bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative fecundity of the imperiled crayfishFaxonius quadruncusCreaser and invasive crayfishFaxonius hylas(Faxon) in the St. Francis River drainage of Missouri, USA
Authors: Mabery Mary R. , DiStefano Robert J. , Ames Catlin W. , Swedberg Dusty A. , Macke Jordan S. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractKnowledge of crayfish species’ life history traits is vital to their conservation and management. Fecundity is one trait that is a likely indicator of extinction risk and potential invasiveness. Fecundity-related data are lacking for the imperiled St. Francis River crayfish (Faxonius quadruncus) that is declining in the presence of the invasive woodland crayfish (Faxonius hylas). We sampled ovigerous females in three populations each of F. quadruncus and invasive F. hylas in Missouri (USA) Ozarks streams during April 2014 to compare fecundity and egg size between the two species. Differences in fecundity-related traits existed among populations of F. quadruncus, but no differences existed between the species. Results for both species were well within the ranges reported for other Faxonius species, but likely reflect small sample sizes rather than the entirety of each species. We also investigated the utility of field versus laboratory fecundity measures and found that field egg counts on live females varied among observers and also underestimated laboratory counts by an average of 22%. We provide a linear equation that can serve as a correction adjustment for field pleopodal fecundity estimates on live females to avoid specimen sacrifice during future monitoring of these species.
An observation of the use of devil crayfish (Cambarus cf. diogenes) burrows as brooding habitat by eastern cicada killer wasps (Sphecius speciosus)
Authors: Glon Mael G. , Thoma Roger F. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Burrowing crayfish are a polyphyletic group of crayfish adapted to life in habitats where surface water is only intermittently available. The burrowing activity of these crayfish creates refugia for numerous other species, making them allogenic ecosystem engineers. While excavating devil crayfish burrows in a roadside ditch in Southern Indiana, USA, a large cicada killer wasp carrying an even larger cicada landed near the authors. The wasp spent a few minutes manipulating its prey, then took flight and flew directly into an unoccupied crayfish burrow in the roadside ditch. The wasp emerged approximately ten minutes later without the cicada and flew away. Female cicada killer wasps typically excavate brooding burrows consisting of numerous cells in which they deposit cicadas for their young to feed on upon hatching. We believe that this particular cicada killer wasp was in the process of provisioning a brooding cell, but used a crayfish burrow instead of digging its own burrow, possibly to save energy. To our knowledge, use of a crayfish burrow by a cicada killer wasp has not been documented before and adds to the list of organisms that benefit from the ecosystem engineering of burrowing crayfish, highlighting the importance of giving these crayfish appropriate conservation attention.
Ontogenetic color change in the crayfish Cambarus b. bartonii and Faxonius obscurus: a test of Ortmann’s hypotheses
Authors: Hartzell Sean M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
In crayfish, intraspecific coloration can vary due to a variety of factors such as diet, genetic variation, environment, and ontogeny. Ortmann (1906) hypothesized that the crayfish Cambarus bartonii bartonii and Faxonius obscurus exhibit an ontogenetic shift in color change, with greener coloration in younger individuals of both species diminishing with age in larger specimens. However, this hypothesis has never been quantitatively tested. This work incorporated digital image analysis to quantify coloration of samples of C. b. bartonii and F. obscurus collected from two locations, respectively, in an eastern Pennsylvania stream. Examination for relationships between coloration (percent “green dominance”, i.e., the proportion of green in comparison to blue and red in photographs) and body size did not reveal any significant relationship between these variables in either crayfish species. Therefore, this study does not support the presence of ontogenetic color change in C. b. bartonii and F. obscurus, and suggests intraspecific variation of color in both species may be primarily influenced by other factors.
