bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Previous traumatic brain injury is associated with an increased odds for gestational diabetes: a nationwide register-based cohort study in finland
Authors: Vaajala Matias , Kuitunen Ilari , Liukkonen Rasmus , Ponkilainen Ville , Kekki Maiju , Mattila Ville M. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Aims
Despite recent findings that traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a possible risk factor for type 2 diabetes (DM2) and that a strong association exists between gestational diabetes (GDM) and the risk for the development of DM2, no previous studies have investigated the effects of TBI on the risk for the development of GDM. Therefore, this study aims to determine the possible association between a previous traumatic brain injury and later gestational diabetes.

Methods
In this retrospective register-based cohort study, data from the National Medical Birth Register were combined with data from the Care Register for Health Care. Women who had sustained a TBI before pregnancy were included in the patient group. Women who had sustained previous fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity were included in the control group. A logistic regression model was used to assess the risk for the development of GDM during pregnancy. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals between the groups were compared. The model was adjusted by prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and maternal age during pregnancy, the use of in vitro fertilization (IVF), maternal smoking status, and multiple pregnancies. The risk for the development of GDM during different periods following the injury (0–3 years, 3–6 years, 6–9 years, and 9+ years) was calculated.

Results
In total, a 75 g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on 6802 pregnancies of women who had sustained a TBI and on 11 717 pregnancies of women who sustained fractures of the upper extremity, pelvis, or lower extremity. Of these, 1889 (27.8%) pregnancies were diagnosed with GDM in the patient group and 3117 (26.6%) in the control group. The total odds for GDM were higher after TBI compared to the other traumas (aOR 1.14, CI 1.06–1.22). The odds were highest at 9 + years after the injury (aOR 1.22, CI 1.07–1.39).

Conclusion
The total odds for the development of GDM after TBI were higher when compared to the control group. Based on our findings, more research on this topic is warranted. Moreover, a history of TBI should be considered a possible risk factor for the development of GDM.
Systematic effect of particle roundness/angularity on macro- and microscopic behavior of granular materials
Authors: Ali Usman , Kikumoto Mamoru , Ciantia Matteo , Cui Ying , Previtali Marco 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRoundness/angularity is a vital shape descriptor that significantly impacts the mechanical response of granular materials and is closely associated with many geotechnical problems, such as liquefaction, slope stability, and bearing capacity. In this study, a series of biaxial shearing tests are conducted on dual-size aluminum circular and hexagonal rod material. A novel image analysis technique is used to estimate particle kinematics. A discrete element model (DEM) of the biaxial shearing test is then developed and validated by comparing it with the complete experimental data set. To systematically investigate the effect of roundness/angularity on granular behavior, the DEM model is then used to simulate eight non-elongated convex polygonal-shaped particles. Macroscopically, it is observed that angular assemblies exhibit higher shear strengths and volumetric deformations, i.e., dilations. Moreover, a unique relationship is observed between the critical state stress ratio and particle roundness. Microscopically, the roundness shows a considerable effect on rotational behavior such that the absolute mean cumulative rotation at the same strain level increases with roundness. A decrease in roundness results in relatively stronger interlocking, restricting an individual particle’s free rotation. Furthermore, the particles inside the shear band exhibit significantly higher rotations and are always associated with low coordination numbers. Generally, the geometrical shape of a particle is found to have a dominant effect on rotational behavior than coordination number.
Graphical Abstract
Changes in vegetation greenness related to climatic and non-climatic factors in the Sudano-Sahelian region
Authors: Zeng Yelong , Jia Li , Menenti Massimo , Jiang Min , Barnieh Beatrice Asenso , Bennour Ali , Lv Yunzhe 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe potential drivers of vegetation changes in the Sudano-Sahelian region of Africa remain poorly understood due to complex interactions between climatic and anthropogenic processes. In this study, we analyzed the vegetation greenness trends in relation to rainfall variability that we considered the essence of climatic effects on vegetation in a well-known water-limited environment by using time series of satellite data in the Sudano-Sahelian region during 2001–2020. We quantified in more detail the relative contributions of rainfall variability (climatic factor), land use/land cover (LULC) change, and fire occurrence change (non-climatic factors) to vegetation greenness trends in selected sub-regions. The results showed that vegetation greening was widespread (26.9% of the total study area), while vegetation browning was more clustered in central West Africa (5% of the total study area). About half of the vegetation greening area can be explained by long-term rainfall variability during 2001–2020, but most of the area characterized by a browning trend was unrelated to rainfall variability. An analysis of the relative importance showed that LULC changes had significant local effects on vegetation greenness and that these changes were characterized by a strong spatial heterogeneity in specific sub-regions. Gains in cropland and natural vegetation related to positive land management were probably the dominant drivers of greening in Senegal and Ethiopia. Also, the combined impacts of rainfall variability and LULC changes contributed to greening trends in the arid zone, particularly in Mali and Sudan. In contrast, vegetation browning in central West Africa appeared to be driven by cropland gain and natural vegetation loss associated with extensive agricultural production activities. Furthermore, we found that repeated fires for agricultural expansion in central West Africa intensified vegetation browning. These results advanced our understanding of vegetation dynamics in response to climatic and non-climatic factors in Sudano-Sahelian drylands characterized by increasing pressures on land resources.
