bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term neonatal outcomes in women with gestational diabetes treated using metformin versus insulin: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sheng Bo , Ni Juan , Lv Bin , Jiang Guoguo , Lin Xuemei , Li Hao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Aims
To expand the evidence base for the clinical use of metformin, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of metformin versus insulin with respect to short-term neonatal outcomes.

Methods
A comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was performed. Two reviewers extracted the data and calculated pooled estimates by use of a random-effects model. In total, 24 studies involving 4355 participants met the eligibility criteria and were included in the quantitative analyses.

Results
Unlike insulin, metformin lowered neonatal birth weights (mean difference − 122.76 g; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 178.31, − 67.21; p < 0.0001), the risk of macrosomia (risk ratio [RR] 0.68; 95% CI 0.54, 0.86; p = 0.001), the incidence of neonatal intensive care unit admission (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.61, 0.88; p = 0.0009), and the incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.52, 0.81; p = 0.0001). Subgroup analysis based on the maximum daily oral dose of metformin indicated that metformin-induced neonatal birth weight loss was independent of the oral dose.

Conclusions
Our meta-analysis provides further evidence that metformin is a safe oral antihyperglycemic drug and has some benefits over insulin when used for the treatment of gestational diabetes, without an increased risk of short-term neonatal adverse outcomes. Metformin may be particularly useful in women with gestational diabetes at high risk for neonatal hypoglycemia, women who want to limit maternal and fetal weight gain, and women with an inability to afford or use insulin safely.
Determining puma habitat suitability in the Eastern USA
Authors: Yovovich Veronica , Robinson Nathaniel , Robinson Hugh , Manfredo Michael J. , Perry Shelby , Bruskotter Jeremy T. , Vucetich John A. , Solórzano Luis Aníbal , Roe Lydia A. , Lesure Alison , Robertson Jamie , Butler Tom , Elbroch L. Mark 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPumas (Puma concolor) were eliminated from most of the eastern USA a century ago. In the past couple of decades, their recovery in the West has increased puma dispersal into the Midwest, with some individuals even traveling to the East Coast. We combined published expert opinion data and a habitat suitability index in an analysis that identified 17 areas in the Upper Midwest, Ozarks, Appalachia, and New England that could potentially host puma populations in the future. Thirteen of these were larger than 10,000 km2 and so likely to ensure a puma population’s long-term genetic health. Further, we quantified patch size, human density, livestock density, percent public land, and a sociocultural index reflecting wildlife values for comparing patches, as well as present a summary of current legislation relevant to puma management in the East. Our work may be useful in identifying suitable areas to restore pumas based not only on the quality of their biophysical habitat, but also on social values conducive to puma-human coexistence.
Development of affect at the transition to university mathematics and its relation to dropout — identifying related learning situations and deriving possible support measures
Authors: Geisler Sebastian , Rolka Katrin , Rach Stefanie 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe transition from school to university mathematics is a challenging process for many students. This phenomenon is reflected by high dropout rates from mathematics programs especially during the first year at university that may be related to the development of students’ mathematical interest and self-concept. Taking a learning psychological perspective, it is a relevant question if all students have similar development patterns of these variables or if students who are at risk to drop out show an unfavorable development. Moreover, for didactical issues, it is of particular relevance which factors influence this development. Within a longitudinal study, 556 first-semester students stated their interest and self-concept at the beginning and the middle of the first semester; dropout was measured at the beginning of the second year. By using regression analyses, we found that the development of students’ interest and self-concept is related to dropout. It seems that interest in university mathematics and mathematical self-concept of students, who dropped out, decreased significantly in contrast to the characteristics of students who continued their studies. In an exploratory follow-up study, we identified factors which probably influenced the development of students’ self-concept by asking 18 students in a first-semester mathematics course “linear algebra” about learning situations in which they experienced the emergence or the decline of self-concept. Using qualitative content analysis, we found that most of these situations occurred when students worked on mathematical homework tasks or got criterial feedback on their solutions. Based on the presented results, we discuss implications for teaching and learning of undergraduate mathematics.
Genetic diversity in early maturity Chinese and European elite soybeans: A comparative analysis
Authors: Yao Xindong , Xu Jiang-yuan , Liu Zhang-xiong , Pachner Martin , Molin Eva Maria , Rittler Leopold , Hahn Volker , Leiser Willmar , Gu Yong-zhe , Lu Yu-qing , Qiu Li-juan , Vollmann Johann 
Published: January 2023

AbstractSoybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is a legume crop important for global food security due to supplying high-quality vegetable protein and oil. China is the origin and rich center of soybean genetic diversity represented by numerous landraces and other genetic resources. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, world-wide dissemination of plant introductions laid the foundation of modern soybean production. Due to selection for regional adaptation, present-day elite soybean cultivars do have a comparatively narrow genetic base. However, as genetic variation is the major component of future breeding progress, diversity of early maturity Chinese and European elite soybeans was comparatively analyzed using a high-throughput functional SNP array and an SSR marker set. Results revealed a clear differentiation between Chinese and European elite cultivars, and the level of genetic diversity was similar between the two populations. Both in Chinese and European cultivars, unique SSR alleles were found which indicates that selection for specific adaptation can preserve genetic variation. The European population was markedly structured by maturity groups which was less clear in the Chinese population. Structure analysis indicated that European cultivars are based on two major ancestral lines, whereas Chinese elite soybean cultivars trace back to more ancestral lines pointing to the rich natural soybean diversity of China. The results confirm that long-term selection under divergent environmental and agronomic conditions can produce specific diversity which could potentially be utilized for future enhancing both Chinese and European soybean breeding.
Data-Driven Adaptive Prediction of Cloud Resource Usage
Authors: Nawrocki Piotr , Osypanka Patryk , Posluszny Beata 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPredicting computing resource usage in any system allows optimized management of resources. As cloud computing is gaining popularity, the urgency of accurate prediction is reduced as resources can be scaled on demand. However, this may result in excessive costs, and therefore there is a considerable body of work devoted to cloud resource optimization which can significantly reduce the costs of cloud computing. The most promising methods employ load prediction and resource scaling based on forecast values. However, prediction quality depends on prediction method selection, as different load characteristics require different forecasting mechanisms. This paper presents a novel approach that incorporates data-driven adaptation of prediction algorithms to generate short- and long-term cloud resource usage predictions and enables the proposed solution to readjust to different load characteristics as well as both temporary and permanent usage changes. First, preliminary tests were performed that yielded promising results – up to 36% better prediction quality. Subsequently, a fully autonomous, multi-stage optimization solution was proposed. The proposed approach was evaluated using real-life historical data from various production servers. Experiment results demonstrate 9.28% to 80.68% better prediction quality when compared to static algorithm selection.
TG/DSC/FTIR/QMS analysis of environmentally friendly poly(citronellyl methacrylate)-co-poly(benzyl methacrylate) copolymers
Authors: Worzakowska Marta 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPolymer materials, not described in the literature so far, were obtained in the process of UV polymerization between methacrylic monomer obtained on the basis of natural, terpene alcohol: citronellyl methacrylate and benzyl methacrylate with different composition. The structures of the novel, environmentally friendly copolymers were confirmed by the FTIR and 13C CPMAS/NMR spectra. The copolymers containing more than 50% mass of citronellyl methacrylate were characterized by a high conversion of the double bonds determined on the basis of the FTIR and NMR spectra (95–96% and 92–94%, respectively). The novel materials were highly resistant to polar and non-polar solvents and the chemical stability. The glass transition temperature was from 15.8 to 19.9 °C which confirms that the obtained materials are elastomers at room temperature. Their thermal stability depended on their composition. It was from 185 to 205 °C (inert conditions) and from 149 to 214 °C (oxidizing conditions). TG/FTIR/QMS studies confirmed that their decomposition took place mainly as a depolymerization process combined with a subsequent breaking of the bonds in the resulting monomer/s at higher temperatures, which led to the formation of the gases with lower molecular masses. The main decomposition products emitted in an inert atmosphere were benzyl methacrylate, citronellyl methacrylate, 2-methylpropenal, citronellal and higher molecular mass compounds formed as a result of radical reactions between intermediate volatile products. In turn, under oxidizing conditions, as volatiles, benzyl methacrylate, citronellyl methacrylate, 2-methylpropenal, citronellal and small amounts of inorganic gases (CO, CO2, H2O) as a result of depolymerization and some combustion processes of the residues were indicated.
Predictors of change in asthma-related quality of life: a longitudinal real-life study in adult asthmatics
Authors: Louis Gilles , Pétré Benoit , Schleich Florence , Zahrei Halehsadat Nekoee , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Henket Monique , Paulus Virginie , Guissard Françoise , Guillaume Michèle , Louis Renaud 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Asthma negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQL). The objective is to investigate the longitudinal relationship between HRQL in asthma and disease control, demographic and clinical objective parameters in an adult population in real-life settings.

