bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of a minimal cell
Authors: Moger-Reischer R. Z. , Glass J. I. , Wise K. S. , Sun L. , Bittencourt D. M. C. , Lehmkuhl B. K. , Schoolmaster D. R. , Lynch M. , Lennon J. T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPossessing only essential genes, a minimal cell can reveal mechanisms and processes that are critical for the persistence and stability of life1,2. Here we report on how an engineered minimal cell3,4contends with the forces of evolution compared with theMycoplasma mycoidesnon-minimal cell from which it was synthetically derived. Mutation rates were the highest among all reported bacteria, but were not affected by genome minimization. Genome streamlining was costly, leading to a decrease in fitness of greater than 50%, but this deficit was regained during 2,000 generations of evolution. Despite selection acting on distinct genetic targets, increases in the maximum growth rate of the synthetic cells were comparable. Moreover, when performance was assessed by relative fitness, the minimal cell evolved 39% faster than the non-minimal cell. The only apparent constraint involved the evolution of cell size. The size of the non-minimal cell increased by 80%, whereas the minimal cell remained the same. This pattern reflected epistatic effects of mutations inftsZ, which encodes a tubulin-homologue protein that regulates cell division and morphology5,6. Our findings demonstrate that natural selection can rapidly increase the fitness of one of the simplest autonomously growing organisms. Understanding how species with small genomes overcome evolutionary challenges provides critical insights into the persistence of host-associated endosymbionts, the stability of streamlined chassis for biotechnology and the targeted refinement of synthetically engineered cells2,7–9.
Forecasting virus outbreaks with social media data via neural ordinary differential equations
Authors: Núñez Matías , Barreiro Nadia L. , Barrio Rafael A. , Rackauckas Christopher 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDuring the Covid-19 pandemic, real-time social media data could in principle be used as an early predictor of a new epidemic wave. This possibility is examined here by employing a neural ordinary differential equation (neural ODE) trained to forecast viral outbreaks in a specific geographic region. It learns from multivariate time series of signals derived from a novel set of large online polls regarding COVID-19 symptoms. Once trained, the neural ODE can capture the dynamics of interconnected local signals and effectively estimate the number of new infections up to two months in advance. In addition, it may predict the future consequences of changes in the number of infected at a certain period, which might be related with the flow of individuals entering or exiting a region. This study provides persuasive evidence for the predictive ability of widely disseminated social media surveys for public health applications.
Learning and memory in hybrid migratory songbirds: cognition as a reproductive isolating barrier across seasons
Authors: Alario Ashley , Trevino Marlene , Justen Hannah , Woodman Constance J. , Roth Timothy C. , Delmore Kira E. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHybrid zones can be used to identify traits that maintain reproductive isolation and contribute to speciation. Cognitive traits may serve as post-mating reproductive isolating barriers, reducing the fitness of hybrids if, for example, misexpression occurs in hybrids and disrupts important neurological mechanisms. We tested this hypothesis in a hybrid zone between two subspecies of Swainson’s thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) using two cognitive tests—an associative learning spatial test and neophobia test. We included comparisons across the sexes and seasons (spring migration and winter), testing if hybrid females performed worse than males (as per Haldane’s rule) and if birds (regardless of ancestry or sex) performed better during migration, when they are building navigational maps and encountering new environments. We documented reduced cognitive abilities in hybrids, but this result was limited to males and winter. Hybrid females did not perform worse than males in either season. Although season was a significant predictor of performance, contrary to our prediction, all birds learned faster during the winter. The hypothesis that cognitive traits could serve as post-mating isolating barriers is relatively new; this is one of the first tests in a natural hybrid zone and non-food-caching species. We also provide one of the first comparisons of cognitive abilities between seasons. Future neurostructural and neurophysiological work should be used to examine mechanisms underlying our behavioral observations.
