bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel method and comparison of methods for constructing Markov bridges
Authors: Baltazar-Larios F. , Esparza Luz Judith R. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn this study, we address the central issue of statistical inference for Markov jump processes using discrete time observations. The primary problem at hand is to accurately estimate the infinitesimal generator of a Markov jump process, a critical task in various applications. To tackle this problem, we begin by reviewing established methods for generating sample paths from a Markov jump process conditioned to endpoints, known as Markov bridges. Additionally, we introduce a novel algorithm grounded in the concept of time-reversal, which serves as our main contribution. Our proposed method is then employed to estimate the infinitesimal generator of a Markov jump process. To achieve this, we use a combination of Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques and the Monte Carlo Expectation-Maximization algorithm. The results obtained from our approach demonstrate its effectiveness in providing accurate parameter estimates. To assess the efficacy of our proposed method, we conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis with existing techniques (Bisection, Uniformization, Direct, Rejection, and Modified Rejection), taking into consideration both speed and accuracy. Notably, our method stands out as the fastest among the alternatives while maintaining high levels of precision.
Are we systematically overdosing women? Revisiting standardized contrast protocols for thoracoabdominal CT scans
Authors: Becker Judith , Huber Adrian , Bette Stefanie , Rubeck Anna , Arndt Tim Tobias , Müller Gernot , Risch Franka , Canalini Luca , Wollny Claudia , Schwarz Florian , Scheurig-Muenkler Christian , Kroencke Thomas , Decker Josua A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the iodine contrast in blood and solid organs differs between men and women and to evaluate the effect of BMI, height, weight, and blood volume (BV) on sex-specific contrast in staging CT.

Materials and methods
Patients receiving a venous-phase thoracoabdominal Photon-Counting Detector CT (PCD-CT) scan with 100- or 120-mL CM between 08/2021 and 01/2022 were retrospectively included in this single-center study. Image analysis was performed by measuring iodine contrast in the liver, portal vein, spleen, left atrium, left ventricle, pulmonary trunk, ascending and descending aorta on spectral PCD-CT datasets. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the impact of sex, age, BMI, height, weight, and BV on the iodine contrast.

Results
A total of 274 patients were included (mean age 68 years ± 12 SD, 168 men). Iodine contrast in organs and blood attenuation was significantly higher in women when using the same volume of CM. Sex, age, BMI, height, weight, and BV significantly influenced iodine contrast. After adjusting for confounding variables, sex remained a significant factor, with women having higher parenchymal and vascular iodine contrast.

Conclusion
Standardized or weight-adapted use of CM in venous-phase thoracoabdominal CT scans results in significantly higher contrast in women compared to men. Customizing the CM dose to the patient’s BV could result in a similar contrast between sexes. This approach has the potential to reduce the amount of CM, resulting in cost savings, and to decrease the risks associated with CM, particularly for the female sex.

Key Points
QuestionThis study addresses whether current standardized iodinated contrast media protocols lead to systematically higher iodine enhancement in women than in men during thoracoabdominal CT.
FindingsWomen consistently show greater iodine enhancement in blood and abdominal organs compared to BMI-matched men when receiving identical volumes of contrast media.
Clinical relevanceAdjusting contrast media dosage based on blood volume in venous-phase CT scans could equalize parenchymal and intravascular iodine enhancement across sexes. This approach may reduce unnecessary contrast exposure in women, lower associated risks, and optimize healthcare resource allocation.
Modeling of Precipitation over Africa: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects
Authors: Akinsanola A. A. , Wenhaji C. N. , Barimalala R. , Monerie P.-A. , Dixon R. D. , Tamoffo A. T. , Adeniyi M. O. , Ongoma V. , Diallo I. , Gudoshava M. , Wainwright C. M. , James R. , Silverio K. C. , Faye A. , Nangombe S. S. , Pokam M. W. , Vondou D. A. , Hart N. C. G. , Pinto I. , Kilavi M. , Hagos S. , Rajagopal E. N. , Kolli R. K. , Joseph S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn recent years, there has been an increasing need for climate information across diverse sectors of society. This demand has arisen from the necessity to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate variability and change. Likewise, this period has seen a significant increase in our understanding of the physical processes and mechanisms that drive precipitation and its variability across different regions of Africa. By leveraging a large volume of climate model outputs, numerous studies have investigated the model representation of African precipitation as well as underlying physical processes. These studies have assessed whether the physical processes are well depicted and whether the models are fit for informing mitigation and adaptation strategies. This paper provides a review of the progress in precipitation simulation over Africa in state-of-the-science climate models and discusses the major issues and challenges that remain.
Treatment outcomes and prognostic factors in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous lung metastases in the conversion therapy era
Authors: Nozawa Hiroaki , Suzuki Nobumi , Tsushima Tatsuya , Murono Koji , Sasaki Kazuhito , Emoto Shigenobu , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Sato Masaaki , Ishihara Soichiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Purpose
The Japanese Grade Classification based on the status of pulmonary and mesenteric nodal metastases and the presence of extrapulmonary metastases had a prognostic value in patients with colorectal lung metastases previously. Because the survival of such patients has improved in the era of conversion therapy, this classification needs to be reaudited.

