bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Cntnap2 in the Rat Causes Autism‐Related Alterations in Social Interactions, Stereotypic Behavior, and Sensory Processing
Authors: Scott Kaela E. , Kazazian Karnig , Mann Rajkamalpreet S. , Möhrle Dorit , Schormans Ashley L. , Schmid Susanne , Allman Brian L.
Published: September 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social interaction and communication impairments, as well as restrictive/repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities, which can coexist with intellectual disability and altered sensory processing. To study the mechanisms underlying these core features of ASD, preclinical research has developed animal models with manipulations in ASD‐linked genes, such as CNTNAP2. In order to fully interpret the findings from mechanistic studies, the extent to which these models display behaviors consistent with ASD must be determined. Toward that goal, we conducted an investigation of the consequences of a functional loss of Cntnap2 on ASD‐related behaviors by comparing the performance of rats with a homozygous or heterozygous knockout of Cntnap2 to their wildtype littermates across a comprehensive test battery. Cntnap2−/− rats showed deficits in sociability and social novelty, and they displayed repetitive circling and hyperlocomotion. Moreover, Cntnap2−/− rats demonstrated exaggerated acoustic startle responses, increased avoidance to sounds of moderate intensity, and a lack of rapid audiovisual temporal recalibration; indicating changes in sensory processing at both the pre‐attentive and perceptual levels. Notably, sensory behaviors requiring learned associations did not reveal genotypic differences, whereas tasks relying on automatic/implicit behaviors did. Ultimately, because these collective alterations in social, stereotypic, and sensory behaviors are phenotypically similar to those reported in individuals with ASD, our results establish the Cntnap2 knockout rat model as an effective platform to study not only the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with ASD, but also the complex relationship between altered sensory processing and other core ASD‐related behaviors.

Lay Summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social interaction differences, and restrictive/repetitive patterns of behavior. We studied the behavioral alterations caused by the loss of an autism‐linked gene, Cntnap2, in the rat to determine how mutations in this gene contribute to autism‐related behaviors. We show the loss of Cntnap2 leads to changes in social, stereotypic, and sensory behaviors, indicating this rat model can be used to better understand the brain changes underlying ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1698–1717. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Sequential Associations Between Communication Acts of Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder and Maternal Verbal Responses
Authors: Ashtari Atieh , Yadegari Fariba , Samadi Sayyed Ali , Watson Linda R.
Published: September 2020

In this study, the sequential associations between child communication acts, including spontaneous communication (SC) and elicited communication (EC), and the types of verbal responses of Iranian mothers (follow‐in nondirective, follow‐in directive, and redirective responses) were compared between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and young typically developing (TD) children. Participants were 29 children with ASD aged 3–6 years and 40 TD children aged 13–18 months, matched on expressive vocabulary. Using time‐window sequential analysis, maternal verbal responses within a time interval of 3 sec following child communication were examined during 15 min of video‐recorded mother–child free play interaction. Mothers in the two groups had broadly similar patterns of response to child communication acts, but some differences in responding to child EC. Across both groups, sequential associations were stronger for maternal follow‐in nondirective responses to child SC than for this type of response to child EC, and were stronger for follow‐in directive responses to child EC than for follow‐in directive responses to child SC. Child EC and SC acts were less likely to be followed by redirective responses than other maternal responses, again across both groups. Finally, mothers of children with ASD were more likely than mothers of TD children to follow‐in to child EC with both nondirective and directive responses. Our findings suggest that mothers of children with ASD synchronize their responses with their child's SC acts to the same extent as mothers of TD children, and are more synchronous in responding to their child's EC acts.

Lay Summary

This observational study examined how Iranian mothers verbally responded to their children's communication acts, based on whether the children's communication was spontaneous (unprompted) or elicited (prompted by the mother). Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder or typical development responded to their children's spontaneous communication acts in similar ways, but showed some differences in responding to children's elicited communication. By prompting their children to communicate, mothers create opportunities to give additional verbal responses to their children, which may help to support children's further language development.
In situ product recovery techniques aiming to obtain biotechnological products: A glance to current knowledge
Authors: Santos Ariane G. , de Albuquerque Tiago L. , Ribeiro Bernardo D. , Coelho Maria Alice Z.
Published: September 2020

Biotechnology and bioengineering techniques have been widely used in the production of biofuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food additives, being considered a “green” form of production because they use renewable and nonpolluting energy sources. On the other hand, in the traditional processes of production, the target product obtained by biotechnological routes must undergo several stages of purification, which makes these processes more expensive. In the past few years, some works have focused on processes that integrate fermentation to the recovery and purification steps necessary to obtain the final product required. This type of process is called in situ product recovery or extractive fermentation. However, there are some differences in the concepts of the techniques used in these bioprocesses. In this way, this review sought to compile relevant content on considerations and procedures that are being used in this field, such as evaporation, liquid–liquid extraction, permeation, and adsorption techniques. Also, the objective of this review was to approach the different configurations in the recent literature of the processes employed and the main bioproducts obtained, which can be used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and/or fuel additives industry. We intended to elucidate concepts of these techniques, considered very recent, but which emerge as a promising alternative for the integration of bioprocesses.
Temperature‐Dependent Sex Determination in Sea Turtles in the Context of Climate Change: Uncovering the Adaptive Significance
Authors: Santidrián Tomillo Pilar , Spotila James R.
Published: September 2020

