bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early‐life menstrual characteristics and gestational diabetes in a large US cohort
Authors: Wang Zifan , Baird Donna D. , Williams Michelle A. , Jukic Anne Marie Z. , Wilcox Allen J. , Curry Christine L. , Fischer‐Colbrie Tyler , Onnela Jukka‐Pekka , Hauser Russ , Coull Brent A. , Mahalingaiah Shruthi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundAssociations between early‐life menstrual cycle characteristics (MCC) and gestational diabetes (GDM) remain unclear.ObjectivesTo evaluate associations between early‐life MCCs and GDM in first pregnancy, across pregnancies and its recurrence.MethodsThis analysis included participants from a US‐based digital cohort enrolled between 11/2019 and 9/2023 who provided consent, completed relevant surveys, were without diabetes and aged ≥18 at first pregnancy (n = 30,473). Age at menarche [<11 (early), 11–15 (referent), ≥16 (late) years] and time from menarche to cycle regularity [<1 (referent), 1–2, 3–4, ≥5 years, not yet regular, regular after hormones] were self‐recalled at enrolment. Additionally, the last three categories were considered prolonged time‐to‐regularity (PTTR). GDM history was recalled at enrolment for each pregnancy. We restricted to pregnancies of ≥24 weeks with a live birth. We evaluated associations of early‐life MCCs with GDM at first pregnancy using modified Poisson regression, across pregnancies using cluster‐weighted Poisson generalised estimating equation and GDM recurrence using multinomial logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic, early‐life factors and age at pregnancy. Missing variables were imputed with multiple imputation by chained equations.ResultsAmong 30,473 participants, 20,591 had eligible first pregnancies, of which 5.9% reported GDM. In 17,512 participants with ≥2 pregnancies, 8.3% had GDM once and 3.7% had recurrent GDM. Early menarche (<11 years, vs. 11–15 years) was associated with GDM in first pregnancy (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15, 1.57), across pregnancies (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10, 1.39) and recurrence (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.21, 1.89). PTTR was associated with GDM in the first pregnancy (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08, 1.38), across pregnancies (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05, 1.27) and recurrence (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.99, 1.43).ConclusionsEarlier menarche and prolonged time‐to‐regularity are associated with higher risk of GDM and recurrence, suggesting menstrual characteristics during childhood/adolescence as potential early‐life markers for GDM.
Male sterility is related to the imbalance of reactive oxygen species homeostasis in Prunus sibirica
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Zhang Yuncheng , Fan Wenxuan , Ren Tingting , Chen Jianhua , Dong Shengjun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPrunus sibirica is an economically important forest tree with great development prospects. To study the mechanisms of male sterile P. sibirica, we compared the phenotypic, cytological, and physiological characteristics of male sterile clone 1 with those of male fertile clone 60. Phenotypic characteristics of male sterile P. sibirica included abnormal anther dehiscence, short and unbent filaments, and distorted pollen. Cytological features of abnormal anther development in male sterile P. sibirica emerged following the late‐uninucleate stage and were characterized by delayed tapetum degeneration, delayed and limited secondary thickening of the endothecium, and incomplete mitotic division of pollen. Physiological traits of male sterile P. sibirica included excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and low antioxidant enzyme activity. At the early‐binucleate stage, the content of malondialdehyde, superoxide radicals, and hydrogen peroxide in male sterile clone 1 was 2.48, 1.27, and 1.34 times of those in male fertile clone 60, respectively. At the late‐binucleate stage, superoxide dismutase in male sterile clone 1 was 50.48% of that in male fertile clone 60, and peroxidase activity in male sterile clone 1 was 36.62% of that in male fertile clone 60. In conclusion, we identified the characteristics and critical period of male sterility in P. sibirica, revealing the association between an imbalance in ROS homeostasis and male sterility.
