computing: towards uncertainty-aware predictions and transfer learning
Authors: Rossi Andrea , Visentin Andrea , Carraro Diego , Prestwich Steven , Brown Kenneth N. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Accurately forecasting workload demand in cloud computing environments is essential for optimizing resource allocation, minimizing costs, and ensuring reliable service quality. As cloud computing scales to meet the needs of diverse applications - from AI and machine learning to data-intensive analytics - predictive models play a critical role in dynamically managing multiple resources. Traditional models provide limited guidance for decision-makers since they are typically univariate models, ignoring the prediction of the interplay between multiple resources, and do not account for the uncertainty of their predictions, preventing resource management from acting promptly according to such uncertainty to ensure specific target service level requirements. To address these limitations, we introduce univariate and bivariate Bayesian deep learning models that predict future workload demand of one and multiple resources respectively, while quantifying the uncertainty of their predictions. In particular, our approach leverages Hybrid Bayesian Neural Networks and probabilistic Long Short-Term Memory models, enhanced with architecture modifications to handle complex, multivariate cloud workload patterns. Moreover, we investigate fine-tuning-based transfer learning methods to enhance their adaptability in real-world cloud scenarios where new data centres with different workload characteristics operate. We validate our models on extensive datasets from Google and Alibaba cloud clusters. Results show that modelling the uncertainty of predictions positively impacts performance, especially on service level metrics, because uncertainty quantification can be tailored to desired target service levels that are critical in cloud applications. Moreover, transfer learning benefits performance in scenarios where models are built on data from the same provider.
Functional Characterization of a Female-Biased Chemoreceptor of the Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella) Responding to Aldehydes and Other Volatile Compounds
Authors: Cattaneo Alberto Maria , Kwadha Charles A. , Pullmann-Lindsley Heidi , Erdei Anna L. , Pitts R. Jason , Walker William B. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
With the advent of semiochemical-based control strategies used to mitigate damage of agricultural pest moths, many studies have focused on the function of male-specific putative pheromone receptors (PRs). In this investigation, we instead isolated, heterologously expressed, and functionally characterized a female-biased candidate PR, CpomOR22, from the codling moth, Cydia pomonella. Using transgenic Drosophila melanogaster for single sensillum recording (SSR) and gas-chromatographic SSR, we tested both synthetic ligands and various apple headspace extracts, identifying saturated and unsaturated aldehydes (nonanal, decanal, undecanal, dodecanal; (Z)-4-undecenal and (Z)-6-undecenal) among the most active ligands. Parallel experiments expressing CpomOR22 in Xenopus oocytes confirmed the binding of nonanal, decanal and undecanal and revealed lactones (γ-undecalactone and δ-dodecalactone) and several carboxylic acids as additional active compounds. The renowned ecological importance of aldehydes for the codling moth and the potential for newly identified ligands, such as lactones, may inform innovative control strategies based on novel semiochemicals to interfere with the female-specific chemosensory systems of this insect.
Fluorescence of Atomic Germanium – Solution of Excitation Transfer
Authors: Dvořák Pavel , Dwivedi Vishal , Mrkvičková Martina , Bolouki Nima , Medek Tomáš , Svoboda Milan , Velásquez Franklin Vaca , Kratzer Jan , Dědina Jiří 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Laser induced fluorescence was used for detection of free germanium atoms in a miniature diffusion flame atomizer. Two excitation schemes were tested, which were based on excitation wavelengths around 250 nm and 205 nm. The second scheme suffered from a fast collisionally induced excitation transfer to another radiative state, which could led to an erroneous overestimation of Ge concentration by an order of magnitude. The excitation transfer was quantified and the problem was solved by means of measurement of temporally resolved fluorescence spectra. The equations for evaluation of fluorescence measurements affected by an excitation transfer to radiative states are presented. The obtained Ge concentration profiles revealed a strongly inhomogeneous distribution of free Ge atoms and a low germane atomization efficiency in the flame.
Bioaccessibility and Biological Activities of Phytochemicals from Wild Plant Infusions and Decoctions Before and After Simulated In Vitro Digestion
Authors: Monari Stefania , Ferri Maura , Zappi Alessandro , Escórcio Rita , Correia Vanessa G. , Cairrão André , Bento Artur , Pereira Cristina Silva , Tassoni Annalisa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The wild plants Borago officinalis L. (Boraginaceae) and Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae) are known to have both food and medicinal uses. The aim of the work was to evaluate the bioaccessibility of potentially bioactive phytochemicals in organ-specific infusions and decoctions pre- and post- simulated in vitro oro-gastrointestinal human digestion aiming at both oral intake and topical applications. (Poly)phenols, reducing sugars, and proteins were analysed by spectroscopic and spectrometry techniques (NMR and HPLC-DAD) as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities pre- and post-digestion. As expected, in vitro digestion altered the composition of the extracts. Specifically, the total amount of (poly)phenols as well as the largely correlated antioxidant activity decreased post-digestion, while reducing sugars and proteins increased. Catechins and rutin were detected in both plants. Rosmarinic acid was the most abundant compound in B. officinalis (on average 90% in infusions), while rutin and hyperoside in H. perforatum (up to 100% in stem digested extracts). Hypericum extracts exhibited similar activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while the Borago extracts showed higher activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Overall, the minimal inhibitory concentrations ranged from 0.47 to 0.94 mg/ml. In conclusion, the studied herbal preparations may provide significant amounts of bioactive compounds both pre- and post-digestion able to potentially mitigate oxidative stress-related disorders after ingestion and/or to treat skin infection diseases when applied topically.
Some Results on Quasi MV-Algebras and Perfect Quasi MV-Algebras
Authors: Dvurečenskij Anatolij , Zahiri Omid 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Quasi MV-algebras are a generalization of MV-algebras and they are motivated by the investigation of the structure of quantum logical gates. In the first part, we present relationships between ideals, weak ideals, congruences, and perfectness within MV-algebras and quasi MV-algebras, respectively. To achieve this goal, we provide a comprehensive characterization of congruence relations of a quasi MV-algebra