The adaptive significance of temperature‐dependent sex determination (TSD) in reptiles remains unknown decades after TSD was first identified in this group. Concurrently, there is growing concern about the effect that rising temperatures may have on species with TSD, potentially producing extremely biased sex ratios or offspring of only one sex. The current state‐of the‐art in TSD research on sea turtles is reviewed here and, against current paradigm, it is proposed that TSD provides an advantage under warming climates. By means of coadaptation between early survival and sex ratios, sea turtles are able to maintain populations. When offspring survival declines at high temperatures, the sex that increases future fecundity (females) is produced, increasing resilience to climate warming. TSD could have helped reptiles to survive mass extinctions in the past via this model. Flaws in research on sex determination in sea turtles are also identified and it is suggested that the development of new techniques will revolutionize the field.
Water‐soluble luminescent copper nanoclusters as a fluorescent quenching probe for the detection of rutin and quercetin based on the inner filter effect
Authors: Sasikumar Thangarasu , Ilanchelian Malaichamy
Published: September 2020

In the present study, we proposed a simple, sensitive and selective fluorescence method for the detection of rutin (Rut) and quercetin (Que) based on the inner filter effect (IFE) utilizing water‐ soluble cysteine‐stabilized copper nanoclusters (Cys‐CuNCs) as a fluorescent probe. The Cys‐CuNCs were successfully synthesized and characterized using UV–visible absorption, emission, Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM) and zeta potential measurements. Cys‐CuNCs exhibited bluish‐green luminescence under UV light with characteristic emission maxima at 486 nm. Cys‐CuNCs was successfully exploited as fluorescent probes for the detection of Rut/Que. The addition of increasing concentrations of Rut/Que led to a gradual decrease in the emission intensity of Cys‐CuNCs. The decrease in Cys‐CuNC emission intensities were attributed to the strong IFE and static quenching mechanism. The calculated limit of detection values for Rut and Que were as low as 0.021 μM and 0.035 μM, respectively. The Cys‐CuNCs sensing probe exhibited excellent selectivity in the presence of other potential interfering compounds. Furthermore, the present method was successfully applied to the analysis of both Rut and Que in biological samples.
Reconstitution of an Anti‐HER2 Antibody Paratope by Grafting Dual CDR‐Derived Peptides onto a Small Protein Scaffold
Authors: See Kyra , Kadonosono Tetsuya , Ota Yumi , Miyamoto Kotaro , Yimchuen Wanaporn , Kizaka‐Kondoh Shinae
Published: September 2020

Target‐binding small proteins are promising alternatives to conventional monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), offering advantages in terms of tissue penetration and manufacturing costs. Recently, a design strategy to create small proteins called fluctuation‐regulated affinity proteins (FLAPs) consisting of a structurally immobilized peptide from the complementarity‐determining region (CDR) loops of mAbs (CDR‐derived peptide) and a protein scaffold was developed. Because mAb paratopes are usually composed of multiple CDRs, FLAPs with multiple binding peptides may have an enhanced target‐binding capability. Here, a strategy to create FLAPs bearing dual CDR‐derived peptides (D‐FLAPs) using the anti‐human epithelial growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) mAb trastuzumab as a basis is developed. Computationally selected CDR‐derived peptides are first grafted onto two adjacent loops of the fibronectin type III domain (FN3) scaffold, yielding 80 D‐FLAP candidates. After computational screening based on their similarity to the parental mAb with regard to the conformation of paratope residues, two candidates are selected. After further evaluation with ELISA, one D‐FLAP with HYTTPP and GDGFYA peptides from CDR‐L3 and CDR‐H3 of the parental mAb, respectively, is found to bind HER2 with a dissociation constant of 58 nm. This method applies to various mAb drugs and allows the rational design of small protein alternatives.
Analysis of chemotherapy effect on the second primary malignancy for head and neck cancer patients by a nomogram based on SEER database
Authors: Li Xinrong , Guo Kaibo , Feng Yuqian , Guo Yong
Published: September 2020

Second primary malignancy (SPM) ranks the second leading cause of death in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), while studies exploring the risk factors for SPM are limited. To clarify this, we investigated the relationship between the chemotherapy and SPM using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. 11 345 patients initially diagnosed with HNC between 1998 and 2016 were selected from the SEER database. First, these patients were divided into two groups according to chemotherapy or not. With Fine and Gray model, the subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) of chemotherapy was calculated based on Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Second, the 11 345 cases were randomized into a training set and a validation set. Based on the training set, the different cumulative incidence of SPMs between the patients with and without chemotherapy was estimated respectively in the high‐ and low‐risk group according to the scores derived from a nomogram. Chemotherapy was negatively correlated to the SPMs (sHR: 0.847, 95% CI: 0.733‐0.977, P = .023) by conducting competing risk analysis. With chemotherapy, forest plots showed subgroups of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, sHR: 0.815, 95% CI: 0.7‐0.948, P = .008), 50‐64 years old (sHR:0.794, 95% CI: 0.655‐0.962, P = .019), male (sHR:0.828, 95% CI: 0.703‐0.974, P = .023), and well/moderate histological grade (sHR:0.828, 95% CI: 0.688‐0.996, P = .045) were negatively correlated to SPMs; the nomogram showed the high‐risk population characterized as SCC, elder age, male, and well/moderate histological grade also tended to have lower incidence of SPMs (sHR: 0.805, 95% CI: 0.669‐0.969, P = .022). Despite HNC patients with characteristics of SCC, increased age, male, and well/moderate histological grade had higher risk of a SPM, they were also more likely to be benefitted from chemotherapy to avoid it.
Feasibility of group theraplay with refugee children in Turkey
Authors: Eruyar Seyda , Vostanis Panos
Published: September 2020

