bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Best Practices in Microbial Experimental Evolution: Using Reporters and Long-Read Sequencing to Identify Copy Number Variation in Experimental Evolution
Authors: Spealman Pieter , De Titir , Chuong Julie N. , Gresham David 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCopy number variants (CNVs), comprising gene amplifications and deletions, are a pervasive class of heritable variation. CNVs play a key role in rapid adaptation in both natural, and experimental, evolution. However, despite the advent of new DNA sequencing technologies, detection and quantification of CNVs in heterogeneous populations has remained challenging. Here, we summarize recent advances in the use of CNV reporters that provide a facile means of quantifying de novo CNVs at a specific locus in the genome, and nanopore sequencing, for resolving the often complex structures of CNVs. We provide guidance for the engineering and analysis of CNV reporters and practical guidelines for single-cell analysis of CNVs using flow cytometry. We summarize recent advances in nanopore sequencing, discuss the utility of this technology, and provide guidance for the bioinformatic analysis of these data to define the molecular structure of CNVs. The combination of reporter systems for tracking and isolating CNV lineages and long-read DNA sequencing for characterizing CNV structures enables unprecedented resolution of the mechanisms by which CNVs are generated and their evolutionary dynamics.
Personal and Professional Mitigation Behavioral Intentions of Agricultural Experts to Address Climate Change
Authors: Zobeidi Tahereh , Yazdanpanah Masoud , Warner Laura A. , Lamm Alexa , Löhr Katharina , Sieber Stefan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMitigation activities, whether at the personal level relating to lifestyle or on the professional level, especially in the agriculture sector, are widely encouraged by scientists and policymakers. This research empirically analyses the association between agricultural experts’ perceptions about climate change and their intention to implement climate change mitigation. Based on survey data, individuals’ reported intention to implement personal and professional mitigation behavior is explained using a conceptual model. The structural equation modeling results suggest that the new ecological paradigm (NEP), institutional trust, and risk salience indirectly influence climate change mitigation intentions. The findings indicate that risk perception, personal efficacy, responsibility, belief in climate change occurring, and low psychological distance trigger a significantly greater intention to support personal and professional mitigation behaviors. However, the research framework is much stronger at predicting the intention to mitigate climate change in professional affairs compared to personal activities. The findings suggest that hypothetical distance factors only have a moderating effect on the relationship between higher climate change environmental values, institutional trust, risk salience, and mitigation intention. This paper analytically explores the regulating role of risk perception, hypothetical distance, personal efficacy, and responsibility between institutional trust, risk salience, and the NEP as independent concepts and intention to personal and professional mitigation behaviors as dependent variables. The findings of the study have important implications for encouraging personal and professional mitigation behaviors.
Agroecology Can Promote Climate Change Adaptation Outcomes Without Compromising Yield In Smallholder Systems