Methods
We conducted a longitudinal study on adult asthmatics recruited from Liege University Hospital Asthma Clinic (Belgium) between 2011 and 2019. We selected those who had two visits and completed two patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), the asthma control test (ACT) and the mini asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ) (n = 290). AQLQ was the dependent variable. Demographic, functional and inflammatory characteristics, asthma control, and exacerbations were the independent variables. We applied generalized linear mixed models to identify the factors associated with change in AQLQ and its dimensions.

Results
Median (IQR) time interval between the two visits was 7 (5–19) months. Overall, median (IQR) global AQLQ increased from 4.1 (3–5.1) to 4.6 (3.4–5.9) (p < 0.0001). All AQLQ dimensions significantly improved, apart the environmental one. AQLQ improved in patients who had both step-up and step-down pharmacological treatment as well as in patients reporting no change between the two visits. The fitted models indicated that change in ACT was the main predictor of change in AQLQ (p < 0.0001). A rise in 3 units in ACT predicted an improvement of 0.5 AQLQ (AUC-ROC = 0.85; p < 0.0001). Change in BMI inversely impacted global AQLQ (p < 0.01) and its activity dimension (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
Asthma control and BMI are key predictors of asthma quality of life acting in an opposite direction. AQLQ may improve without step-up in the pharmacological treatment.
Wann setzen sich linke Parteien für die Besteuerung hoher Einkommen und Vermögen ein? Lehren aus dem Bundestagswahlkampf von 2021
Authors: Fastenrath Florian , Marx Paul 
Published: January 2023