Despite the evidence on the role of parental factors, especially attachment relationships, in mediating complex trauma experienced by refugee children, there is limited evidence on the use of attachment‐based interventions. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of adapting such an intervention, group theraplay, for refugee children in Turkey. Fifteen child–parent dyads participated, and completed measures on attachment relationships, child mental health and parenting strategies. Children engaged with the intervention, whilst it proved more difficult to involve parents regularly. There was a significant improvement in children's post‐traumatic stress and other common mental health symptoms, as well as parent‐rated attachment relationship difficulties. Attachment‐based modalities using play, activities and games can be particularly useful for children and families with cultural and language challenges. Therapeutic interventions for refugee children and families should be integrated with other types of support within a multimodal service approach.
Building up PtII−Thiosemicarbazone−Lysine−sC18 Conjugates
Authors: Haseloer Alexander , Lützenburg Tamara , Strache Joss Pepe , Neudörfl Jörg , Neundorf Ines , Klein Axel
Published: September 2020

Three chiral tridentate N^N^S coordinating pyridine‐carbaldehyde (S)‐N4‐(α‐methylbenzyl)thiosemicarbazones (HTSCmB) were synthesised along with lysine‐modified derivatives. One of them was selected and covalently conjugated to the cell‐penetrating peptide sC18 by solid‐phase peptide synthesis. The HTSCmB model ligands, the HTSCLp derivatives and the peptide conjugate rapidly and quantitatively form very stable PtII chlorido complexes [Pt(TSC)Cl] when treated with K2PtCl4 in solution. The Pt(CN) derivatives were obtained from one TSCmB model complex and the peptide conjugate complex through Cl−→CN− exchange. Ligands and complexes were characterised by NMR, IR spectroscopy, HR‐ESI‐MS and single‐crystal XRD. Intriguingly, no decrease in cell viability was observed when testing the biological activity of the lysine‐tagged HdpyTSCLp, its sC18 conjugate HdpyTSCL‐sC18 or the PtCl and Pt(CN) conjugate complexes in three different cell lines. Thus, given the facile and effective preparation of such Pt‐TSC‐peptide conjugates, these systems might pave the way for future use in late‐stage labelling with Pt radionuclides and application in nuclear medicine.
Intravascular lithotripsy in saphenous vein grafts and graft stent failure: A case series
Authors: Øksnes Anja , McEntegart Margaret
Published: September 2020

The long‐term patency of saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) is poor compared to arterial bypass grafts. Re‐do coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is high risk, thus graft failure often requires revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). While PCI to the native vessels is preferable, PCI to SVGs is sometimes necessary despite being associated with a high incidence of stent failure. While early SVG degeneration is associated with friable disease, calcification becomes an increasing problem in older grafts. Intravascular Lithotripsy (IVL) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in the treatment of calcified native coronary artery disease (CAD). We present the first case series of five patients undergoing PCI to de novo SVG disease or SVG stent failure utilizing IVL for calcium modification.
Microwave Detection of Wet Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP): Non‐Covalent Forces and Water Dynamics
Authors: Blanco Susana , Macario Alberto , García‐Calvo José , Revilla‐Cuesta Andrea , Torroba Tomas , López Juan Carlos
Published: September 2020

The water adducts of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) have been observed by using broadband rotational spectroscopy. This work opens a new way for the gas‐phase detection of this improvised explosive. The observed clusters exhibit unusual water dynamics and rarely observed multicenter interactions. TATP‐H2O is formed from the D3 symmetry conformer of TATP with water lying close to the C3 axis. Water rotation around this axis with a very low barrier gives rise to the rotational spectrum of a symmetric top. The main interaction of the monohydrate is a four‐center trifurcated donor Ow‐H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bond, not observed previously in the gas phase, reinforced by a weak four‐center trifurcated acceptor C−H⋅⋅⋅Ow interaction. Surprisingly, all structural signatures show the weakness of these interactions. The complex TATP‐(H2O)2 is formed from the monohydrated TATP by the self‐association of water.
Ba3(BO3)(CO3)F: The First Borate Carbonate Fluoride Synthesized by the High‐Temperature Solution Method
Authors: Huang Chunmei , Zhang Fangfang , Cheng Shichao , Yang Zhihua , Li Hao , Pan Shilie
Published: September 2020