Etiolation promotes protoplast transfection and genome editing efficiency
Authors: Kim Yunsun , Lee Eunbin , Kang Beum‐Chang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn plants, DNA‐free genome editing using preassembled clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐ribonucleoprotein (RNP) has the advantage of avoiding transgene integration and limiting off‐target effects. The efficiency of this gene editing strategy can vary, so optimization of protoplast transfection conditions is necessary to achieve maximum yield. In this study, we examined the effects of etiolation, or increased exposure to darkness during cultivation, on the transfection efficiency of protoplasts from lettuce and Chinese cabbage. Seedlings were grown under three different conditions: non‐etiolated, etiolated, and de‐etiolated. First, we tested PEG‐mediated transfection after etiolation using a plasmid DNA for green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expression. Etiolated protoplasts had the highest percentage of GFP‐expressing cells, with a 3.1‐fold and 4.8‐fold improvement in lettuce and Chinese cabbage, respectively, compared with non‐etiolated protoplasts. We also assessed gene editing of endogenous genes after etiolation using CRISPR‐RNP. Using targeted deep sequencing, we observed the highest editing efficiency in etiolated protoplasts from both plant species, for the LsPDS and LsFT genes in lettuce, this led to an 8.7‐fold and 4.4‐fold improvement compared with non‐etiolated protoplasts, respectively. These results suggest that etiolation during seedling growth can improve transfection efficiency and DNA‐free gene editing in protoplasts.
The image of China in Giovanni Botero
Authors: Zhu Xin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChina was a focal point among early modern European intellectuals, with some attempting to reflect on Europe's own problems through the process of understanding this country. Among them was Giovanni Botero, whose view of China has not garnered much attention. This state occupies an irreplaceable position in Botero's works, yet his attitude towards it is nuanced: On the one hand, he praises its large population, prosperous cities, and social stability, considering it the best‐governed country in history; on the other hand, he acknowledges that it is an example of oriental despotism. However, this characterization of an oriental despotic state has not diminished Botero's admiration for this state. The main reason is that China's voluntary renunciation of external expansion and its commitment to internal peace, justice and prosperity align with his political model of the ‘conservative’ state. Botero believes that its restraint and prudence in foreign policy, its effectiveness in social organization and governance and its promotion of the art of peace are lessons worth learning for European countries. This study of Botero's view of China will help us to better understand its place in his political thought and its image in early modern Europe.
Present‐day sedimentary processes on the shelves of inactive volcanic ocean islands: The case study of Porto Santo Island (Madeira Archipelago)
Authors: Innocentini Simone , Quartau Rui , Madeira José , Casalbore Daniele , Andrade César , Silva Ana Nobre , Cachão Mário , Moreira Sandra , Santos Rúben , Pombo Joaquim , Rodrigues Aurora 
Published: November 2024

AbstractShelves surrounding reefless volcanic islands usually host sediment that is considered to result mostly from erosion of pre‐existing volcanic rocks, with minor contributions from active volcanism and biogenic production. However, due to the scarcity of studies on volcanic islands, the way in which sediment is produced and deposited in these settings is still relatively poorly understood. In this study, a source‐to‐sink approach is used to understand how sediments on the southern shelf of the inactive volcanic island of Porto Santo (Madeira Archipelago) have formed. To achieve this aim, sediment texture, composition (carbon content) and morphoscopic characterization are integrated with acoustic information from the shelf (multibeam bathymetry, backscatter imagery and sediment thickness). Seafloor sediments are mostly moderately sorted sands with carbonate skeletal particles representing around 80% of the grains and minor volcaniclasts and aeolianite particles from inland subaerial erosion. Multibeam and seismic data allow recognizing some elongated erosive–depositional features that give insights into present‐day and past currents on the shelf. Additionally, an assessment of the subaerial sediment contribution to the shelf has been compared to the overall sediment volume present there. The findings indicate that the current sediment volume significantly exceeds the terrigenous supply, suggesting a significant primary biogenic carbonate production on the shelf. The sediment microscopic characterization supports this hypothesis, which leads to the conclusion that on low‐relief inactive volcanic islands, like Porto Santo, the contribution of carbonate factories to shelf sediment has a bigger role than previously considered.