Keefektifan tiga jenis perangkap serangga untuk deteksi serangga hama gudang yang menyerang bungkil kopra
Authors: Budiman Diana , Dadang Dadang , Harahap Idham Sakti 
Published: May 2020

Serangga hama gudang dapat menyebabkan penolakan konsumen dan kerugian ekonomi berkaitan dengan masalah mutu atau persyaratan fitosanitari. Keefektifan perangkap serangga pada komoditas bungkil kopra yang disimpan masih belum banyak diketahui. Penelitian dilakukan untuk menentukan keefektifan tiga jenis perangkap serangga dalam mendeteksi serangga hama gudang pada bungkil kopra. Perangkap serangga yang diuji terdiri atas perangkap jebakan, perangkap colokan, dan perangkap cahaya dari lampu ultraviolet (UV) blacklight dan LED (light emiting diode). Penelitian dilakukan di Laboratorium Entomologi SEAMEO BIOTROP dan dua gudang penyimpanan bungkil kopra (GPBK) di Bitung, Sulawesi Utara. Percobaan di laboratorium menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap faktorial yang terdiri atas dua faktor dan empat ulangan. Faktor pertama adalah jenis perangkap serangga, yaitu perangkap jebakan, perangkap colokan, dan perangkap colokan dengan LED UV dan faktor kedua adalah spesies serangga, yaitu Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) dan Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius). Percobaan di gudang penyimpanan menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok tersarang, yaitu spesies serangga terperangkap tersarang pada masing-masing perangkap serangga yang digunakan di GPBK. Hasil pengujian di laboratorium menunjukkan perangkap colokan lebih banyak menangkap serangga (30,4%) yang berbeda nyata dibandingkan dengan perangkap jebakan (17,3%), tetapi serangga yang tertangkap tidak berbeda nyata antara perangkap colokan dengan perangkap colokan dengan LED UV (21%). Pengujian di gudang menunjukkan bahwa perangkap colokan lebih efektif dalam memerangkap T. castaneum dan Tenebroides mauritanicus dibandingkan perangkap serangga lainnya, sedangkan perangkap colokan dengan LED UV lebih efektif dalam mendeteksi L. serricorne and Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius) di GPBK.
Intestinal Helminth Infections, Compliance and Effectiveness of Albendazole Treatment among CDC Workers (18-45 Years) in Tiko, South-West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Ndamukong-Nyanga Judith Lum , Owah Dioh Njanakea , Yunga Nyanga Bernard , Nji Desdemona Njabi , Jacqueline Changsen 
Published: May 2020

Intestinal helminthes infections are among the most prevalent of chronic human infections worldwide. These infections are common among people who work under very poor conditions most of the time without protective hand gloves, shoes and uniforms in the field. A cross-sectional study was done to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes among Cameroon Development Cooperation (CDC) workers and their compliance to anti-helminthic treatement form November 2017 to April 2018. It involved 102 workers aged18-45 years attending CDC cottage Hospital in Tiko. A cross-sectional study was done in which demographic data and data related to predisposing factors and preventive measures was collected using a simplified questionnaire, stool samples were collected pre and post treatement. Macroscopic and microscopic examination of stool samples was carried out in the hospital laboratory. Out of 102 people, a total of 81 (79.4%) people were infected with one or more species of intestitinal helminthes and there was significant difference in the infection with respect to various helminthes species (0.004). Among the 81 infected cases, 58(71.6%) were infected with single helminth species and 23 (28.4%) were infected with more than one species (coinfection). Intestinal helminths varied significantly among the participants with prevalences of 24.5% for T. trichuris, 6,9% for Hookworm, 0.9% for S. japanicum, 24.5% for S. haematobium, 34.3% for A. lumbricoides and 7.8% for S. mansoni (P<0.004). Out of the 40 participants who took the drug (albendazole), 32 (80%) came for retesting and disappointedly, 8 (20.00%) of the treated participants did not come. A majority of the 32 people retested were negative (28, 87.5%) for all species of intestinal helminth parasites, 4 (12.5%) still tested positive for the parasite presence in their stool among which 2 had schistosoma haematobium, one had schistosoma mansoni and one had Ascaris lumbricoides. Workers were recommended to wear protective hand gloves, and proper working shoes in line with their work description.
Crystal structure of the Enterococcus faecalis α‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidase, a member of the glycoside hydrolase family 31
Authors: Miyazaki Takatsugu , Park Enoch Y. 