In contrast to the well‐investigated halogen‐containing borates and carbonates, very few halogen‐containing borate carbonate compounds have been reported. Specifically, no example of borate carbonate fluoride has been synthesized successfully until now. Herein, the planar π‐conjugated units [BO3]3− and [CO3]2− and the F− ions are introduced simultaneously into one crystal structure resulting in the first borate carbonate fluoride, Ba3(BO3)(CO3)F, by the high‐temperature solution method in the atmosphere. Its structure features a hexagonal channel formed by the [BO3]3− and [CO3]2− units with the [F3Ba8]13+ trimers filled in the channel. Various characterizations including single crystal‐ and powder‐XRD, EDX, IR, UV‐vis‐NIR, and TG‐DSC, together with the first principles calculation have been carried out to verify the structure and fully understand the structure–property relationships.
Structure‐Directing Roles of Organic Molecules in the Formation of Aluminosilicate and Aluminophosphate Molecular Sieves Revealed by 2D 1H DQ‐SQ NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Fangyan , Wang Biao , Liu Xiaolong
Published: September 2020

Understanding of crystallization mechanisms of molecular sieves is driven by the broad range of usefulness and unique properties they possess. It is still difficult to obtain information related to the crystallization mechanism of molecular sieves, partly because the materials are generally prepared under hydrothermal conditions and the whole reaction happens in the “black box” autoclave. In this work, 2D 1H DQ‐SQ NMR results clearly demonstrate that it is not only the electrostatic interactions between organic structure‐directing agents (OSDAs) and the framework, but also the correlation among OSDAs playing the dominant structural directing roles during the crystallization process. Our fundamental understanding of the crystallization mechanism of molecular sieves could be of great value to design and synthesize new molecular sieves with desirable structural properties.
Understanding the Uniqueness of 2p Elements in Periodic Tables
Authors: Wang Zhen‐Ling , Hu Han‐Shi , von Szentpály László , Stoll Hermann , Fritzsche Stephan , Pyykkö Pekka , Schwarz W. H. Eugen , Li Jun
Published: September 2020

The Periodic Table, and the unique chemical behavior of the first element in a column (group), were discovered simultaneously one and a half centuries ago. Half a century ago, this unique chemistry of the light homologs was correlated to the then available atomic orbital (AO) radii. The radially nodeless 1s, 2p, 3d, 4f valence AOs are particularly compact. The similarity of r(2s)≈r(2p) leads to pronounced sp‐hybrid bonding of the light p‐block elements, whereas the heavier p elements with n≥3 exhibit r(ns) ≪ r(np) of approximately −20 to −30 %. Herein, a comprehensive physical explanation is presented in terms of kinetic radial and angular, as well as potential nuclear‐attraction and electron‐screening effects. For hydrogen‐like atoms and all inner shells of the heavy atoms, r(2s) ≫ r(2p) by +20 to +30 %, whereas r(3s)≳r(3p)≳r(3d), since in Coulomb potentials radial motion is more radial orbital expanding than angular motion. However, the screening of nuclear attraction by inner core shells is more efficient for s than for p valence shells. The uniqueness of the 2p AO is explained by this differential shielding. Thereby, the present work paves the way for future physical explanations of the 3d, 4f, and 5g cases.
Remodeling of projections from ventral hippocampus to prefrontal cortex in Alzheimer's mice
Authors: Xu Feng , Ono Munenori , Ito Tetsufumi , Uchiumi Osamu , Wang Furong , Zhang Yu , Sun Peng , Zhang Qing , Yamaki Sachiko , Yamamoto Ryo , Kato Nobuo
Published: September 2020

Emotional dysregulation often accompanies cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The hippocampus, most notably damaged by AD pathology, is classified into the cognition‐bound posterior and emotion‐bound anterior hippocampi. Since the anterior hippocampus or its rodent counterpart, the ventral hippocampus (VH), sends dense afferents to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA), the two structures implicated in fear responses, we investigated whether these afferents are modified in 3xTg AD model mice. An anterograde dextrin tracer injected into VH revealed that axons in PFC were more ramified in 3xTg than wild‐type (WT) mice, with the synaptic density reduced. The VH projections to BLA were not affected. Intracellular accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) or Aβ‐like immunoreactivity was found in PFC and BLA neurons alike. Behaviorally, in the 2‐way active avoidance test, the frequency of chamber change was higher, with the test performance better, in 3xTg than WT mice, suggesting a distorted contextual fear in the 3xTg group. Given the essential involvement of parts of PFC in contextual fear responses and that of BLA in fear responses in general, the observed remodeling of VH‐to‐PFC afferents and the accumulation of intracellular Aβ in BLA and PFC pyramidal cells might exercise critical influences on enhanced avoidance behavior in 3xTg mice.
Nitrogen‐doped Binary Spinel CuCo2O4/C Nanocomposite: An Efficient Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Tian Jin , Wang Zhichao , Wang Yue , Yuan Ding , Tian Fenghui , Zhang Lixue
Published: September 2020