Online decision making for trading wind energy
Authors: Muñoz Miguel Angel , Pinson Pierre , Kazempour Jalal 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe propose and develop a new algorithm for trading wind energy in electricity markets, within an online learning and optimization framework. In particular, we combine a component-wise adaptive variant of the gradient descent algorithm with recent advances in the feature-driven newsvendor model. This results in an online offering approach capable of leveraging data-rich environments, while adapting to the nonstationary characteristics of energy generation and electricity markets, also with a minimal computational burden. The performance of our approach is analyzed based on several numerical experiments, showing both better adaptability to nonstationary uncertain parameters and significant economic gains.
Topo-Iberia CGPS network: a new 3D crustal velocity field in the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco based on 11 years (2008–2019)
Authors: García-Armenteros Juan A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe Topo-Iberia network covering the Spanish part of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco was established in 2008. Following the first publication of the horizontal velocity field based on an analysis of the first 4 years (2008–2012) in 2015, a new 3D velocity field based on 11 years (2008–2019) is presented. The double-differencing technique is applied with GAMIT software, and the precise point positioning (PPP) technique is applied with GipsyX software for GPS processing to obtain loosely constrained solutions. Then, a kalman filter is used to merge both solutions using GLOBK software and produce a velocity solution. The combined velocity solution is presented as a new horizontal velocity field and the first vertical velocity field of the Topo-Iberia CGPS network. A global view of the data quality from the Topo-Iberia stations is also presented for the first time, as well as a program specifically created to convert GipsyX gdcov files to SINEX files, gdcov2sinex.sh. The results in the IGb14 reference frame are in good agreement with previous publications, except in the Betic Cordillera, where the new velocities with respect to Eurasia are generally lower and present a higher southwestward component rather than a purely westward motion. The main discrepancy is observed at the ALJI station, where the maximum velocity is reached (3 ± 0.1 mm/yr), showing west-northwestward motion. The smallest and highest residual displacements with respect to Eurasia occur in northern Iberia and Morocco, respectively. The results support the conclusions of other studies that a clockwise block rotation occurs at present in the northern branch of the Gibraltar Arc. The velocities indicate a northwest-southeast convergence rate of 3.5 ± 0.1 mm/yr with respect to Nubia. A general low subsidence (mean value of 0.5 ± 0.1 mm/yr) is observed in the Iberian Peninsula except for some isolated stations presenting uplift.
Optimizing biomass pathways to bioenergy and biochar application in electricity generation, biodiesel production, and biohydrogen production
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Lai Zhi Ying , Farghali Mohamed , Yiin Chung Loong , Elgarahy Ahmed M· , Hammad Ahmed , Ihara Ikko , Al-Fatesh Ahmed Sadeq , Rooney David W· , Yap Pow-Seng 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe current energy crisis, depletion of fossil fuels, and global climate change have made it imperative to find alternative sources of energy that are both economically sustainable and environmentally friendly. Here we review various pathways for converting biomass into bioenergy and biochar and their applications in producing electricity, biodiesel, and biohydrogen. Biomass can be converted into biofuels using different methods, including biochemical and thermochemical conversion methods. Determining which approach is best relies on the type of biomass involved, the desired final product, and whether or not it is economically sustainable. Biochemical conversion methods are currently the most widely used for producing biofuels from biomass, accounting for approximately 80% of all biofuels produced worldwide. Ethanol and biodiesel are the most prevalent biofuels produced via biochemical conversion processes. Thermochemical conversion is less used than biochemical conversion, accounting for approximately 20% of biofuels produced worldwide. Bio-oil and syngas, commonly manufactured from wood chips, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste, are the major biofuels produced by thermochemical conversion. Biofuels produced from biomass have the potential to displace up to 27% of the world's transportation fuel by 2050, which could result in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3.7 billion metric tons per year. Biochar from biomass can yield high biodiesel, ranging from 32.8% to 97.75%, and can also serve as an anode, cathode, and catalyst in microbial fuel cells with a maximum power density of 4346 mW/m2. Biochar also plays a role in catalytic methane decomposition and dry methane reforming, with hydrogen conversion rates ranging from 13.4% to 95.7%. Biochar can also increase hydrogen yield by up to 220.3%.