Methods
This study reviewed the treatment sequences of 126 colorectal cancer patients with synchronous lung metastases between 2010 and 2022 at our hospital. Patients were divided into Japanese Classification Grade A, B, and C. Prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results
Thirty patients were initially diagnosed with resectable disease. Among these, 6 (35%) of 17 patients who were scheduled to undergo upfront surgery developed unresectable disease. In contrast, 3 (23%) of 13 patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy could not undergo curative resection. Twelve (13%) of 96 patients with initially unresectable metastases underwent conversion to complete resection after systemic therapy. On multivariate analysis, curative resection and H3 (> 5 liver metastases and maximum diameter > 5 cm) at diagnosis were independent prognostic factors, whereas the Japanese Grade Classification was not associated with OS.

Conclusion
Instead of the Japanese classification, a new prognostic classification incorporating H3 should be established.
The influence of prolonged aerobic exercise on cardiac, muscular, and renal biomarkers in trained individuals with obesity
Authors: D’Alleva M. , Sanz J. M. , Giovanelli N. , Graniero F. , Mari L. , Spaggiari R. , Sergi D. , Ghisellini S. , Passaro A. , Lazzer S. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of prolonged aerobic exercise on cardiac, muscular and renal inflammatory markers in a group of trained obese men.

Methods
Seventeen men (aged 40 ± 6 years; body mass index [BMI] 31.3 ± 2.8 kg m−2, maximal oxygen uptake [V’O2max] 41.5 ± 5.6 ml kg−1 min−1) ran a half, 30 km, or full marathon. Troponin I (cTnI), the n-terminal creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), myoglobin, creatinine (CREA) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were measured before (T0), immediately after (T1) and 3 days after the race (T2).