Crowding and Preferred Interpersonal Distances Across Time: An Experience‐Sampling Method Study
Authors: Stieger Stefan , Lewetz David 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIndividuals prefer interpersonal distance; that is approaching beyond a certain amount of distance is perceived as unpleasant. The extensive research in this area spans from cross‐cultural psychology to applied sciences such as architecture. Although there is a large corpus of research on inter‐individual and cross‐cultural differences in preferred interpersonal distances, these preferences have—to our knowledge—yet to be analysed intra‐individually across time. Therefore, we conducted a pre‐registered experience‐sampling study in the field (N = 81 participants, 2 weeks, k = 3716 daily assessments) by assessing preferred distances and whether they were contingent on the number of people in close proximity (i.e., crowding). Furthermore, we used a Bluetooth scan to nonintrusively measure the number of people within 2 m. We found substantial variance in the preferred interpersonal distances, not only between participants but also within participants, suggesting large situation‐dependent state‐like aspects of this construct. Second, in addition to the expected age and gender effects (older and female participants preferred larger distances), the more people there were within 2 m (Bluetooth was the best measure for this), the smaller the preferred interpersonal distance to strangers. This observation indicates the potential presence of either an adaptation process (i.e., adapting to the situation) or a selection process (i.e., demonstrating a greater tolerance for crowding due to the self‐selection of the situation). It seems probable that research on the state aspects of preferred interpersonal distances will retain their significance in the future, given the ongoing process of urbanisation in numerous countries worldwide.
Alternative Pneumocystis Pneumonia Prophylaxis in Solid Organ Transplants
Authors: He Kevin D. , Nguyen Linh , Norris Maxwell , Malat Gregory , Witek Stephanie , Sammons Chelsea , Forte Abigail , Claridge Tamara , Clark Jennifer Trofe , Blumberg Emily 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite limited data supporting use in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, atovaquone and dapsone are often used as alternatives to trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) prophylaxis.MethodsThis single‐center, retrospective cohort study describes a multi‐organ program's experience with alternative PJP prophylaxis. Adult SOT recipients transplanted November 13, 2020 to November 13, 2022 who received non‐TMP‐SMX PJP prophylaxis and had > 1 year follow‐up were included.ResultsAmong 953 SOTs performed, 333 (34.9%) recipients received alternative PJP prophylaxis (319 [95.8%] atovaquone and 14 [4.2%] dapsone). Alternative prophylaxis was initiated in 76 (22.8%) recipients without starting TMP‐SMX, mostly due to sulfa allergy (62, 81.6%). In 257 recipients who started TMP‐SMX, common reasons for switching to alternatives were hyperkalemia (105, 40.9%) and leukopenia (77, 30.0%). While 79.8% of recipients had these adverse effects resolve, only 27.3% resumed TMP‐SMX. Tolerance was high after resumption (85.7%). Barriers to accessing alternative prophylaxis included cost (25, 7.5%) and prior authorizations (26, 7.8%). There was one case of severe disseminated toxoplasmosis, one case of Nocardia infection, and no cases of PJP.ConclusionAlternative PJP prophylaxis carries risk of breakthrough infection and barriers to initiation. Since most recovered from adverse effects of TMP‐SMX and tolerated resumption, providers should re‐trial TMP‐SMX when feasible.