Conversational Fluency and Attitudes Towards Robot Pilots in Telepresence Robot-Mediated Interactions
Authors: Fox Tree Jean E. , Herring Susan C. , Nguyen Allison , Whittaker Steve , Martin Rob , Takayama Leila 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In a controlled lab experiment, we compared how in-person and robot-mediated communicative settings affected attitudes towards communicators and discourse phenomena related to conversational negotiation. We used a mock interview within-participants experiment design where each participant (mock interviewee) experienced both types of communication with the same experimenter (mock interviewer). Despite communicating with the same person, participants found the in-person interviewer to be more likable, more capable, more intelligent, more polite, more in control, and less awkward than the same person using a telepresence robot. Behaviorally, we did not detect differences in participants’ productions of discourse phenomena (likes, you knows, ums, uhs), laughter, or gaze. We also tested the role of communicative expectations on attitudes towards communications. We primed participants to expect that they would be talking to a person via telepresence, a “disabled” robot-person combination using telepresence, or a person in person (between-participants). We did not find differences arising from people’s expectations of the communication.
Leaf rust resistance genes in Aegilops genus: occurrence and efficiency
Authors: Koláriková Lucia , Svobodová-Leišová Leona , Hanzalová Alena , Holubec Vojtěch , Jungová Michaela , Esimbekova Minura 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLeaf rust is a common and costly wheat disease. The introduction of resistance genes derived from wheat wild relatives is one way to improve disease control. However, due to the rapid development of virulence in the casual pathogen Puccinia triticina, the long-term effectiveness of some leaf rust resistance (Lr) genes is questionable. To assess this, we examined 130 accessions of 13 wheat wild relative species from the Aegilops genus. The presence of 9 Lr genes was determined by PCR using primers complementary to Lr gene markers. The studied individuals were exposed to artificial inoculation with P. triticina under greenhouse and field conditions, respectively. Based on infection rate, the degree of resistance for each individual was estimated. The relationship between the presence of Lr genes and the degree of manifested resistance was assessed using canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Our results indicate the effective participation of Lr9 in seedling resistance while Lr58 is involved in adult plant resistance.
Rumination in Response to a Social Interaction: Psychometric Properties of the Socially Anxious Rumination Questionnaire (SARQ) in Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Wilson Emily J. , Abbott Maree J. , Donohue Hayley E. , Rapee Ronald M. , Carpenter Leigh , Gaston Jonathan E. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIncreased negative rumination is a cognitive process understood to maintain social anxiety disorder (SAD). The Socially Anxious Rumination Questionnaire (SARQ) is a measure with two parallel versions that reflect pre-event rumination (i.e., SARQ-pre) and post-event rumination (i.e., SARQ-post). Given that anxiety in SAD can pertain to both performative and interactional situations, evaluation of questionnaires in these different contexts is important for determining how pre-event and post-event rumination may vary according to the type of situation. The current study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the SARQ in relation to a conversation task. The study also aimed to determine whether pre-event and post-event rumination levels vary following different social tasks. All participants had a principal diagnosis of SAD. Participants completed the SARQ-pre (n = 134) and SARQ-post (n = 124) in relation to a 5-minute conversation and a 3-minute speech in counterbalanced order. Confirmatory factor analyses endorsed a unidimensional interpretation for the SARQ-pre and SARQ-post in relation to a conversation. The SARQ-pre and SARQ-post also demonstrated good construct validity, excellent internal consistency, and treatment sensitivity following cognitive behavioral therapy. The SARQ-pre scores were significantly higher in anticipation of a speech when compared to scores on an upcoming conversation. The SARQ-post scores were significantly elevated one-week following a conversation, in comparison to the scores collected regarding a speech. The SARQ has good psychometric properties and is a valid and reliable instrument to use as a measure of pre-event and post-event rumination in relation to a conversation.
The Prevalence and Severity of Dental Caries Among Pregnant Women in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Groisman S. , de Soet J. J. , Volgenant C. M.C. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Aim
To assess in a pilot study the prevalence and severity of dental caries among pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Materials and methods
A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted. Data collection consisted of clinical examinations and general questionnaires concerning oral hygiene habits and recent dental visits of pregnant and non-pregnant women. Prevalence and severity of caries was determined by the CAST index and the CAST severity score. Permission for this study was granted by the National Research Ethics Commission of Brazil. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Results
In total, 67 pregnant women were included (mean age (SD) 25.5 ± 5.4 years) and 79 non-pregnant women (26.0 ± 5.3 years). Mean number of teeth with untreated caries (CAST 4–7) among pregnant women was significantly lower (1.2 ± 1.8) compared to non-pregnant women (2.7 ± 4.0; Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.027). In both groups, 40–60% were in need of curative treatment. There was no significant difference between the two groups in frequency of dental visits (p > 0.05), but pregnant women brushed their teeth more often (Mann-Whitney test, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Pregnant women in the state of Rio de Janeiro have fewer untreated caries and less severe dental caries compared to non-pregnant women. Still, half of all women in this study are in need of curative treatment for at least one tooth. Effective preventive programs should therefore be developed to stimulate preventive oral care among all women.