Authors: Dittmer Kyle M. , Rose Sabrina , Snapp Sieglinde S. , Kebede Yodit , Brickman Sarah , Shelton Sadie , Egler Cecelia , Stier Milena , Wollenberg Eva 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA critical question is whether agroecology can promote climate change mitigation and adaptation outcomes without compromising food security. We assessed the outcomes of smallholder agricultural systems and practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) against 35 mitigation, adaptation, and yield indicators by reviewing 50 articles with 77 cases of agroecological treatments relative to a baseline of conventional practices. Crop yields were higher for 63% of cases reporting yields. Crop diversity, income diversity, net income, reduced income variability, nutrient regulation, and reduced pest infestation, indicators of adaptative capacity, were associated with 70% or more of cases. Limited information on climate change mitigation, such as greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration impacts, was available. Overall, the evidence indicates that use of organic nutrient sources, diversifying systems with legumes and integrated pest management lead to climate change adaptation in multiple contexts. Landscape mosaics, biological control (e.g., enhancement of beneficial organisms) and field sanitation measures do not yet have sufficient evidence based on this review. Widespread adoption of agroecological practices and system transformations shows promise to contribute to climate change services and food security in LMICs. Gaps in adaptation and mitigation strategies and areas for policy and research interventions are finally discussed.
Percutaneous Transhepatic Gallbladder Intervention as a Bridge to Cholecystectomy: Aspiration or Drainage?
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Kuwahara Mai , Ito Kyoji , Inagaki Fuyuki , Mihara Fuminori , Takemura Nobuyuki , Kokudo Norihiro 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundPercutaneous transhepatic gallbladder aspiration (PTGBA) and percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) are often the first‐line treatments for acute cholecystitis, instead of surgical cholecystectomy. This retrospective study aimed to compare the treatment outcomes of PTGBA and PTGBD and evaluate the risks of treatment failure among patients undergoing PTGBA before surgical cholecystectomy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 99 patients who underwent PTGBA or PTGBD as the first‐line treatment before surgical cholecystectomy, between January 2014 and December 2019. Patient characteristics, computed tomography (CT) findings, and post‐treatment outcomes were compared between the PTGBA and PTGBD groups. Additionally, risk factors, including CT findings for PTGBA failure, were assessed using multivariate univariate analysis with a backward selection model.ResultsAcute cholecystitis was not controlled in 21 of 47 (44.7%) patients in the PTGBA group and one of 52 patients (1.9%) in the PTGBD group (P < .001). Subsequent multiple logistic regression analysis identified the contrast effect of the gallbladder bed in the arterial phase of contrast‐enhanced CT (odds ratio [OR] 9.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08–40.4, P = 0.003) and onset within 3 days (odds ratio [OR] 6.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37–29.0, P = 0.018) as independent risk factors for PTGBA failure.ConclusionsPTGBA is more prone to failure than PTGBD; however, it is a simpler gallbladder drainage treatment method without the need for X‐ray fluoroscopy and catheter management after the procedure. Evaluating the risk of PTGBA failure using CT findings and onset date would help us choose a drainage approach more effectively.
Radiofrequency Ablation Provides Rapid and Durable Pain Relief for the Palliative Treatment of Lytic Bone Metastases Independent of Radiation Therapy: Final Results from the OsteoCool Tumor Ablation Post-Market Study
Authors: Levy Jason , David Elizabeth , Hopkins Thomas , Morris Jonathan , Tran Nam D. , Farid Hamed , Massari Francesco , O’Connell William G. , Vogel Alexander , Gangi Afshin , Sunenshine Peter , Dixon Robert , Von der Höh Nicolas , Bagla Sandeep 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The OsteoCool Tumor Ablation Post-Market Study (OPuS One) was a prospective, multi-national, single-arm study to investigate safety and effectiveness of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for palliation of painful lytic bone metastases with 12 months of follow-up. RFA has demonstrated effective palliation of osseous metastases in small clinical studies with short-term follow-up; however, a long-term assessment with robust subject numbers is lacking.