ZusammenfassungTrotz zunehmender Ungleichheit verzichten viele Demokratien auf Steuererhöhungen für Reiche. Der Beitrag untersucht am deutschen Fall die Gründe für diese Zurückhaltung sowie Faktoren, durch die Reichenbesteuerung auf die politische Agenda gelangt. Eine Analyse der Wahlkämpfe seit 2005 zeigt ein allenfalls zögerliches Eintreten der SPD für höhere Steuern. Interviews mit politischen Akteuren verweisen als Hauptgründe auf die Gegenmobilisierung durch Wirtschaftsinteressen, eine ablehnende öffentliche Meinung und einen Mangel an Steuerexpertise in linken Parteien. Der Wahlkampf 2021 weicht von diesem Muster ab. Die Betonung der Reichenbesteuerung durch die SPD erklärt sich durch eine auf Steuerpolitik fokussierte Parteiführung, die Salienz von Investitionsbedarfen und eine programmatische Schwäche von Union und FDP bei der Finanzierung dieser Bedarfe. Gerade mit einem gemäßigten Spitzenkandidaten konnte die SPD so Steuererhöhungen ohne Verlust an zugeschriebener Wirtschaftskompetenz fordern. Als zweiten Schritt untersucht der Beitrag in Umfrageexperimenten und Fokusgruppen mit Geringqualifizierten, ob die Steuerkampagne zum Wahlerfolg der SPD beigetragen hat. Dies scheint nicht der Fall zu sein. Insgesamt bestätigen sich in Interviews geäußerte Annahmen in der Politik über die öffentliche Meinung: Steuern stoßen durch ihre Komplexität auf geringes Interesse, verunsichern durch unklare Effekte, sind insgesamt negativ konnotiert und werden als schädlich für die Wirtschaft betrachtet. Steuern für Reiche werden zudem häufig aus meritokratischen Ideologien abgelehnt.
Selective separation and purification of cerium (III) from concentrate liquor associated with monazite processing by cationic exchange resin as adsorbent
Authors: Shahr El-Din Ahmed M. , Rizk Hoda E. , Borai Emad H. , El Afifi El Sayed M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe present study is directed to find the optimal conditions required for efficient separation and purification of Ce3+ as an analog for lanthanides from Fe3+, Th4+, and Zr4+ (interfering ions) using Amberlite IR120H (AIR120H) resin as a strongly cationic exchange adsorbent. The main factors affecting the separation processes had been investigated and optimized. Ce3+ (Ln3+) as an admixture with Fe3+, Th4+, and Zr4+ was successfully separated by batch and column techniques. The sorption efficiency (S, %) from different acidic media was in this order: HCl > HNO3 > H2SO4. In a quaternary mixture with Fe3+ and Th4+, the maximum separation factor between Ce3+ and Zr4+ was ~ 13 after 90 min of equilibration, and the sorption capacity of AIR120H resin for Ce3+ was 8.2 mg/g. The rate of adsorption was found to follow a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Separation of the absorbed ions was achieved by desorption processes. Firstly, 98 ± 2% of loaded Ce3+ is fully desorbed by 1 M sodium acetate solution without interfering ions. Moreover, ~ 95% of Zr4+ is desorbed by 1 M citric acid solution. Finally, 85% of loaded Fe3+ and Th4+ ions are desorbed with 8 M HCl solution. The batch technique was applied to separate and purify Ln3+-concentrate in chloride liquor (LnCl3), coming from the caustic digestion of Egyptian high-grade monazite. However, the enhanced radioactivity in LnCl3 due to radium -isotopes (228Ra2+, 226Ra2+, 224Ra2+, 223Ra2+) and radio-lead (210Pb2+) is initially reduced by a factor of 92% (i.e., safe limit) by pH-adjustment. As result, it can be recommended that the sorption process by AIR120H resin is efficient and promising for exploring pure lanthanides from its minerals.
Enhancing the Air Conditioning Unit Performance via Energy Storage of Different Inorganic Phase Change Materials with Hybrid Nanoparticles
Authors: Ismail M. , Zahra W. K. , Ookawara Shinichi , Hassan Hamdy 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAir conditioning unit performance, coupled with new configurations of phase change material as thermal energy storage, is investigated in hot climates. During the daytime, the warm exterior air temperature is cooled when flowing over the phase change material structure that was previously solidified by the night ambient air. A theoretical transient model is constructed and solved numerically for the proposed design in plate and cylinder configurations. This model is studied at different inlet hot ambient air temperatures and phase change material types (SP24E and SP26E) without and with inclusion of hybrid nanoparticles. The results affirm that the discharging and charging duration for the cylinder is minimal compared to the plate configuration. Raising the inflow air temperature lowers the exit air temperature and air conditioning coefficient of performance and power-saving but shortens the cooling time. Using phase change material with a relatively low melting temperature increases the melting time and exit air temperature but reduces the charging time. Mixing hybrid nanoparticles with phase change material has a short-term positive influence on air conditioning performance. The maximum power saving for 2 h of working is 16.4% for the cylinder, while for 10 h of working, it is 6.4% for the plate.
Dual immune checkpoint blockade in gastroesophageal tumors: never say never
Authors: Ilhan-Mutlu Aysegul 
Published: January 2023