Expression profiling of N6-methyladenosine-modified mRNA in PC12 cells in response to unconjugated bilirubin
Authors: Zhou Jinfu , Liao Sining , Zhang Chenran , Luo Jinying , Li Guilin , Li Huangyuan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Abnormal methylation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is reportedly associated with central nervous system disorders. However, the role of m6A mRNA methylation in unconjugated bilirubin (UCB) neurotoxicity requires further research.

Methods
Rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells treated with UCB were used as in vitro models. After the PC12 cells were treated with UCB (0, 12, 18, and 24 µM) for 24 h, the total RNA m6A levels were measured using an m6A RNA methylation quantification kit. The expression of m6A demethylases and methyltransferases was detected through western blotting. We determined the m6A mRNA methylation profile in PC12 cells exposed to UCB (0 and 18 µM) for 24 h using methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq).

Results
Compared with the control group, UCB (18 and 24 µM) treatment decreased the expression of the m6A demethylase ALKBH5 and increased the expression of the methyltransferases METTL3 and METTL14, which resulted in an increase in the total m6A levels in PC12 cells. Furthermore, 1533 m6A peaks were significantly elevated and 1331 peaks were reduced in the UCB (18 µM)-treated groups compared with those in the control group. Genes with differential m6A peaks were mainly enriched in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, cell cycle, and endocytosis. Through combined analysis of the MeRIP-seq and RNA sequencing data, 129 genes with differentially methylated m6A peaks and differentially expressed mRNA levels were identified.

Conclusion
Our study suggests that the modulation of m6A methylation modifications plays a significant role in UCB neurotoxicity.
Terahertz photonic crystal fiber for sensing the creatinine level in the blood
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud Salman S. , Esmail Mohamed Saleh M. , Tarek Mohamed , Soliman A. A. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya S. S. A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this work, THz photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is used to detect the creatinine level in the blood with high sensitivity. The sensing technique depends on increasing the light interaction with the analyte infiltrated into the air holes in the fiber core region. In this regard, most of the light power should be confined through the analyte region. This will increase the relative sensitivity coefficient that is proportional to the analyte power fraction. The operation of the suggested sensor is based on studying the light–analyte interaction at different creatinine concentrations by detecting the change of the analyte power fraction against the change of the creatinine level in the blood at the THz range 0.5–1.5 THz. The effective mode index (neff), effective material loss (EML), effective modal area (Aeff), and relative sensor sensitivity are calculated using the full vectorial finite element method. Additionally, the different geometrical parameters are studied to maximize the sensor’s sensitivity. The proposed THz-PCF has a 93% and 95% relative sensitivity for x- and y-polarized modes, respectively. Therefore, the suggested THz-PCF biosensor gives a promising usage in measuring the creatinine level in the blood.
Optical mid-infrared modulator based on D-shaped photonic crystal fiber and GST phase changing material
Authors: Younis B. M. , Dawood Nada Yazeed M. , Mahmoud Saleh , El-Sayed Bilal , Usama El-Sayed , Almoqadem Mohamed H. , Hameed Mohamed Farhat O. , Obayya S. S. A. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPhotonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have recently attracted compelling attention because of their numerous applications, particularly in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelength region. In this paper, we have presented and analyzed mid-IR optical modulator based on phase-changing material (PCM) known as germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST) and D-shaped PCF. The modulation process can be performed as the GST material’s phase undergoes a transition between amorphous (on) and crystalline (off) states. To analyze the proposed design numerically, full vectorial finite element method (FVFEM) is employed. Further, we studied the light propagation through the suggested structure using 3D finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The optical losses of the fundamental transverse electric (TE) mode supported by the reported structure in the two GST states are studied. The obtained extinction ratio (ER) of the proposed modulator approaches 302.61 dB, whereas the insertion loss (IL) is less than 0.00014 dB throughout the wavelength range from 3 to 5.8 μm at a device length (LD) of 0.2 mm. Therefore, the suggested modulator can be utilized in photonic integrated circuits that require high ER, very low IL, and large optical bandwidth.