$${\mathcal {A}}$$

A

concerning the congruence relations of its MV-algebra of regular elements of

$${\mathcal {A}}$$

A

, along with specific equivalence relations concerning the complement of the set of regular elements. In the second part, we concentrate on perfect quasi MV-algebras. We present their representation by symmetric quasi

$$\ell $$

ℓ

-groups, a special kind of quasi

$$\ell $$

ℓ

-groups. Moreover, we establish a categorical equivalence of the category of perfect quasi MV-algebras, the category of n-perfect quasi MV-algebras, and the category of symmetric quasi

$$\ell $$

ℓ

-groups.
Novel Polymer Supported Phthalocyanine Nanosensors and Analytical Application
Authors: Misir Murat , Bilgin Ahmet , Doyduk Doğukan , Demir Ersin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this study, a novel PCL-based polymer (6) containing A3B-type zinc phthalocyanine was synthesized as a result of the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), in which A3B-type zinc phthalocyanine (5) prepared by condensation method of two different phthalonitrile precursor molecules, 4-(3-hydroxypropylmercapto)phthalonitrile (3) and 4-tert-butylphthalonitrile (4), in 3:1 molar ratios used as the initiator. (6) was synthesized in three stages; the synthesis of 4-(3-hydroxypropylmercapto)phthalonitrile (3) (i), novel A3B-type zinc phthalocyanine (ii), PCL-based polymer (6) containing A3B-type zinc phthalocyanine (iii). The novel compounds (5) and (6) were characterized by spectroscopic (FTIR, 1H NMR. 13C NMR and UV-vis), DSC and chromatographic (GPC) methods. After that, a new generation hybrid material (PcY-MWCNTP and PcX-MWCNTP) was developed by treating bare Pc (PcX) and polymer-based Pc (PcY) with carboxyl-functionalized multi-walled nanocarbon tube powders (COOH-MWCNTPs). This new nanomaterial was also coated on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface using the drip-dry technique. The sensitivities of the developed both nanosensor in the determination of rifaximin were investigated at first time. Compared to the other electrode, PcX-MWCNTP/GCE significantly increased the anodic signal of rifaximin (approximately 5-fold) and shifted the peak potential to the less positive region. A wide working range from 0.25 mg/L to 10.0 mg/L was obtained, and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 48 µg/L by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Finally, the electrochemical method was successfully applied analytically in natural samples to test its accuracy and precision by using PcX-MWCNTP/GCE.