bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractCoccidioidomycosis (“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 extractionsAlternate Protocol 1: Large‐volume growth and harvest of liquid mycelia culturesBasic Protocol 2: Mycelial growth on solid mediumAlternate Protocol 2: Maintaining mycelial growth on solid mediumBasic Protocol 3: Harvesting and quantification of arthroconidiaAlternate Protocol 3: Long‐term storage of arthroconidiaBasic Protocol 4: Parasitic spherule growth and harvestAlternate Protocol 4: Obtaining endospores from spherulesBasic 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

AbstractCandida 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 eggsSupport Protocol 1: Freezing and recovering Caenorhabditis elegansSupport Protocol 2: Making superfood agar and OP50 platesBasic Protocol 2: Caenorhabditis elegans/Candida albicans agar killing assaySupport 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

AbstractAnnual 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

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative 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.MethodsAll 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.ResultsThirty‐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.ConclusionIC 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

AbstractTo 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

AbstractExtensive 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

AbstractUnderstanding 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

AbstractDuring 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

AbstractChanges 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

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to assess the value of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as an independent predictor of a Fontan circulation failure.Methods and resultsThis 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).ConclusionsThe 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

AbstractOrganic 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

SummaryThe 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.
A data‐driven modeling and analysis approach to test the resilience of green buildings to uncertainty in operation patterns
Authors: Alkaabi Noura , Cho Chung‐Suk , Mayyas Ahmad , Azar Elie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGreen building design is a promising approach to reduce the energy intensity of the building sector. However, green buildings often show important discrepancies between their predicted and actual energy use levels, in part due to varying operation patterns that are difficult to predict during design. This paper presents a data‐driven modeling and analysis approach to test the resilience of green‐certified buildings to uncertainty in the operation of building systems. Using building energy modeling coupled with an extensive empirical Monte Carlo analysis scheme, the framework quantifies and compares the response of a building to uncertainty in key technical and operational features before and after the adoption of green building certification specifications. The framework is illustrated and validated through a case study of an archetype commercial building located in the extreme hot climate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Results show that adopting the green building features of the local “Estidama” building code reduces energy demand by an average of 17%. More importantly, the variability in demand is reduced (P < .05), confirming the increase in building resilience to uncertainty in design and operation factors. Finally, the techno‐economic potential for solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption is also assessed, showing an estimated 16% reduction in capital costs.