Materials and Methods
Prospective assessments were conducted at Baseline, 3 days, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12-months. Pain and quality of life were measured prior to RFA and postoperatively using the Brief Pain Inventory, European Quality of Life—5 Dimension, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Care Quality of Life Questionnaire for palliative care. Radiation, chemotherapy and opioid usage, and related adverse events were collected.

Results
206 subjects were treated with RFA at 15 institutions in OPuS One. Worst pain, average pain, pain interference and quality of life significantly improved at all visits starting 3 days post-RFA and sustained to 12 months (P < 0.0001). Post hoc analysis found neither systemic chemotherapy nor local radiation therapy at the index site of RFA influenced worst pain, average pain, or pain interference. Six subjects had device/procedure-related adverse events.

Conclusion
RFA for lytic metastases provides rapid (within 3 days) and statistically significant pain and quality of life improvements with sustained long-term relief through 12 months and a high degree of safety, independent of radiation.

Level of Evidence: 2b, Prospective, Non-Randomized, Post-Market study
This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Safe and secure system architectures for cyber-physical systems
Authors: Furrer Frank J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCyber-physical systems are at the core of our current civilization. Countless examples dominate our daily life and work, such as driverless cars that will soon master our roads, implanted medical devices that will improve many lives, and industrial control systems that control production and infrastructure. Because cyber-physical systems manipulate the real world, they constitute a danger for many applications. Therefore, their safety and security are essential properties of these indispensable systems. The long history of systems engineering has demonstrated that the system quality properties—such as safety and security—strongly depend on the underlying system architecture. Satisfactory system quality properties can only be ensured if the fundamental system architecture is sound! The development of dependable cyber-physical architectures in recent years suggests that two harmonical architectures are required: a design-time architecture and a run-time architecture. The design-time architecture defines and specifies all parts and relationships, assuring the required system quality properties. However, in today’s complex systems, ensuring all quality properties in all operating conditions during design time will never be possible. Therefore, an additional line of defense against safety accidents and security incidents is indispensable: This must be provided by the run-time architecture. The run-time architecture primarily consists of a protective shell that monitors the run-time system during operation. It detects anomalies in system behavior, interface functioning, or data—often using artificial intelligence algorithms—and takes autonomous mitigation measures, thus attempting to prevent imminent safety accidents or security incidents before they occur. This paper’s core is the protective shell as a run-time protection mechanism for cyber-physical systems. The paper has the form of an introductory tutorial and includes focused references.
Development of a chitosan derivative bearing the thiadiazole moiety and evaluation of its antifungal and larvicidal efficacy
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed G. , Elgammal Walid E. , Hashem Amr H. , Mohamed Ahmad E. , Awad Mohmed A. , Hassan Saber M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA new chitosan derivative bearing a new thiadiazole compound was developed, and its antifungal and larvicidal activities were investigated. The chitosan derivative (coded here as PTDz-Cs) was synthesized by the reaction between the carboxylic derivative of the thiadiazole moiety and chitosan. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H/13C-NMR), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), elemental analysis, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the developed derivatives. Compared to chitosan, the PTDz-Cs derivative has a less crystalline structure and less thermal stability. The antifungal results revealed that PTDz-Cs exhibited potential activity against Rhizopus microspores, Mucor racemosus, Lichtheimia corymbifera, and Syncephalastrum racemosum where inhibition zones were 17.76, 20.1, 38.2, and 18.3 mm, respectively. The larvicidal efficacy of the PTDz-Cs derivative against A. stephensi larvae was tested, and the results exposed that the LC50 and LC90 values (first instar) were 5.432 and 10.398 ppm, respectively, indicating the high susceptibility of early instar mosquito larvae to PTDz-Cs. These results emphasize that this study provided a new chitosan derivative that could be potentially used in the biomedical fields.
A functional perspective on the meaning of the term ‘herbivore’: patterns versus processes in coral reef fishes
Authors: Tebbett Sterling B. , Bennett Scott , Bellwood David R. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHerbivorous fishes are a key functional group in coral reef ecosystems and have been the focus of a vast body of research. While substantial progress has been made in research, challenges persist, especially in respect to quantifying patterns versus processes. Despite this challenge being recognised over 40 years ago. To help clarify such challenges, and work towards solutions, in this perspective we explore how the definition of ‘herbivorous reef fishes’ precludes an easy translation between patterns of herbivore abundance and the process of herbivory. Indeed, if herbivorous fishes are defined as, a fish in which the diet is predominantly based on plant material, then this encompasses a diverse suite of fishes which all remove primary producers to varying extents and have markedly different impacts on reef functioning. Given this situation, we explore how our approaches to directly quantifying herbivory on reefs have progressed. We highlight how lessons learnt from macroalgal assays could be applied to the direct quantification of herbivory from algal turfs in the epilithic algal matrix (EAM); a community of primary producers that are invariably difficult to work with and quantify. Nevertheless, given the abundance of turfs on coral reefs, and their relative importance in herbivore dynamics, widespread process-based assessment of EAM herbivory represents an avenue for expanding future research. Recognising the difficulty of translating patterns in herbivore abundance to the process of herbivory, and an enhanced focus on EAM herbivory, will be necessary to comprehensively quantify the process of herbivory on Anthropocene coral reefs.
Inference of improved adaptive progressively censored competing risks data for Weibull lifetime models
Authors: Elshahhat Ahmed , Nassar Mazen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRecently, an improved adaptive Type-II progressive censoring scheme is proposed to ensure that the experimental time will not pass a pre-fixed time and ends the test after recording a pre-fixed number of failures. This paper studies the inference of the competing risks model from Weibull distribution under the improved adaptive progressive Type-II censoring. For this goal, we used the latent failure time model with Weibull lifetime distributions with common shape parameters. The point and interval estimation problems of parameters, reliability and hazard rate functions using the maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation methods are considered. Moreover, making use of the asymptotic normality of classical estimators and delta method, approximate intervals are constructed via the observed Fisher information matrix. Following the assumption of independent gamma priors, the Bayes estimates of the scale parameters have closed expressions, but when the common shape parameter is unknown, the Bayes estimates cannot be formed explicitly. To solve this difficulty, we recommend using Markov chain Monte Carlo routine to compute the Bayes estimates and to construct credible intervals. A comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to judge the behavior of the offered methods. Ultimately, analysis of electrodes data from the life-test of high-stress voltage endurance is provided to illustrate all proposed inferential procedures.
Hybrid modeling of hetero-agglomeration processes: a framework for model selection and arrangement
Authors: Rhein Frank , Hibbe Leonard , Nirschl Hermann 
Published: April 2023