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the anode side is one of the bottlenecks for electrochemical water splitting, and the search for cost‐effective and efficient catalysts for OER is highly pursued. Herein, through calcination and nitridation treatment of the Cu−Co based bimetallic metal‐organic framework precursor, nitrogen doped CuCo2O4/nitrogen‐doped carbon (N−CuCo2O4@N−C) are successfully synthesized. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements reveal the evident change of electronic state after doping N atoms into CuCo2O4@N−C. When used as an OER electrocatalyst, N−CuCo2O4@N−C catalysts offer an overpotential of only 260 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2, which is comparable to commercial RuO2 catalyst. The N−CuCo2O4@N−C sample possesses a lower Tafel slope than pristine CuCo2O4@N−C sample. Moreover, a chronoamperometric study reveals that N−CuCo2O4@N−C displays excellent stability for at least 28 h. This work provides a promising heteroatom doping strategy to fabricate high‐performance OER electrocatalysts for water splitting.
Tactile colour pictogram to improve artwork appreciation of people with visual impairments
Authors: Cho Jun Dong , Quero Luis Cavazos , Bartolomé Jorge Iranzo , Lee Do Won , Oh Uran , Lee Inae
Published: September 2020

A recent development in tactile technology enables an improvement in the appreciation of the visual arts for people with visual impairment (PVI). The tactile sense, in conjunction with, or a possibly as an alternative to, the auditory sense, would allow PVIs to approach artwork in a more self‐driven and engaging way that would be difficult to achieve with just an auditory stimulus. Tactile colour pictograms (TCPs), which are raised geometric patterns, are ideographic characters that are designed to enable PVIs to identify colours and interpret information by touch. In this article, three TCPs are introduced to code colours in the Munsell colour system. Each colour pattern consists of a basic cell size of 10 mm × 10 mm to represent the patterns consistently in terms of regular shape. Each TCP consists of basic geometric patterns that are combined to create primary, secondary, and tertiary colour pictograms of shapes indicating colour hue, intensity and lightness. Each TCP represents 29 colours including six hues; they were then further expanded to represent 53 colours. Two of them did not increase the cell size, the other increased the cell size 1.5 times for some colours, such as yellow‐orange, yellow, blue, and blue‐purple. Our proposed TCPs use a slightly larger cell size compared to most tactile patterns currently used to indicate colour, but code for more colours. With user experience and identification tests, conducted with 23 visually impaired adults, the effectiveness of the TCPs suggests that they were helpful for the participants.
Proper Care and Feeding of Coccidioides: A Laboratorian's Guide to Cultivating the Dimorphic Stages of C. immitis and C. posadasii
Authors: Mead Heather L. , Van Dyke Marley C. Caballero , Barker Bridget M.
Published: September 2020

Coccidioidomycosis (“Valley fever”) is caused by Coccidioides immitis and C. posadasii. These fungi are thermally dimorphic, cycling between mycelia and arthroconidia in the environment and converting into spherules and endospores within a host. Coccidioides can cause a broad spectrum of disease that can be difficult to treat. There has been a steady increase in disease, with an estimated 350,000 new infections per year in the United States. With the increase in disease and difficulty in treatment, there is an unmet need to increase research in basic biology and identify new treatments, diagnostics, and vaccine candidates. Here, we describe protocols required in any Coccidioides laboratory, such as growing, harvesting, and storing the different stages of this dimorphic fungal pathogen. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Growth and harvest of liquid mycelia cultures for extractions

Alternate Protocol 1: Large‐volume growth and harvest of liquid mycelia cultures

Basic Protocol 2: Mycelial growth on solid medium

Alternate Protocol 2: Maintaining mycelial growth on solid medium

Basic Protocol 3: Harvesting and quantification of arthroconidia

Alternate Protocol 3: Long‐term storage of arthroconidia

Basic Protocol 4: Parasitic spherule growth and harvest

Alternate Protocol 4: Obtaining endospores from spherules

Basic Protocol 5: Intranasal infection of murine models
A Simple Nematode Infection Model for Studying Candida albicans Pathogenesis
Authors: Kim Grace H. , Rosiana Sierra , Kirienko Natalia V. , Shapiro Rebecca S.
Published: September 2020

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen and a model organism to study fungal pathogenesis. It exists as a harmless commensal organism and member of the healthy human microbiome, but can cause life‐threatening mucosal and systemic infections. A model host to study C. albicans infection and pathogenesis is the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans is frequently used as a model host to study microbial‐host interactions because it can be infected by many human pathogens and there are also close morphological resemblances between the intestinal cells of C. elegans and mammals, where C. albicans infections can occur. This article outlines a detailed methodology for exploiting C. elegans as a host to study C. albicans infection, including a C. elegans egg preparation protocol and an agar‐based C. elegans killing protocol to monitor fungal virulence. These protocols can additionally be used to study C. albicans genetic mutants in order to further our understanding of the genes involved in pathogenesis and virulence in C. albicans and the mechanisms of host‐microbe interactions. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of Caenorhabditis elegans eggs

Support Protocol 1: Freezing and recovering Caenorhabditis elegans

Support Protocol 2: Making superfood agar and OP50 plates

Basic Protocol 2: Caenorhabditis elegans/Candida albicans agar killing assay

Support Protocol 3: Constructing a worm pick
Long‐term influence of nitrogen, plant growth regulators, and iron sulfate on annual bluegrass populations and turfgrass quality on a golf green
Authors: Tang Kaiyuan , Lulis Timothy T. , Russell Travis R. , Kaminski John E.
Published: September 2020