Multimodal deep learning for COVID-19 prognosis prediction in the emergency department: a bi-centric study
Authors: Dipaola Franca , Gatti Mauro , Giaj Levra Alessandro , Menè Roberto , Shiffer Dana , Faccincani Roberto , Raouf Zainab , Secchi Antonio , Rovere Querini Patrizia , Voza Antonio , Badalamenti Salvatore , Solbiati Monica , Costantino Giorgio , Savevski Victor , Furlan Raffaello 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPredicting clinical deterioration in COVID-19 patients remains a challenging task in the Emergency Department (ED). To address this aim, we developed an artificial neural network using textual (e.g. patient history) and tabular (e.g. laboratory values) data from ED electronic medical reports. The predicted outcomes were 30-day mortality and ICU admission. We included consecutive patients from Humanitas Research Hospital and San Raffaele Hospital in the Milan area between February 20 and May 5, 2020. We included 1296 COVID-19 patients. Textual predictors consisted of patient history, physical exam, and radiological reports. Tabular predictors included age, creatinine, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, and platelet count. TensorFlow tabular-textual model performance indices were compared to those of models implementing only tabular data. For 30-day mortality, the combined model yielded slightly better performances than the tabular fastai and XGBoost models, with AUC 0.87 ± 0.02, F1 score 0.62 ± 0.10 and an MCC 0.52 ± 0.04 (p < 0.32). As for ICU admission, the combined model MCC was superior (p < 0.024) to the tabular models. Our results suggest that a combined textual and tabular model can effectively predict COVID-19 prognosis which may assist ED physicians in their decision-making process.
Heat stress tolerance indices for identification of the heat tolerant wheat genotypes
Authors: Lamba Kavita , Kumar Mukesh , Singh Vikram , Chaudhary Lakshmi , Sharma Rajat , Yashveer Shikha , Dalal M. S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHeat stress is one of the major challenges in wheat cultivation because it coincides with the flowering period and limits the crop productivity. This study was conducted for evaluation of 50 wheat genotypes to identify the heat stress tolerant genotypes for improvement of stress tolerance. All genotypes were cultivated for two consecutive years (2018–2020) under normal and late sown conditions. The results of the study revealed that the combined analysis of variance indicated significant variations among genotypes for all the studied stress indices. The reduction in mean grain yield of all genotypes under stress condition as compared to non-stress condition, indicating that the heat stress significantly affect the grain yield. The correlation analysis showed that the negative correlation of tolerance index and stress susceptibility percentage index with the grain yield of genotypes under heat stress condition (Ys) and a highly positive correlation of stress tolerance index, mean productivity, geometric mean, harmonic mean and mean relative performance with grain yield (Yp and Ys) under both conditions, helped accurately to identify the desirable genotypes. From the results obtained from principal component, biplot and cluster analysis, it was reported that HD 2967, WH 1249, HI 1617, WH 1202, WH 1021 and WH 1142 are suitable and good yielding genotypes under both conditions. Thus, above genotypes can be used for cultivation at high temperature or as genetic resources for introducing genetic variations in wheat genotypes to improve stress tolerance.
Alprazolam exposure during adolescence induces long-lasting dysregulation in reward sensitivity to morphine and second messenger signaling in the VTA-NAc pathway
Authors: Cardona-Acosta Astrid M. , Sial Omar K. , Parise Lyonna F. , Gnecco Tamara , Enriquez Marti Giselle , Bolaños-Guzmán Carlos A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIncreased use of benzodiazepines in adolescents have been reported, with alprazolam (ALP) being the most abused. Drug abuse during adolescence can induce changes with lasting consequences. This study investigated the neurobiological consequences of ALP exposure during adolescence in C57BL/6J male mice. Mice received ALP (0, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) once/daily (postnatal day 35–49). Changes in responsiveness to morphine (2.5, 5.0 mg/kg), using the conditioned place preference paradigm, were assessed 24-h and 1-month after ALP exposure. In a separate experiment, mice received ALP (0, 0.5 mg/kg) and then sacrificed 24-h or 1-month after treatment to assess levels of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) gene expression, protein phosphorylation, and downstream targets (CREB, AKT) within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). ALP-pretreated mice developed a strong preference to the compartment(s) paired with a subthreshold dose (2.5 mg/kg) of MOR short-term, and this effect was also present in the 1-month group. Adolescent ALP exposure resulted in dysregulation of ERK-signaling within the VTA-NAc pathway 24-h and 1-month after ALP exposure. Results indicate ALP exposure during adolescence potentiates the rewarding properties of MOR and induces persistent changes in ERK-signaling within the VTA-NAc pathway, a brain circuit highly implicated in the regulation of both drug reward and mood- related behaviors.