Published: May 2020

Glycoside hydrolases catalyze the hydrolysis of glycosidic linkages in carbohydrates. The glycoside hydrolase family 31 (GH31) contains α‐glucosidase, α‐xylosidase, α‐galactosidase, and α‐transglycosylase. Recent work has expanded the diversity of substrate specificity of GH31 enzymes, and α‐N‐acetylgalactosaminidases (αGalNAcases) belonging to GH31 have been identified in human gut bacteria. Here, we determined the first crystal structure of a truncated form of GH31 αGalNAcase from the human gut bacterium Enterococcus faecalis. The enzyme has a similar fold to other reported GH31 enzymes and an additional fibronectin type 3‐like domain. Additionally, the structure in complex with N‐acetylgalactosamine reveals that conformations of the active site residues, including its catalytic nucleophile, change to recognize the ligand. Our structural analysis provides insight into the substrate recognition and catalytic mechanism of GH31 αGalNAcases.
Evolution of white matter damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Gabel Matt C. , Broad Rebecca J. , Young Alexandra L. , Abrahams Sharon , Bastin Mark E. , Menke Ricarda A. L. , Al‐Chalabi Ammar , Goldstein Laura H. , Tsermentseli Stella , Alexander Daniel C. , Turner Martin R. , Leigh P. Nigel , Cercignani Mara 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize disease evolution in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using an event‐based model designed to extract temporal information from cross‐sectional data. Conventional methods for understanding mechanisms of rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorders are limited by the subjectivity inherent in the selection of a limited range of measurements, and the need to acquire longitudinal data.MethodsThe event‐based model characterizes a disease as a series of events, each comprising a significant change in subject state. The model was applied to data from 154 patients and 128 healthy controls selected from five independent diffusion MRI datasets acquired in four different imaging laboratories between 1999 and 2016. The biomarkers modeled were mean fractional anisotropy values of white matter tracts implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The cerebral portion of the corticospinal tract was divided into three segments.ResultsApplication of the model to the pooled datasets revealed that the corticospinal tracts were involved before other white matter tracts. Distal corticospinal tract segments were involved earlier than more proximal (i.e., cephalad) segments. In addition, the model revealed early ordering of fractional anisotropy change in the corpus callosum and subsequently in long association fibers.InterpretationThese findings represent data‐driven evidence for early involvement of the corticospinal tracts and body of the corpus callosum in keeping with conventional approaches to image analysis, while providing new evidence to inform directional degeneration of the corticospinal tracts. This data‐driven model provides new insight into the dynamics of neuronal damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Cationic Block Copolymer Nanoparticles with Tunable DNA Affinity for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wu Jingjiao , Liang Huiyi , Li Yuanchao , Shi Yi , Bottini Massimo , Chen Yongming , Liu Lixin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA high concentration of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in joints is considered a disease causative agent of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cfDNA scavenging has been regarded as an efficient therapeutic avenue. Cationic polymers can hamper progression of joint inflammation in a rat model of RA by scavenging cfDNA; however, they may cause systemic toxicity due to the strong positive charges. To reduce the toxicity, herein a library of cationic nanoparticles (cNPs) of block copolymer micelles is developed and the effects of structure and surface composition on cNP efficacy to bind nucleic acids, toxicity, and therapeutic activity on a collagen induced arthritis (CIA) rat model of RA are assessed. The library includes cNPs with a homoshell from poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)‐block‐poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PLGA‐b‐PDMA) block copolymers and cNPs with a mixed shell of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and PDMA by coself‐assembling PLGA‐b‐PDMA and PLGA‐b‐PEG block copolymers. Relatively to the homoshell cNPs, introduction of PEG segments translates into a lower DNA binding efficacy while preserving ability to hamper joint inflammation. Moreover, they show a greater accumulation and longer retention at the inflamed joints, allowing a lower administration frequency. In conclusion, this work shows that the therapeutic index of cationic materials can be tuned by introducing surface neutral moieties.