Annual bluegrass (ABG,Poa annuaL.) is often considered an undesirable species on golf courses in many regions of the United States. However, the long‐term effect of the cultural and chemical management practices of ABG control is not sufficiently investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the long‐term effect of N, Fe sulfate, and plant growth regulators (PGRs) on ABG populations in a creeping bentgrass (CBG,Agrostis stoloniferaL.) golf green. The study was established on a mixed stand of ‘L‐93′ CBG (∼75%) and ABG (∼25%) and managed as a putting green in University Park, PA, from 2012 to 2018. Treatments included ammonium sulfate (24 and 147 kg ha−1 yr−1), Fe sulfate (0, 12, or 49 kg FeSO4ha−1application−1), and the PGRs trinexapac‐ethyl (TE, 0.043 kg a.i. ha−1application−1), flurprimidol (FL, 0.28 kg a.i. ha−1application−1) and a nontreated control. Treatments were initiated in late April or early May each year and reapplied where required every 3 wk for nine applications annually. In general, ABG populations were lowest under lower N rates and with applications of FL. The long‐term effect of FeSO4was minimal. In the first year of this study (2012), turfgrass quality was reduced, but quality levels generally increased in subsequent years. Although low N and FL may reduce ABG and high N and TE may increase ABG, seasonal variations in environmental conditions may reduce the efficacy of these treatments.
Comparison of intraoperative imprints cytology with frozen section for lymph node metastasis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Neduvanchery Saheer , Gochhait Debasis , Srinivas Bheemanathi Hanuman , Harichandrakumar K T , Subramanian Pradeep , Shukkur Naveeth , Keerthana K , Penumadu Prasanth
Published: September 2020

Background

Intraoperative evaluation of lymph nodal metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) assumes importance and avoids over‐treatment in clinically node negative (N0) neck. Frozen section (FZ) is the commonly employed technique, but it requires significant investment in resources, time, and personnel. Intraoperative imprint cytology (IC) is a rapid, reliable, and inexpensive alternative. We conducted a prospective study to assess the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative IC and FZ for lymph node metastasis in HNSCC.

Methods

All patients presenting with HNSCC with clinically N0 neck undergoing surgery were included in the study, and intraoperative assessment of clinically suspicious nodes was done using IC and FZ and was reviewed by two independent pathologists. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of IC and FZ were calculated with reference to the final histopathology report. The time duration for reporting was calculated.

Results

Thirty‐four patients with clinically N0 neck were included in the study, and 85 slides were examined. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FZ were 100%, 98.6%, and 98.9%, respectively, whereas for IC, it was 85.7%, 95.8%, and 94.1%, respectively. The mean time duration for reporting for FZ and IC was 41.18 ± 3.62 and 18.12 ± 2.01 minutes, respectively.

Conclusion

IC provides a cheaper, accurate, and rapid alternative for FZ for intraoperative assessment of neck nodes in HNSCC, and it assumes importance in resource‐driven countries like India.
Glucagon for hypoglycaemia treatment in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ranjan Ajenthen G. , Schmidt Signe , Nørgaard Kirsten
Published: September 2020

To achieve strict glycaemic control and avoid chronic diabetes complications, individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are recommended to follow an intensive insulin regimen. However, the risk and fear of hypoglycaemia often prevent individuals from achieving the treatment goals. Apart from early insulin suspension in insulin pump users, carbohydrate ingestion is the only option for preventing and treating non‐severe hypoglycaemic events. These rescue treatments may give extra calories and cause overweight. As an alternative, the use of low‐dose glucagon to counter hypoglycaemia has been proposed as a tool to raise glucose concentrations without adding extra calories. Previously, the commercially available glucagon formulations required reconstitution from powder to a solution before being injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly—making it practical only for treating severe hypoglycaemia. Several companies have developed more stable formulations that do not require the time‐consuming reconstitution process before use. As well as treating severe hypoglycaemia, non‐severe and impending hypoglycaemia can also be treated with lower doses of glucagon. Once available, low‐dose glucagon can be either delivered manually, as an injection, or automatically, by an infusion pump. This review focuses on the role and perspectives of using glucagon to treat and prevent hypoglycaemia in T1D.
Implications for evolutionary trends from the pairing frequencies among golden‐winged and blue‐winged warblers and their hybrids
Authors: Confer John L. , Porter Cody , Aldinger Kyle R. , Canterbury Ronald A. , Larkin Jeffery L. , Mcneil Darin J.
Published: September 2020