AbstractModeling of hetero-agglomeration processes is invaluable for a variety of applications in particle technology. Traditionally, population balance equations (PBE) are employed; however, calculation of kinetic rates is challenging due to heterogeneous surface properties and insufficient material data. This study investigates how the integration of machine learning (ML) techniques—resulting in so-called hybrid models (HM)—can help to integrate experimental data and close this gap. A variety of ML algorithms can either be used to estimate kinetic rates for the PBE (serial HM) or to correct the PBE’s output (parallel HM). As the optimal choice of the HM architecture is highly problem-dependent, we propose a general and objective framework for model selection and arrangement. A repeated nested cross-validation with integrated hyper-parameter optimization ensures a fair and meaningful comparison between different HMs. This framework was subsequently applied to experimental data of magnetic seeded filtration, where prediction errors of the pure PBE were reduced by applying the hybrid modeling approach. The framework helped to identify that for the given data set, serial outperforms parallel arrangement and that more advanced ML algorithms provide better interpolation ability. Additionally, it enables to draw inferences to general properties of the underlying PBE model and a statistical investigation of hyper-parameter optimization that paves the way for further improvements.
Seasonal and regional contrasts of future trends in interannual arctic climate variability
Authors: Kolbe Marlen , Bintanja Richard , van der Linden Eveline C. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFuture changes in interannual variability (IAV) of Arctic climate indicators such as sea ice and precipitation are still fairly uncertain. Alongside global warming-induced changes in means, a thorough understanding of IAV is needed to more accurately predict sea ice variability, distinguish trends and natural variability, as well as to reduce uncertainty around the likelihood of extreme events. In this study we rank and select CMIP6 models based on their ability to replicate observations, and quantify simulated IAV trends (1981–2100) of Arctic surface air temperature, evaporation, precipitation, and sea ice concentration under continued global warming. We argue that calculating IAV on grid points before area-averaging allows for a more realistic picture of Arctic-wide changes. Large model ensembles suggest that on shorter time scales (30 years), IAV of all variables is strongly dominated by natural variability (e.g. 93% for sea ice area in March). Long-term trends of IAV are more robust, and reveal strong seasonal and regional differences in their magnitude or even sign. For example, IAV of surface temperature increases in the Central Arctic, but decreases in lower latitudes. Arctic precipitation variability increases more in summer than in winter; especially over land, where in the future it will dominantly fall as rain. Our results emphasize the need to address such seasonal and regional differences when portraying future trends of Arctic climate variability.
Pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation using true high-power short-duration vs. cryoballoon ablation
Authors: Wörmann Jonas , Lüker Jakob , van den Bruck Jan-Hendrik , Filipovic Karlo , Erlhöfer Susanne , Scheurlen Cornelia , Dittrich Sebastian , Schipper Jan-Hendrik , Steven Daniel , Sultan Arian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Aims
Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is achievable and effective using radiofrequency (RF) catheter (CA) or cryoballoon (CB) ablation. The newly introduced high RF-power short-duration ablation (HPSD) technique has shown promising results. Data comparing HPSD- to CB-PVI is sparse. We sought to investigate success rates and procedural differences of HPSD-PVI vs. CB-PVI in patients undergoing ablation for PAF and persAF.

Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing de novo PVI (HPSD or CB) were included. A power setting of 70W/7 s (70W/5 s at posterior wall) using a flexible tip catheter with enhanced irrigation was considered as true HPSD. Follow-up consisted of out-clinic pts visits, tele-consultation, 48-h Holter ECG, app-based telemonitoring and cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIED) interrogation.

Results
721 patients (46 HPSD, 675 CB) were analyzed. In all HPSD (27 persAF [59%]) and CB patients (423 persAF [63%]), PVI was successfully achieved. Procedure duration was significantly longer for HPSD (91 ± 19 min vs. 72 ± 18 min, p < 0.01). Ablation time was similar in both groups (HPSD: 44 ± 19 min vs. CB: 40 ± 17 min; p = 0.347). No major complications occurred in HPSD. For CB-PVI, in 25 (3.7%; p = 0.296) patients, complications occurred. At a follow-up of 290 ± 135 days, arrhythmia-free survival using HPSD was non-inferior to CB-PVI in the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (p = 0.096).

Conclusion
PVI using HPSD is equally effective and safe to CB-PVI. This analysis revealed a similar arrhythmia-free survival after HPSD and CB with low complication rates. Procedure duration for CB was significantly shorter while LA dwell time excluding mapping was equal. Currently, a prospective trial is conducted to corroborate these findings.
Dienogest versus norethisterone acetate in management of endometrial hyperplasia without atypia
Authors: Girbash Ehab F. , Sherif Hala E. , Radwan Ahmed M. , Abdeldayem Hussein M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To compare the effectiveness of dienogest (DIE) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) regimens in the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) without atypia.

Methods
Participants were premenopausal women with irregular uterine bleeding, and endometrial hyperplasia without atypia on endometrial biopsy. Enrolled patients were randomly allocated into two groups: group I got DIE 2 mg/day (orally Visanne) for 14 days (10th to the 25th day of cycle) while group II received between the 16th and 25th day of the cycle, norethisterone acetate (NETA) 15 mg/d (orally Primolut Nor) was administered for 10 days. Both groups continued the therapy for six months.

Results
The DIE group showed a higher resolution (32.7%) and regression (57.7%) than NETA group (31% & 37.9%, respectively) with significant regression (p = 0.039). No progression in DIE group while four (6.9%) women in NETA group were recorded a progression to complex type without a significance. Also, NETA group showed a significant persistence rate (22.5%) than DIE group (3.8%) (p = 0.005). Also number in NETA group managed by hysterectomy with significant difference (p = 0.042).

Conclusion
If used as first-line treatment, Dienogest produces a better rate of regression and a lower incidence of hysterectomy than Norethisterone Acetate does when used in EH without atypia.