Predicting prolonged length of stay after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenoma
Authors: Vimawala Swar , Chitguppi Chandala , Reilly Erin , Fastenberg Judd H. , Garzon‐Muvdi Tomas , Farrell Christopher , Rabinowitz Mindy R. , Rosen Marc R. , Evans James , Nyquist Gurston G. 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundEndoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for the resection of pituitary adenoma has become more common throughout the past decade. Although most patients have a short postoperative hospitalization, others require a more prolonged stay. We aimed to identify predictors for prolonged hospitalization in the setting of ETS for pituitary adenomas.MethodsA retrospective chart review as performed on 658 patients undergoing ETS for pituitary adenoma at a single tertiary care academic center from 2005 to 2019. Length of stay (LoS) was defined as date of surgery to date of discharge. Patients with LoS in the top 10th percentile (prolonged LoS [PLS] >4 days, N = 72) were compared with the remainder (standard LoS [SLS], N = 586).ResultsThe average age was 54 years and 52.5% were male. The mean LoS was 2.1 days vs 7.5 days (SLS vs PLS). On univariate analysis, atrial fibrillation (p = 0.002), hypertension (p = 0.033), partial tumor resection (p < 0.001), apoplexy (p = 0.020), intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (ioCSF) leak (p = 0.001), nasoseptal flap (p = 0.049), postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) (p = 0.010), and readmission within 30 days (p = 0.025) were significantly associated with PLS. Preoperative continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (odds ratio, 15.144; 95% confidence interval, 2.596‐88.346; p = 0.003) and presence of an ioCSF leak (OR, 10.362; 95% CI, 2.143‐50.104; p = 0.004) remained significant on multivariable analysis.ConclusionFor patients undergoing ETS for pituitary adenomas, an ioCSF leak or preoperative use of CPAP predicted PLS. Additional common reasons for PLS included postoperative CSF leak (10 of 72), management of DI or hypopituitarism (15 of 72), or reoperation due to surgical or medical complications (14 of 72).
Contributing factors for delayed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks and suggested treatment algorithm
Authors: London Nyall R. , Mohyeldin Ahmed , Montaser Alla S. , Tanjararak Kangsadarn , Prevedello Daniel M. , Otto Bradley A. , Carrau Ricardo L. 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundDelayed postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks are uncommon and largely unstudied complications. In this study we aim to identify their etiology and understand the efficacy of various reconstruction strategies.MethodsA retrospective chart analysis of 1017 endonasal skull base surgeries performed by a single neurosurgeon was completed identifying delayed CSF leaks (occurring >1 week after surgery).ResultsSeventeen cases of early (1‐2 weeks after surgery) or delayed (>2 weeks after surgery) postoperative CSF leak were identified. The most common reconstruction during the initial surgery consisted of an inlay or gasket seal collagen matrix (82.4% of patients) with an onlay pedicled flap (76.5% of patients). Presenting symptoms of delayed CSF leak included rhinorrhea (82.4%), headache (41.2%), and meningitis (23.5%). The most common causes included flap dehiscence (17.6%); provoking events such as emesis, sneezing, or fall (17.6%); flap necrosis (11.8%); flap displacement (11.8%); and inadequate apposition of the flap, that is, folded flap (11.8%). Reconstructive techniques of the delayed CSF leak included fortification of the initial reconstruction with free fat grafts (29.4% of patients), combined collagen matrix with a fat graft (23.5% of patients), repositioning of the previous flap (11.8% of patients), and repair with a new flap (11.8% of patients). CSF diversion (spinal/ventricular drain or shunt) was used in 17.6% of patients.ConclusionThis study identifies the most common etiologic factors leading to a delayed CSF leak and its initial symptoms. Furthermore, it serves as the foundation for a reconstructive algorithm based on reinforcement of the initial repair with free abdominal fat graft with or without collagen matrix.
The Role of Surface Termination in Halide Perovskites for Efficient Photocatalytic Synthesis
Authors: Dong Yuanyuan , Li Kailin , Luo Wenjia , Zhu Cheng , Guan Haoliang , Wang Hao , Wang Lanning , Deng Kailin , Zhou Huanping , Xie Haipeng , Bai Yang , Li Yujing , Chen Qi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHalide perovskites have received attention in the field of photocatalysis owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties. However, the semiconductor properties of halide perovskite surfaces and the influence on photocatalytic performance have not been systematically clarified. Now, the conversion of triose (such as 1,3‐dihydroxyacetone (DHA)) is employed as a model reaction to explore the surface termination of MAPbI3. By rational design of the surface termination for MAPbI3, the production rate of butyl lactate is substantially improved to 7719 μg g−1 cat. h−1 under visible‐light illumination. The MAI‐terminated MAPbI3 surface governs the photocatalytic performance. Specially, MAI‐terminated surface is susceptible to iodide oxidation, which thus promotes the exposure of PbII as active sites for this photocatalysis process. Moreover, MAI‐termination induces a p‐doping effect near the surface for MAPbI3, which facilitates carrier transport and thus photosynthesis.