Extensive range loss for the Golden‐winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) has occurred in areas of intrusion by the Blue‐winged Warbler (V. cyanoptera) potentially related to their close genetic relationship. We compiled data on social pairing from nine studies for 2,679 resident Vermivora to assess evolutionary divergence. Hybridization between pure phenotypes occurred with 1.2% of resident males for sympatric populations. Pairing success rates for Golden‐winged Warblers was 83% and for Blue‐winged Warblers was 77%. Pairing success for the hybrid Brewster's Warbler was significantly lower from both species at 54%, showing sexual selection against hybrids. Backcross frequencies for Golden‐winged Warblers at 4.9% were significantly higher than for Blue‐winged Warblers at 1.7%. More frequent backcrossing by Golden‐winged Warblers, which produces hybrid phenotypes, may contribute to the replacement of Golden‐winged by Blue‐winged Warblers. Reproductive isolation due to behavioral isolation plus sexual selection against hybrids was 0.960. Our analyses suggest that plumage differences are the main driving force for this strong isolation with reduced hybrid fitness contributing to a lesser degree. The major impact of plumage differences to reproductive isolation is compatible with genomic analyses (Current Biology, 2016, 26, 2313), which showed the largest genetic difference between these phenotypes occurred with plumage genes. These phenotypes have maintained morphological, behavioral, and ecological differences during two centuries of hybridization. Our estimate of reproductive isolation supports recognition of these phenotypes as two species. The decline and extirpation of the Golden‐winged Warbler in almost all areas of recent sympatry suggest that continued coexistence of both species will require eco‐geographic isolation.
Elevation patterns and critical environmental drivers of the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of small mammals in a karst mountain area
Authors: Sun Jian , Wen Zhixin , Feijó Anderson , Cheng Jilong , Wang Yanqun , Li Song , Ge Deyan , Xia Lin , Yang Qisen
Published: September 2020

Understanding how biodiversity components are related under different environmental factors is a fundamental challenge for ecology studies, yet there is little knowledge of this interplay among the biotas, especially small mammals, in karst mountain areas. Here, we examine the elevation patterns of the taxonomic diversity (TD), phylogenetic diversity (PD), and functional diversity (FD) of small mammals in a karst mountain area, the Wuling Mountains, Southwest China, and compare these patterns between taxa (Rodentia and Eulipotyphla) and scales (broad‐ and narrow‐range species). We also disentangle the impacts of the human influence index, net primary productivity (NPP), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), annual precipitation (AP), and annual mean temperature (AMT) on these three facets of biodiversity by using structural equation modeling. We recorded a total of 39 small mammal species, including 26 rodents and 13 species of the order Eulipotyphla. Our study shows that the facets of biodiversity are spatially incongruent. Net primary productivity has a positive effect on the three facets for most groups, while the effect of the NDVI is negative for TD and PD in most groups. AMT temperature and AP have negative effects on FD and PD, whereas TD is dependent on the species range scale. The human influence index effect on TD and PD also depends on the species range scale. These findings provide robust evidence that the ecological drivers of biodiversity differ among different biotas and different range scales, and future research should use multifacet approach to determine biodiversity conservation strategies.
Intrasexual selection: Kin competition increases male‐male territorial aggression in a monogamous cichlid fish
Authors: Vitt Simon , Hiller Jenny , Thünken Timo
Published: September 2020

During intrasexual competition, individuals of the same sex compete for access to breeding sites and mating partners, often accompanied by aggressive behavior. Kin selection theory predicts different kin‐directed social interactions ranging from cooperation to aggression depending on the context and the resource in question. Kin competition reducing indirect fitness might be avoided by actively expelling relatives from territories and by showing higher aggression against kin. The West‐African cichlid Pelvicachromis taeniatus is a monogamous cave breeder with males occupying and defending breeding sites against rivals. This species is capable of kin recognition and shows kin‐preference during juvenile shoaling and mate choice. However, subadults of P. taeniatus seem to avoid the proximity of same‐sex kin. In the present study, we examined territorial aggression of territory holders against intruding related and unrelated males as well as intruder's behavior. We observed higher aggression among related competitors suggesting that related males are less tolerated as neighbors. Avoidance of intrasexual competition with relatives might increase indirect fitness of males in monogamous species.
Above‐belowground linkages of functionally dissimilar plant communities and soil properties in a grassland experiment
Authors: Steinauer Katja , Heinen Robin , Hannula S. Emilia , De Long Jonathan R. , Huberty Martine , Jongen Renske , Wang Minggang , Bezemer T. Martijn
Published: September 2020

Changes in plant community composition can have long‐lasting consequences for ecosystem functioning. However, how the duration of plant growth of functionally distinct grassland plant communities influences abiotic and biotic soil properties and thus ecosystem functions is poorly known. In a field experiment, we established identical experimental subplots in two successive years comprising of fast‐ or slow‐growing grass and forb community mixtures with different forb:grass ratios. After one and two years of plant growth, we measured above‐ and belowground biomass, soil abiotic characteristics (pH, organic matter, soil nutrients), soil microbial properties (respiration, biomass, community composition), and nematode abundance. Fast‐ and slow‐growing plant communities did not differ in above‐ and belowground biomass. However, fast‐ and slow‐growing plant communities created distinct soil bacterial communities, whereas soil fungal communities differed most in 100% forb communities compared to other forb:grass ratio mixtures. Moreover, soil nitrate availability was higher after two years of plant growth, whereas the opposite was true for soil ammonium concentrations. Furthermore, total nematodes and especially bacterial‐feeding nematodes were more abundant after two years of plant growth. Our results show that plant community composition is a driving factor in soil microbial community assembly and that the duration of plant growth plays a crucial role in the establishment of plant community and functional group composition effects on abiotic and biotic soil ecosystem functioning under natural field conditions.
Hepatocyte growth factor predicts failure of Fontan circulation
Authors: Kojima Takuro , Taki Moe , Toda Koichi , Muraji Shota , Yoshiba Shigeki , Kobayshi Toshiki , Sumitomo Naokata
Published: September 2020

Aims

This study aimed to assess the value of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as an independent predictor of a Fontan circulation failure.