Entropy structural characterization of zeolites BCT and DFT with bond-wise scaled comparison
Authors: Arockiaraj Micheal , Paul Daniel , Ghani Muhammad Usman , Tigga Sushil , Chu Yu-Ming 
Published: July 2023

AbstractEntropy of a connected network is a quantitative measure from information theory that has triggered a plethora of research domains in molecular chemistry, biological sciences and computer programming due to its inherent capacity to explore the structural characteristics of complex molecular frameworks that have low structural symmetry as well as high diversity. The analysis of the structural order is greatly simplified through the topological indices based graph entropy metrics, which are then utilized to predict the structural features of molecular frameworks. This predictability has not only revolutionized the study of zeolitic frameworks but has also given rise to new generations of frameworks. We make a comparative study of two versatile framework topologies namely zeolites BCT and DFT, which have been widely utilized to create a new generation of frameworks known as metal organic frameworks. We discuss bond-additive topological indices and compute entropy measure descriptors for zeolites BCT and DFT using degree and degree-sum parameters. In addition, we perform bond-wise scaled comparative analysis between BCT and DFT which shows that zeolite BCT has greater entropy values compared to zeolite DFT.
Experimental demonstration of a new near-infrared spectroscopy technique based on optical dual-comb: DC-NIRS
Authors: Barreiro Roberto , Sanabria-Macías Frank , Posada Julio , Martín-Mateos Pedro , de Dios Cristina 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe present a novel near-infrared spectroscopy technique based on Dual-Comb optical interrogation (DC-NIRS) applied to dispersive media. The technique recovers the frequency response of the medium under investigation by sampling its spectral response in amplitude and phase. The DC-NIRS reference and sample signals are generated using electro-optic modulation which offers a cost-effective, integrable solution while providing high adaptability to the interrogated medium. A careful choice of both line spacing and optical span of the frequency comb ensures that the retrieved information enables the reconstruction of the temporal impulse response of the medium, known as the diffuse-time-of-flight (DTOF), to obtain its optical properties with a 70 µs temporal resolution and 32 ps photon propagation delay resolution. Furthermore, the DC-NIRS technique also offers enhanced penetration due to noiseless optical amplification (interferometric detection). The presented technique was demonstrated on a static bio-mimetic phantom of known optical properties reproducing a typical brain’s optical response. The DTOF and optical properties of the phantom were measured, showing the capabilities of this new technique on the estimation of absolute optical properties with a deviation under 3%. Compared to current technologies, our DC-NIRS technique provides enhanced temporal resolution, spatial location capabilities, and penetration depth, with an integrable and configurable cost-effective architecture, paving the way to next-generation, non-invasive and portable systems for functional brain imaging, and brain-computer interfaces, among other. The system is patent pending PCT/ES2022/070176.
Parameter prediction of coiled tubing drilling based on GAN–LSTM
Authors: Zhang Wanxing , Bai Kai , Zhan Ce , Tu Binrui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWith the increasing development of coiled tubing drilling technology, the advantages of coiled tubing drilling technology are becoming more and more obvious. In the operation process of coiled tubing, Due to various different drilling parameters, manufacturing defects, and improper human handling, the coiled tubing can curl up and cause stuck drilling or shortened service life problems. Circulation pressure, wellhead pressure, and total weight have an important influence on the working period of coiled tubing. For production safety, this paper predicts circulation pressure, ROP, wellhead pressure, and finger weight using GAN–LSTM after studying drilling engineering theory and analyzing a large amount of downhole data. Experimental results show that GAN–LSTM can predict the parameters of circulation pressure, wellhead pressure ROP and total weight to a certain extent. After much training, the accuracy is about 90%, which is about 17% higher than that of the GAN and LSTM. It has a certain guiding significance for coiled tubing operation, increasing operational safety and drilling efficiency, thus reducing production costs.