High molecular weight poly(butylene terephthalate‐co‐butylene 2,5‐furan dicarboxylate) copolyesters: From synthesis to thermomechanical and barrier properties
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Ma Shugang , Shen Ang , Zhu Jin , Shen Zhisen , Wang Jinggang , Liu Xiaoqing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPoly(butylene terephthalate‐co‐butylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) copolyesters (PBTFs) were synthesized from 1,4‐butanediol, dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) by a two‐step polymerization method. Their chemical structures were confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance before thermal properties were explored with differential scanning calorimeter and thermogravimetric analyzer. Results showed that PBTFs changed from semi‐crystalline to completely amorphous when the content of FDCA unit was increased to 45 mol% at first, and then became crystallographic again with the further increment of FDCA unit to 75 mol%. For their mechanical properties, the tensile modulus and strength showed the similar trend, decreasing firstly and then increasing later. Their barrier to carbon dioxide and oxygen became better with the increasing of furan content due to the rigidity and higher polarity of furan ring. The performance of PBTFs copolyesters was investigated clearly, and the relative content of FDCA and DMT can be adjusted to satisfy different performance requirements.
Gas‐Sensing Transcriptional Regulators
Authors: Ganesh Irisappan , Gwon Da‐ae , Lee Jeong Wook 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGas molecules are ubiquitous in the environment and are used as nutrient and energy sources for living organisms. Many organisms, therefore, have developed gas‐sensing systems to respond efficiently to changes in the atmospheric environment. In microorganisms and plants, two‐component systems (TCSs) and transcription factors (TFs) are two primary mechanisms to sense gas molecules. In this review, gas‐sensing transcriptional regulators, TCSs, and TFs, focusing on protein structures, mechanisms of gas molecule interaction, DNA binding regions of transcriptional regulators, signal transduction mechanisms, and gene expression regulation are discussed. At first, transcriptional regulators that directly sense gas molecules with the help of a prosthetic group is described and then gas‐sensing systems that indirectly recognize the presence of gas molecules is explained. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of gas‐sensing transcriptional regulators in microorganisms and plants, and proposes a future perspective on the use of gas‐sensing transcriptional regulators.
Weighted word embeddings and clustering‐based identification of question topics in MOOC discussion forum posts
Authors: Onan Aytuğ , Toçoğlu Mansur Alp 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMassive open online courses (MOOCs) are recent and widely studied distance learning approaches aimed at providing learning material to learners from geographically dispersed locations without age, gender, or race‐related constraints. MOOCs generally enriched by discussion forums to provide interactions among students, professors, and teaching assistants. MOOC discussion forum posts provide feedback regarding the students' learning processes, social interactions, and concerns. The purpose of our research is to present a document‐clustering model on MOOC discussion forum posts based on weighted word embeddings and clustering to identify question topics on discussion posts. In this study, four word‐embedding schemes (namely, word2vec, fastText, global vectors, and Doc2vec), four weighting functions (i.e., term frequency‐inverse document frequency [IDF], IDF, smoothed IDF, and subsampling function), and four clustering algorithms (i.e., K‐means, K‐means++, self‐organizing maps, and divisive analysis clustering algorithm) for document clustering and topic modeling on MOOC discussion forum posts have been evaluated. Twenty different feature representations obtained from word‐embedding schemes and weighting functions have been obtained. The feature representation schemes have been evaluated in conjunction with four clustering methods. For the evaluation task, the empirical results for the latent Dirichlet allocation have been also included. The empirical results in terms of adjusted rand index, normalized mutual information, and adjusted mutual information indicate that weighted word‐embedding schemes combined with clustering algorithms outperform the conventional schemes.