Results
The concentrations of cTnI, myoglobin, LDH, CK-MB and CREA significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas eGRF decreased at T1 (P < 0.05). All the above parameters returned to baseline at T2, except for eGFR, which remained lower than that at T0 (P < 0.05). A positive association was observed between ΔCK-MB (%) and the time spent in Zone 3 during the race (R = 0.686, P = 0.014). The Δmyoglobin (%) was positively correlated with race time, race mean speed and time in Zone 3 (R = 0.574–0.862, P < 0.05). The ∆CREA values were moderately correlated with the race mean HRMAX (%) and time spent in Zone 3 (%) (R = 0.514–0.610; P = 0.05). The ∆eGRF values were moderately inversely correlated with the time spent in Zone 3 (%) (R =  – 0.627; P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Changes in cardiac, muscular and renal inflammatory markers in trained men with obesity are consistent with those described in the literature in normal-weight individuals. Finally, running parameters, such as running time, average running intensity and time in Zone 3 appear to be responsible for the changes in cardiac, muscular and renal function markers after long-distance running.
A new approach to weighted Sobolev spaces
Authors: Kebiche Djameleddine 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWe present in this paper a new way to define weighted Sobolev spaces when the weight functions are arbitrary small. This new approach can replace the old one consisting in modifying the domain by removing the set of points where at least one of the weight functions is very small. The basic idea is to replace the distributional derivative with a new notion of weak derivative. In this way, non-locally integrable functions can be considered in these spaces. Indeed, assumptions under which a degenerate elliptic partial differential equation has a unique non-locally integrable solution are given. Tools like a Poincaré inequality and a trace operator are developed, and density results of smooth functions are established.
Effect of Trap Type and Killing Agent On the Capture of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Adults in Cotton
Authors: Lampiri Evagelia , Zisimou Georgia , Athanassiou Christos G. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the main pests of cotton and other economically important crops worldwide. Pheromone traps can be used to monitor H. armigera males. The trap type is an important monitoring system component, along with the killing agent inside the trap. In the first series of this study, we evaluated the performance and efficiency of one commercial funnel trap and two novel funnel traps. In a second series, brown quadruple funnel traps impregnated with a different killing agent, i.e. deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin were utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the insecticide in capturing adult males of H. armigera. The trials were performed in cotton crops in the region of Anthili, Fthiotida, Central Greece. Captures notably increased in all traps from late July to mid-September. The commercial funnel trap exhibited the highest capture of H. armigera males, collecting an average of 2.12 males in total compared to 1.14 and 1.44 of double and quadruple funnel, respectively, while in most of the trap-check dates tested, there were no significant differences between the killing agents. The present findings could additionally be applied to H. armigera monitoring programs in cotton fields.
Landslide dynamics with energy loss in internal shearing
Authors: Pudasaini Shiva P. , Mergili Martin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAs a crucial physical parameter, inter-particle friction plays a dominant role in the deformation, motion, and spreading of granular landslides. However, existing functional landslide models ignore the frictional energy loss in the internal shearing of granular material. Here, we propose a novel dynamical model that includes the frictional energy loss in internal shearing during the mass transport, making it a more complete landslide dynamical equation, for the first time, capable of describing the frictional energy dissipation. It includes a dimensionless intrinsic quantity describing the strength of frictional energy loss in internal shearing, internal friction angle, and dynamical quantities: the force induced by free-surface gradient, local extensional-compressional mode, slip velocity along the granular surface, and material weight. We access the model performance by presenting contrasting scenarios. Simulation results, including the 1903 Frank Slide, demonstrate the importance of frictional energy loss in actively controlling the deformation, motion, and deposition of sheared granular flows. Profiles and geometries are fundamentally different without and with considering frictional energy loss in granular shearing. Deposition structures appear more realistic for simulations with frictional energy loss, in line with observation, revealing the importance of frictional energy loss in internal shearing. This demonstrates, classical models, based solely on the basal Coulomb friction, cannot properly control the landslide dynamics. In contrast, the new model more accurately simulates the landslide propagation, run-out, spreading, and its fan morphology. This suggests the need to complement existing mass flow models with the new frictional energy loss principle in granular shearing in physically legitimately controlling the mass spreading, motion, and deposition.
Long-Acting Injectable Prep for People Who Inject Drugs at a Syringe Services Program: A Qualitative Acceptability and Feasibility Study
Authors: Suarez Edward , Tookes Hansel E. , Coppola Marissa , Plesons Marina , Serota David , St. George Sara M. , Bartholomew Tyler S. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAlthough people who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk of acquiring HIV, knowledge and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention among this population remain low due to numerous psychosocial and structural barriers. Multiple implementation strategies have been proposed to address this gap, notably providing long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of PrEP and offering PrEP at syringe services programs (SSPs). This qualitative study explores the acceptability and feasibility of offering LAI-PrEP for PWID at risk for HIV at Florida’s first legal SSP. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWID (n = 25) and healthcare providers (n = 5), and transcripts were analyzed using iterative thematic analysis. The provision of LAI-PrEP at the SSP was overwhelmingly acceptable to both PWID and providers, and specific advantages and disadvantages of LAI-PrEP compared to oral PrEP among this population were elucidated. Likewise, PWID and providers identified facilitators and barriers to offering LAI-PrEP at the SSP and proposed recommendations for implementation. Overall, this study adds to the growing evidence that provision of LAI-PrEP at SSPs is acceptable and feasible and holds promise in expanding access to and uptake of HIV prevention services among PWID.
Lusztig Varieties and Macdonald Polynomials
Authors: Ram Arun 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis paper uses Lusztig varieties to give central elements of the Iwahori-Hecke algebra corresponding to unipotent conjugacy classes in the finite Chevalley group $$GL_n(\mathbb {F}_q)$$

G

L
n

(

F
q

)

. We explain how these central elements are related to Macdonald polynomials and how this provides a framework for generalizing integral form and modified Macdonald polynomials to Lie types other than $$GL_n$$

G

L
n

. The key steps are to recognize (a) that counting points in Lusztig varieties is equivalent to computing traces on the Hecke algebras, (b) that traces on the Hecke algebra determine elements of the center of the Hecke algebra, (c) that the Geck-Rouquier basis elements of the center of the Hecke algebra produce an ‘expansion matrix’, (d) that the parabolic subalgebras of the Hecke algebra produce a ‘contraction matrix’ and (e) that the combination ‘expansion-contraction’ is the plethystic transformation that relates integral form Macdonald polynomials and modified Macdonald polynomials.
The Past, Ethnic Purity, and the Foundations of Nazi Ideology: Archaeology at War
Authors: Cornell Per , Andersson Adam 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThis article examines the articulation between archaeology and ideology in Nazi Germany, specifically the ideological content in archaeological narratives. We analyze German archaeology of this period in light of 19th century pan-Germanism and the German thinkers who helped shape the notion of a German national identity. Archaeology was utilized to strengthen Nazi ideology, with a particular focus on promoting ideas related to ancestry, homeland, militarism, and nationalistic fervor. The idea of Nordicism, whether pertaining to spirituality or geography, had a substantial influence on the interpretation of archaeological findings and the development of ideological narratives. The approach of Gustaf Kossinna can be viewed as the culmination of this archaeological connection to Nordicism, and it can be better understood by examining the scholars who shaped the contemporary understanding of the German national identity. Kossinna’s version of prehistory—a convoluted story of a Germanic origin—gained dominance and exerted influence over official publications and archaeological methodologies at the time. In this perspective, German was the mix of two Nordic races. This idea of a mix helped explain certain differences among populations in the Third Reich, making them part of the origin story itself. Although archaeology was not a central component of Nazi ideology, officials still showed a preference for it and employed it in many ways. Valuable knowledge obtained through a deep analysis of the Nazi case regarding the connection between ideology, warfare, and archaeological methods can help in future studies on the articulations between archaeology, ideology, and warfare.
Industry-specific Labour Demand, Post-prison Employment and Recidivism – Evidence from Finland
Authors: Laine Riku , Aaltonen Mikko , Martikainen Pekka , Myrskylä Mikko 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Objectives
To test the effect of local, industry-specific labour demand on employment and recidivism following a person’s release from a prison in Finland.