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Modeling and Simulation Credibility Assessments of Musculoskeletal Computational Models for Simulating Astronaut Injuries Due to a Poor Spacesuit Fit
Authors: Gallo Christopher A. , Perkins Richard A. , Ivanoff Athena E. , Myers Jerry G. , Prabhu Raj K. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The musculoskeletal (MS) system of astronauts is subject to physiological changes, potentially leading to injuries due to the exposure to different gravitational environments experienced during spaceflight. These injuries can occur while an astronaut is performing an extravehicular activity (EVA) in space, on lunar or planetary surfaces or while wearing a spacesuit during terrestrial training for an EVA. The opensim MS modeling software can assess EVA induced MS injury mechanisms such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, and joint injuries. One area of concern, since there are only a few different spacesuit sizes with limited adjustability, is the possibility of a poorly fitting spacesuit. This can cause unnatural joint motions and torques resulting in various MS injuries. A credibility assessment of the opensim modeling and simulation procedures is performed per NASA-STD-7009A to provide information on the credibility of the model's use in simulating EVA related injury mechanisms. The credibility assessment evaluated various opensim models against the following eight credibility factors: data pedigree, input pedigree, code verification, solution verification, conceptual validation, referent validation, results uncertainty, and results robustness (sensitivity). The models evaluated for EVA injuries will require additional credibility factor analysis and upgrades to the model features, such as adding ligaments to a whole-body model, to reliably predict and analyze the EVA injuries expected to occur due to a poor spacesuit fit. The degree of elevation strategy required to increase the credibility assessment scores will depend on the model complexity and the injury mechanism.
Development of a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Assay on Digital Microfluidics for Point-of-Care Detection of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Ngo Yen Khanh , Tran Doan Hong Ngoc , Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Uyen , Huynh Trieu Man , Hoang Tuan , Hoang Thien , Mai Thi Hoang Nghi , Van Vo Toi , Nguyen Minh Nam , Huynh Khon 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Malaria is a dangerous mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes millions of death cases each year worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia. Current P. falciparum detection methods (e.g., blood smear, enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), etc.) have many disadvantages, such as being time-consuming, dependent on the operator's experience, and relying on sophisticated instruments that hinder the point-of-care (POC) application. To overcome those drawbacks, we developed a colorimetric recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) reaction on a digital microfluidic (DMF) platform using SYBR Green I as the indicator for a simple result readout step, thus simplifying the diagnostic procedure. Using primers specific for the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) gene, P. falciparum plasmids were successfully detected under optimal conditions for RPA reaction. For the implementation of RPA on the DMF platform, 0.1% Tween-20 was added to support droplet movement on the chip without interfering with the reaction. The droplet pathway was designed so the system can carry out up to five samples simultaneously on one single DMF device, thus providing a time-efficient point-of-care method for detecting P. falciparum and laying a foundation for developing a simple diagnostic procedure for other diseases.
Numerical Investigation on Tip Clearance Leakage Control for a Radial Turbine With Tip Control Holes
Authors: Weifeng He , Chen Wang , Pengfei Su , Zeyu Lou , Adam Abdalazeem , Dong Han 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In this paper, a novel tip clearance control structure, the tip control hole (TCH), is proposed, which is appropriate for the radial turbines with the characteristics of low manufacturing cost, thin blade, insufficient tip space and insufficient strength of winglets. Under the original conditions, when the tip clearance height is 2% of the outlet blade height, the effect from the position and number of holes on the overall turbine performance is discussed, and the physical mechanism of efficiency improvement is analyzed. It is found that the optimal scheme of single hole and multiple-hole structures increase the total-total efficiency by 0.173% and 0.198%, with the relevant the tip leakage decreased by 0.812% and 1.058%. The results show that the closer the holes are to the upstream of the impeller, the better the optimization effect is compared with the original turbine. The main optimization mechanism of leakage control is to restrain the tip leakage vortex. The control hole decreased the scale of the vortex, makes the position of the vortex close to the suction surface. In the optimal scheme, the tip control hole reduced the pressure difference between the suction surface and the pressure surface, suppressed the leakage, and plays an auxiliary role in improving the efficiency.