SummaryImmunotherapy was proven to be effective as first-line treatment for a subgroup of patients with gastroesophageal tumors and is already established as the standard of care. However, chemotherapy remains the backbone of treatment in both advanced and resectable stages. Dual checkpoint inhibition produces synergistic activation of immune cells and enhanced antitumor activity, and could thus represent an alternative to chemotherapy. So far, there is evidence for the combination strategies of inhibitors of the PD-L1/PD‑1 axis and CTLA4, LAG3 and TIGIT. A combination therapy of nivolumab+ipilimumab has already been approved as first-line treatment for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Evaluation of other concepts is ongoing. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about dual inhibition of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of gastroesophageal carcinoma and to discuss the available evidence from a clinical perspective.
Serum levels of the novel adipokine isthmin-1 are associated with obesity in pubertal boys
Authors: Ruiz-Ojeda Francisco Javier , Anguita-Ruiz Augusto , Rico Maria C. , Leis Rosaura , Bueno Gloria , Moreno Luis A. , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Gil Ángel , Aguilera Concepción M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate whether there is an association between the serum levels of the novel insulin-like adipokine isthmin-1 (ISM1) and obesity-related phenotypes in a population of Spanish children and to investigate the plausible molecular alterations behind the alteration of the serum levels of this protein in children with obesity.

Methods
The study population is a sub-cohort of the PUBMEP research project, consisting of a cross-sectional population of 119 pubertal children with overweight (17 boys, 19 girls), obesity (20 boys, 25 girls), and normal weight (17 boys, 21 girls). All subjects were classified into experimental groups according to their sex, obesity, and insulin resistance (IR) status. They were counted anthropometry, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and cardiovascular biomarkers as well as isthmin-1 (ISM1) serum levels. This population was intended as a discovery population to elucidate the relationship between obesity and ISM1 levels in children. Furthermore, the study population had blood whole-genome DNA methylation examined, allowing deepening into the obesity–ISM1 molecular relationship.

Results
Higher serum ISM1 levels were observed in boys with obesity than in normal weight (P = 0.004) and overweight (P = 0.007) boys. ISM1 serum levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) Z-score (P = 0.005) and fat mass (P = 0.058) and negatively associated with myeloperoxidase (MPO) (P = 0.043) in boys. Although we did not find associations between ISM1 serum levels and metabolic outcomes in girls, which may indicate a putative sexual dimorphism, fat mass was positively associated in all children, including boys and girls (P = 0.011). DNA methylation levels in two-enhancer-related CpG sites of ISM1 (cg03304641 and cg14269097) were associated with serum levels of ISM1 in children.

Conclusions
ISM1 is associated with obesity in boys at the pubertal stage, elucidating how this protein might be of special relevance as a new biomarker of obesity in children. Further studies including a longitudinal design during puberty are needed.
Boosting the stability of β-galactosidase immobilized onto soy-protein isolate-glutaraldehyde-functionalized carrageenan beads
Authors: Wahba Marwa I. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractUncontrolled enzyme-immobilizer interactions were evident after immobilizing β-galactosidase onto soy-protein isolate-glutaraldehyde-functionalized carrageenan beads. Such interactions triggered shortcomings in the immobilized β-galactosidase (iβGL) thermal and storage stabilities. The thermal stability of the iβGL was somewhat lesser than that of the free βGL. Moreover, the iβGL suffered an initial sharp fall-off in its activity after storing it. Thus, approaches were adopted to prevent the occurrence of such uncontrolled enzyme-immobilizer interactions, and accordingly, boost the stability of the iβGL. These approaches involved neutralizing the covalently reactive GA entities via glycine and also altering the functionalizing GA concentrations. Nonetheless, no improvement was recorded in the iβGL thermal stability and this indicated that the uncontrolled enzyme-immobilizer interactions were not mediated via GA. Another approach was then attempted which involved treating the iβGL with lactose. The lactose-treated iβGL (LT-iβGL) presented superior thermal stability as was verified from its smaller kd and bigger t1/2 and D-values. The LT-iβGL t1/2 values were 5.60 and 3.53 fold higher than those presented by the free βGL at 62 and 65 °C, respectively. Moreover, the LT- iβGL presented loftier ΔG than did the free βGL. The storage stability of the LT- iβGL was also superior as it offered 100.41% of its commencing activity on its 43rd storage day. Thus, it could be concluded that lactose prevented the uncontrolled enzyme-immobilizer interactions. Finally, advantageous galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) were prepared via the iβGL. The GOS were then analyzed with mass spectrometry, and it was shown that their degree of polymerization reached up to 7.