Minimally invasive intrathoracic negative-pressure therapy and flexible thoracoscopy (FlexVATS) for patients with pleural empyema
Authors: Stüben Björn-Ole , Plitzko Gabriel A. , Sauerbeck Julia , Busch Philipp , Melling Nathaniel , Reeh Matthias , Izbicki Jakob R. , Rösch Thomas , Bachmann Kai , Tachezy Michael 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo determine whether a new surgical method using a flexible endoscope (FlexVATS) to perform sparing debridement and apply negative-pressure therapy without extensive decortication may be an alternative treatment option for empyema. Surgical treatment of pleural empyema is associated with considerable postoperative complications and mortality rates, and alternative treatment options are being explored to improve patient outcomes. This was a prospective case series. Seventeen consecutive patients treated with FlexVATS between February 2021 and August 2022 were included in the study. Only patients for whom FlexVATS was the first therapeutic intervention for pleural empyema were included. Treatment success, defined as infection resolution, was the primary endpoint of the study. The secondary endpoints were length of hospital stay, 90-day mortality, and empyema cavity volume reduction. Patients who had previously been treated for pleural empyema by either drainage or surgery were excluded. The trial was performed as a single-centre study at a tertiary medical centre in Germany. In total, 17 patients with pleural empyema were included in the study. The median (IQR) duration of vacuum treatment was 15 days (8–35 days). Twelve of the 17 (71%) patients were successfully treated, and a significant reduction in the empyema cavity volume was observed. 41% of the dressing changes were performed outside the operating room. Compared with a historic cohort of conventionally treated patients (decortication via VATS or thoracotomy), the 90-day mortality rates tended to be lower without reaching statistical significance. Three patients (18%) died in hospital during treatment. No negative pressure-therapy-related complications were observed. FlexVATS therapy is a promising alternative therapy for both healthy and debilitated patients with pleural empyema. Larger randomised trials are required to validate this treatment option.
Body trajectory optimisation of walking gait for a quadruped robot
Authors: Zhang Minghuan , Zhu Yaguang , Cao Ao , Wei Qibin , Liu Qiong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTo ensure that the robot can follow the planned trajectory, smooth switching between swinging legs and a smooth transition of motion process is realised. The previous motion planning work is analysed, and a method for improving the optimisation objective function and constraint conditions is proposed to eliminate the sudden change of acceleration and reduce the peak value of acceleration change. This method eliminates the impact phenomenon in the motor drive process and reduces the motor drive energy consumption, thus ensuring the smooth and consistent movement of the robot. The results show that the improved optimisation method has a better motion effect than the previous approach in terms of centre of mass motion speed, trajectory fitting and body posture change, and realises more robust motion of quadruped robots in a senseless state.
Can We Do Anything Else before Removing a Button Battery from the Esophagus?—Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Bada-Bosch I. , Blanco Verdú M.D. , Cerdá J.A. , Fanjul M. , Ordoñez J. , Tolín Hernani M.M. , Miranda Cid C. , Sánchez Sánchez C. , De Agustín J.C. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective This article tests the protective effect of a commercially available mixture of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and poloxamer 407 on the damage caused by the exposure of esophageal mucosa to button batteries in an animal model.
Methods Experimental study. Sixty porcine esophageal samples were distributed in three groups: control (CG), exposure (EG), and exposure-protection (EPG). In EG and EPG, one CR2032 button battery per sample was inserted, both were subdivided into 2-, 4-, 6-, and 24-hour exposure subgroups, with subsequent battery removal. EPG samples were irrigated with the solution 1 hour after battery exposure. Esophageal pH and final voltage of the battery were measured.