Methods
This study was an observational study based on administrative data. The data included all working-aged men (N = 33,270) released from prison between 2007 and 2018 in Finland. We analysed the industry of the employers descriptively and studied the effect of labour demand on employment and recidivism rates post-release with a linear probability model. Labour demand was measured by counting new employments that began in the first 30 days post-release in the region the subject resided in at the time of release. Employment and recidivism were analysed with a 6- and 12-month follow-up.

Results
Of the study population, 11.1% were employed and 44.7% recidivated in the first 6 months. We found the most common employers to be the construction and manufacturing industries along with temporary work agencies. Our models indicated that the low-skill labour demand in construction increased the likelihood of employment (β = 0.0108, se = 0.0026) but did not reduce the risk of recidivism (β = 0.0030, se = 0.0045).

Conclusions
Higher labour demand may not lead to lower recidivism in all contexts. As the effect of labour demand may be driven by specific societal or labour market characteristics, further research should focus on identifying the characteristics that affect recidivism and post-prison employment. As this study may only be generalisable to the Finnish prison population, similar studies are needed from varied contexts.
Representations of Nature of Science in Chinese Physics Curriculum Standards over the Past Two Decades
Authors: Xie Li , Wang Li-Mei , Li Zhi , Bao Lei 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe importance of nature of science (NOS) for promoting science literacy and its fundamental role in science education are widely acknowledged. Employing the analytical framework of the family resemblance approach (FRA), which conceptualizes NOS as a combination of cognitive-epistemic and social-institutional systems involving 11 NOS categories, this study investigates how NOS are represented within three successive versions of Chinese physics curriculum standards over the past two decades. To offer a comprehensive view, the epistemic network analysis (ENA) is also utilized to visually depict and compare the evolving frequency of connections among the NOS categories over time. The result reveals a consistent underrepresentation of the social-institutional system, notably marked by the absence of three categories: professional activities, social organizations and interactions, and financial systems. However, there is a slight upward trend observed in social categories of NOS, indicating a growing awareness of this imbalance. The ENA analysis further demonstrates a steady increase in connections among NOS categories within the physics curriculum standards, while connections are more frequent and extensive within the cognitive-epistemic system compared to the social-institutional system. These findings provide valuable insights for the enhancement of the current physics curriculum standards, aiming to establish a more comprehensive and progressive approach to NOS education. As China’s curriculum reform advances, addressing the insufficient representations of NOS through the FRA lens can help foster a deeper understanding of nature of science, ultimately promoting science literacy among students.
From Proof-Theoretic Validity to Base-Extension Semantics for Intuitionistic Propositional Logic
Authors: Gheorghiu Alexander V. , Pym David J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractProof-theoretic semantics (P-tS) is the approach to meaning in logic based on proof (as opposed to truth). There are two major approaches to P-tS: proof-theoretic validity (P-tV) and base-extension semantics (B-eS). The former is a semantics of arguments, and the latter is a semantics of logical constants. This paper demonstrates that the B-eS for intuitionistic propositional logic (IPL) encapsulates the declarative content of a version of P-tV based on the elimination rules. This explicates how the B-eS for IPL works, and shows the completeness of this version of P-tV.
Merely verbal agreement, speaker-meaning, and defective context
Authors: Koch Steffen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn a merely verbal agreement, a misunderstanding between two parties creates the false impression of agreement: one or both parties think they agree on something, when in fact they do not. There is reason to believe that merely verbal agreements are as common as merely verbal disagreements and disputes. Unlike the latter, however, merely verbal agreements have so far been ignored by philosophers. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to clarify what merely verbal agreement is by considering various ways of defining and refining the notion; and second, to explore the effects of merely verbal agreement on conversational common ground, collaborative action, and academic philosophy. It will be argued that merely verbal agreement is best understood in terms of divergent speaker-meanings, that it has specific negative effects on common ground, that it impedes collaborative action, and that it is likely to play a significant role in academic philosophy.