Methods and results

This retrospective case–control study included 34 consecutive patients (19 men and 15 women) who underwent a post‐operative cardiac catheterization after a Fontan operation at the Saitama Medical University International Medical Center between April 2017 and December 2019. We divided the patients into two groups according to the HGF level: HGF < 0.4 ng/mL (n = 20, normal HGF group) and HGF ≥ 0.4 ng/mL (n = 14, elevated HGF group). The age at the time of the cardiac catheterization was 59.3 ± 7.9 months. The range of the duration between the Fontan operation and the cardiac catheterization was 37.5 ± 7.9 months. The age (P = 0.417), gender (P = 0.08), morphology of the functional ventricle (P = 0.99), presence or closure of the Fontan fenestration (P = 0.704), and rate of medication use (angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers) (P = 0.99) were equivalent between the two groups. Laboratory parameters including the brain natriuretic peptide level (P = 0.085), serum creatinine level (P = 0.27), and aspartate aminotransferase level (P = 0.235) were similar between the two groups. The elevated HGF group had a higher C‐reactive protein level than the normal HGF group (0.42 ± 0.14 and 0.05 ± 0.01 mg/dL, P = 0.005). The elevated HGF group had a higher central venous pressure (CVP) level than the normal HGF group (13.4 ± 0.7 and 9.7 ± 0.4 mmHg, P < 0.0001), and the HGF was positively correlated with the CVP (P = 0.0004, r2 = 0.33). The SvO2 level was significantly lower in the elevated HGF group than in the normal HGF group (61.9 ± 2.3% and 75.0 ± 1.2%, P < 0.0001), and the HGF was negatively correlated with the SvO2 (P < 0.0001, r2 = 0.65). Of the 34 patients, six underwent catheter interventions. Patients who underwent catheter interventions had a higher HGF level than those who did not (0.44 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.01 ng/mL, P = 0.032). The receiver operating characteristic curve created for the discrimination of a catheter intervention revealed that an HGF value of >0.405 ng/mL could detect the need for a catheter intervention with 75.0% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity. A multivariable regression analysis showed that an elevated HGF was an independent predictor of an elevated CVP (β‐coefficient 21.2, SE 5.5, P = 0.0005) and decreased SvO2 (β‐coefficient −92.9, SE 12.4, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The HGF is an independent predictor of a failure of a Fontan circulation. The HGF is an indicator for an additional catheter intervention after a Fontan operation.
Design strategies for organic carbonyl materials for energy storage: Small molecules, oligomers, polymers and supramolecular structures
Authors: An So Young , Schon Tyler B. , McAllister Bryony T. , Seferos Dwight S.
Published: September 2020

Organic electrodes are attractive candidates for electrochemical energy storage devices because they are lightweight, inexpensive and environmentally friendly. In recent years, many researchers have focused on the development of carbonyl‐containing materials for organic electrodes. These materials demonstrate promising results as the next generation of rechargeable batteries owing to their fast redox kinetics and structural diversity in design. However, these electrodes still exhibit intrinsic drawbacks such as solubility in battery electrolytes and low electrical conductivity. This review provides recent examples of organic carbonyl‐containing electrodes that highlight strategies to overcome these inherent limitations, and pave the way to develop an organic rechargeable battery that has high‐energy density and long cycle life.

image
Mechanical model and seismic study of the roller guide–rail assembly in the counterweight system of elevators
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Günay Selim , Lu Wensheng
Published: September 2020

The roller guide–rail assembly, consisting of the roller guide, rail, and rail brackets, are the guiding components of an elevator system and are important for the seismic analysis of the counterweight system. This paper focuses on the mechanical model of the roller guide–rail assembly. Observations of both the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane static tests of the roller guide–rail assembly show that the mechanical behaviors of the roller guide–rail assembly are performed based on the basic two‐spring model, which is a model of two springs in series respectively representing the roller guide and the rail–bracket assembly. In addition, the force–displacement relation of the model shows nonlinear elastic, and it is demonstrated that two parameters, namely, the pretightening force of helical spring and the retainer plate–rail clearance, significantly affect the mechanical model. A numerical parametric study is carried out and illustrated by an example of the counterweight system to evaluate the effects of the parameters on the seismic responses of the counterweight, including the maximum values of the rail stress and the displacement of the roller guide off rail. Results indicate that for the model without helical spring saturation, which is recommended to be used, the maximum values of the seismic responses are reduced at smaller retainer plate–rail clearance accompanied by slight change with different pretightening forces. The effects on the seismic responses have provided the insights on the selection of the proper values of the parameters, which can be used to instruct the elevator design.