Results pH in CG remained stable. No significant differences in pH at 1 hour were found between EG and EPG. In EPG, the pH of the mucosa exposed to the anode was lower than in GE at 2 hours (12.44 vs. 11.89, p = 0.203) and 4 hours (13.78 vs. 11.77, p < 0.0001). In the cathode pH was significantly higher in EG at 2 hours (2.5 vs. 4.11, p < 0.0001), 4 hours (2.33 vs. 4.78, p < 0.0001), and 6 hours (2.17 vs. 2.91, p < 0.0001). Significant voltage reduction at 1 hour was found in EG compared to EPG (0.48 vs. 1.08 V, p = 0.004).
Conclusion Exposure to hyaluronic acid solution buffers the acidification on the side exposed to the cathode and basification on the anode. This effect can be maintained up to 3 to 5 hours, even after stopping its application. Our results suggest that a solution containing hyaluronic acid could be used as an esophageal protector after accidental ingestion of button batteries.
Acid-Catalyzed [4+1]-Dearomatization Spiroannulation of Hydroquinones and Naphthols
Authors: Li Zhi , Ding Nan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAcid-catalyzed [4+1]-dearomatization spiroannulation reactions of electron-rich hydroquinone and naphthol derivatives were demonstrated as convenient methods to access spirocyclic cyclohexadienone derivatives. The Lewis acid Bi(OTf)3 exhibited the best catalytic performance when a 1,2-dialkynylbenzene was used as the electrophile for the spiroannulation, whereas the Brønsted acid benzene-1,2-disulfonic acid was the best catalyst when 2-ethynylbenzylic esters were used as electrophiles. Most of the reaction conditions are mild, efficient, and simple to operate.
Impact of a Novel Homeopathic Complex Medicine on the Management of Multiple Antibiotic-Resistant Bovine Mastitis: An Open-Label, Non-Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Laginestra Bruna de Fatima Antunes , de Sá Thaís Camaso , Borges Jessé Lahos , Marçal Matheus Basilio , Simões João Vitor Morais , Rodrigues Selma Alves , Gazim Zilda Cristiani , Piau Júnior Ranulfo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Bovine mastitis is characterized by an inflammatory process in the mammary gland and represents one of the main diseases affecting a dairy herd. Management of mastitis is most commonly via antibiotics, but the rising incidence of multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) means that additional options are needed. Homeopathic products can be administered in dairy farming for a range of clinical reasons and may be preferential due to the absence of residues.
Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the potential of a novel homeopathic complex medicine in managing bovine mastitis.
Methods Twenty-four lactating Holstein cows with mastitis were divided into two groups: the homeopathic complex group received a homeopathic complex daily for 60 days at a dose of 20 g/d; the placebo group received the calcium carbonate vehicle without homeopathic medicines at the same dose and repetition. The main outcome measure was somatic cell count (SCC; cells/mL), with additional outcome measures including milk production (kg/d), milk constituents (percentage of protein, fat, lactose and total milk solids), and serum levels of cortisol, glucose, ammonia and lactic acid. All outcomes were measured at the beginning of the study and after 30 and 60 days. Milk samples were also collected from all animals at the beginning of the study, confirming a high (>0.2) MAR index for isolated bacterial cultures.
Results Assessment of SCC showed a statistically significant difference favoring the homeopathic complex versus placebo group at day 60. A reduction in serum cortisol levels and an increase in fat, lactose and total milk solids in animals treated with the homeopathic complex at day 60 were also seen. Other outcome measures did not show statistically significant inter-group differences.
Conclusion The results of this non-randomized, open-label, placebo-controlled trial suggest the potential for a novel homeopathic complex medicine in management of multiple antibiotic-resistant bovine mastitis, thus offering dairy farmers an additional option to antibiotics and making dairy products safer for consumer health and milk production more sustainable.