An Investigation of a Multi-Injector, Premix/Micromix Burner Burning Pure Methane to Pure Hydrogen
Authors: Durocher Antoine , Fan Luming , Füri Marc , Bourque Gilles , Sirois Julien , May David , Bergthorson Jeffrey M. , Yun Sean , Vena Patrizio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Micromix combustion technology has been identified as a promising strategy to mitigate the risks associated with burning high-hydrogen-content fuels. This technology has recently been introduced in premixed injector designs to develop burners with broader fuel flexibility, allowing the combustion of fuels ranging from natural gas, or currently available hydrocarbons, to pure hydrogen by controlling the micromix fuel ratio (MFR). Modifying this additional operating parameter can lead to premixed, partially premixed, and micromixed combustion, each having different stability mechanisms. The combustion characteristics of such flames in an industrial combustion environment with hundreds of injectors are unknown. A multi-injector configuration, consisting of five (5) injectors placed in a cross pattern, is used to investigate the combustion of pure methane to pure hydrogen, and different blends. Stability and combustion dynamic maps are first obtained at atmospheric temperature and pressure for fuel-lean mixtures of H2/CH4 ranging from 0/100%, 70/30%, 90/10%, to 100/0%, by volume. For each fuel mixture, the equivalence ratio is adjusted to maintain the same adiabatic flame temperature throughout the experiments. An increase in blowoff (BO) limit is observed for the multi-injector array compared to a single nozzle, while flashback occurs more rapidly for dominantly premixed conditions with high-hydrogen-content fuel. In addition to extending the flashback limit, micromixed flames are generally quieter for high-hydrogen-content fuels. Laser diagnostics are performed on selected operating conditions with hydrogen content of 0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, and 100%. Eight cases are investigated in this work at a constant bulk inlet velocity to highlight the impact of hydrogen content and MFR on the flame shape. Two-dimensional (2D) particle image velocimetry (PIV), OH and acetone planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), as well as acoustic measurements are performed simultaneously. The planar measurements show that the OH-PLIF signal becomes thinner and nonaxisymmetric as MFR is increased from 0% to 100%, with the flames gradually transitioning from V-shaped to M-shaped, before stabilizing as jet flames in crossflow.
Rehabilitation Services Improve Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Capability in Patients After Discharge From Convalescent Rehabilitation Wards
Authors: Matsushita Tatsuya , Kawakami Michiyuki , Nemugaki Sayaka , Maeda Kazutaka , Kanatani Koji , Akimoto Kentaro , Ohnaka Koichi , Ohta Toshio , Tokunaga Yoshiharu 
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: There is a notable lack of evidence regarding the long-term effects of rehabilitation services, particularly concerning functional recovery and daily living activities of patients following discharge from convalescent rehabilitation wards. This study aimed to clarify the longitudinal changes in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living of patients after discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward and the association between the use of rehabilitation services and clinical outcomes. Methods: Patients discharged from Japanese convalescent rehabilitation wards in August 2021 were included. They were classified into two groups (rehabilitation and nonrehabilitation services use) based on whether they used rehabilitation services (outpatient rehabilitation, older adult day care, or home-based rehabilitation) after discharge. The primary outcomes, including the Barthel Index, functional independence measure, Frenchay Activities Index, and life-space assessment scores at 6 months after discharge, were analyzed by multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 293 patients (median age: 75 years; 148 females) were included in the analysis. The use of rehabilitation services was independently associated with the Barthel Index (partial regression coefficient [B]: 7.224; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.760, 12.688]), functional independence measure (B: 2.659; 95% CI: [0.194, 5.125]), Frenchay Activities Index (B: 2.351; 95% CI: [0.5088, 4.192]), and life-space assessment at 6 months after discharge (B: 8.226, 95% CI: [3.902, 12.550]). Conclusions: The use of rehabilitation services was independently associated with patients’ Barthel Index, functional independence measure, Frenchay Activities Index, and life-space assessment after discharge from a convalescent rehabilitation ward. This study emphasizes crucial role of postdischarge interventions for improved patient outcomes.